I have a 1978 280 w 135K. A buddy has a 79 280zx w 24k on the drivetrain that has been in a barn for 20 years on which he is about to do a LS1 swap. He wants to give me the drivetrain for my 280. Is it a direct swap? Is it a better engine in any respect? Please advise. Many thanks!

 

Welcome to ZDriver!

Yup is the direct answer. All L-Series engines and transmissions are interchangeable.

But there are differences between years: EFI sensors, pistons (compression ratio), heads, etc.

Click:
Nissan/Datsun L Series Engines
Nissan L engine - Wikipedia

The suspension is not the same between S30's (240z-280z) & S130's (280zx).

 

Thanks for the refenences. The question, however, still stands...Is one engine better than the other? Or, are the differences insignificant?

 

Click:
XenonS30 Engine Differences

Also good reads (though some conflicting info):
3.1l rebello engine

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/e...esed-cyls.html

More than likely, both blocks are N42. Check the casting# and you will know.