BareBoneZ

Any updates on this? I picked up a vh45 this summer for 200 bucks and bought a 350z trans to mate with it. They make a flange plate for the two. I have been looking for swap car ideas and I think I finally settled on a 240/280z.

theramz

Well, time to get on it. I needed new syncros in the T5 so I let my neighbor friend do the work while I supervised. He is only sixteen but loves working on cars. He is a natural mechanic so I like to show him how. He totally gets it. Now he knows how to rebuild a 5 speed! Rolled my other '71 in to let him install the Tokico springs and shocks next weekend. I remember when I was 16 how I wished for an oportunity like this.

DeathByNissan55

Im jealous, wish I got to work on peoples stuff. I just finished building my 4age engine for my MR2. First total engine build I've ever done. Only thing left to learn is how to build transmissions and how to tune everything.

theramz

Another month has gone by and no progess on this car. I did buy 4 of these air struts to build my suspension. These will replace the entire strut,shock and spring. This way I can drive with minimum ground clearance and still get it over speed bumps and dips.

theramz

Searched around and noticed the Ford 4.6 oil pan looked close to the VH pan. So I purchased a pan gasket to compare them closer. They are the same width and the Ford is just a little shorter in length. So I ordered a pan off of ebay. I will have a flange made from the VH gasket (water jet) and weld the Ford pan to it. The Ford pan is a rear sump. Then I just reroute the oil pick up to the rear. Have to figure out the dip stick later.

DeathByNissan55

Could you put a link for those shocks? Sounds interesting.

theramz

Summit racing has them for $1k. Sounds like a lot but if you go with coil overs you will spend that much anyway. This way you can get lower without worrying about tearing up the underside of the car or oil pan/air dam.

PredatorZ

Paying it forward, Lucky Kid, I know I lacked a mechanic mentor who was willing to teach me, I just got the manuals and figured it out. So, thanks so very much Ramz, well done. I have never torn into a trans, it seems a bit daunting to me, and I'd assume to most who have never tried it, but now your neighbor will never have that feeling. Plus, the sense of satisfaction from doing a complex task is always good.

Cheers

theramz

Yeah, the look on his face when he was all done and I said "good job" was worth it. I bought him a 150 piece set of Craftsman tools for Christmas. That look was priceless. I told him the only condition was that he had to respect them, clean them when he was done and never lone them out. He will have them the rest of his life.

WildmaN

That was super cool of you to do that. You got heart man.

theramz

I never had a mentor either. I remember taking my toy train apart when I was 7 with tools I borrowed from my grandmothers Singer. In every neighborhood there are kids with unrecognized God given abilities whether it's music, art, electrical etc. We need to take the time to help or our society is lost!
I hereby challenge everyone who reads this to pay forward what you may know to give the next generation a chance. Everyone is good at one or more things. Share it!

DeathByNissan55

Speaking of sharing, and updates or new pictures of progress that you wanted to share?
I'm volunteering in my SAE formula hybrid program at my old college. I'm helping students get their car ready.

theramz

Been working on another car. Great to see someone else is paying it forward.
What if everyone did that just once? Just a little bit makes the world a better place for all of us.

theramz

Went to picnpull and got an R200 diff with 3.9 gears out of a 280zx 2+2. I have a set of cv axles for it. Snagged the 5 speed out of it for my other car.

PredatorZ

enable flash on your system, I'm pretty sure its just a viewer issue, I can see them OK and my PC has most everything updated and enabled.

DeathByNissan55

I changed my plan again. I decided to go for vortec-t56 swap for now until i have enough money and time to do the vh45 or vk56 swap.

Still want to read your progress. Maybe I can help you draw up schematics for you custom adapter parts so you can get them to a mfr. to start making for all to use! I'd definitely be willing!

Keep up the good work!

theramz

It's great that you started your own build thread.
As for the drawings I have that already.

theramz

Removed the fenders off my other car and checked for clearance on the headers. Plenty of room! The collector will come through the corner of the fender Cobra style.

PredatorZ

That was a brilliant idea getting the ford oil pan and modding it, the way you did it makes it seem all to easy, water jets are a god send, incredible detail and precision in the cuts.

Cheers !

theramz

Thanks but I'm not sure I will use that idea. It might be easier to mod the cross member. Not sure yet of how far back I can set the motor. If I only have to notch it a little and reinforce it I will do that instead.

DeathByNissan55

I demand UPDATES haha

theramz

Still working on the other car with only one day off per week but I got some ARP bolts for the flywheel and pressure plate. The ones I had for the flywheel were a little too short for comfort and I had none for the pressure plate.

toast3rov3n

I apologize for waking the thread. Did you complete the Ford oil pan rear sump conversion? Did it allow you any more clearance from pan to bottom cradle spacing? I notched and baffled the VH one but, I'm not happy with front sump configuration. Looking at the Ford option would save room to slide the motor down and back just a smidge more. You do good work sir, I admire the project, I'm just losing too much hair scratching my head on the details.

theramz

I'm still kicking some ideas. I have to wait untill I can get the engine in the bay but i think the Ford pan will work IF, I have a flange made on the waterjet useing the VH pan as an outline. The Ford pan could be welded directly to it. Note the jog in the block for the oil pickup. That could be blocked of. Then the intake for the pump could be routed to the side of the pan and over to the pump intake. Similar to a dry sump system.
My other thought is to notch the front crossmember, maybe make a whole new one out of square chromemoly tube and attach the steering rack to it.
Notching the pan is probably the easiest as long as it doesn't leak. Maybe that and notching the crossmember will be enough.
Thanks for your imput. I just haven't had much time for either of my cars so whatever you do let us know.

theramz

I picked this up this weekend. It's a '76 280Z. A little rough, not serious rust issues, and in pieces but it's complete. I'm seriously considering a Z ratrod. The '76 cars have a little more metal in them and they are less desirable than the '69-'73. They make a good candidate for V8 swaps.