deeszx

Hello everyone!

I'm nt new to the Z world, But new to the forum. I owned a Z32 until I just couldn't afford it anymore. But, now, I just got my hands on a 280zx-t for free. All I had to do was get a tow, and pay for a title transfer.

However, (I apologize in advance if this is a noob question) I did search many sites and forums. I cannot find any information. Is a swap into a 240z, Does it take a lot of fabrication? Or is it a matter of dropping the engine. I ask, because the engine I have has 110k miles. I will be rebuilding it. But I love the 240z. Before I decide to purchase a shell, I would like to know if anyone has any information on this swap. I would very much appreciate it.


Again, if this is a common or dumb question. I apologize. But Before I throw down some money, I need to know. I have done research and can't find anything. Thanks!

hoov100

you need to remake a portion of the firewall and strut tower for the turbo clearance, your going to have to modify the stock mounts on the crossmember as well, as the driverside motor mount is placed farther forward, you might have to do some frame strengthening as well to hand the extra power..

skib

did you search Z car forums?

its one of, if not the most, common S30 swaps... ever.

NismoPick

Welcome to ZDriver!

And yep... VERY common swap.

FYI... the 280zxt motor is called the L28ET. Search for that term & you will get a lot more results. And no... you don't have to do anything Hoov said.

hoov100

lol, he asked the question.

skib

that was going to be your entertainment for the night wasn't it

Speed

I haven't done this swap myself, but did put an 82 motor & trans into a 77 2+2 body.

The transmission mount is very important, and will allow you to use the stock (72) engine motor mounts and place the engine correctly. I think I had to use the older stock 77 transmission mount on the 82 tranny to get it to fit right. Best advice is to keep all the spare parts you will have and do a bit of mix & match to get it all to fit. Alot of items fit from 69 -83 in the Z's.

Speed

hoov100

and possibly tomorrow too.

skib

lol pics of a cut up bay for an L28et

deeszx

Thanks guys, I'll be taking the engine out this weekend. I'll pretty much strip everything I can from the 280.

I still have some work to do on the engine. But i'll keep doing research.

It's hard to find a decent shell in the midwest area. Is anyone selling a 240z shell??

NismoPick

Have you checked our classifieds? Your local craigslist? There's also a massive classifieds on Hybridz.

deeszx

I checked the classifieds on craigslist. They're all pretty far. Same with the classifieds here and on hybridz. I may plan a trip out. But only if its a really good shell.

duowing

As HybridZs has said, unless you completely have your heart set on a 240Z shell, open your options to the 260 and 280z. They're the same body style, some slight styling differences mainly being the headlights and a little more weight. When it comes to a street driven car those little differences aren't a big deal. Plus the late S30 Zs ride a little nicer.

My turbo motor didn't have a 5-speed. So I used the 280Z 5-speed that had been swapped into the 280Z I purchased for my swap.