Ratfink

Anyone here done it?
I am seriously thinking about it.
I am going to go check out that hybridz site in a bit.
But, For under $4,000 for the engine, harness, everything to make it run minus fuel pump, with AWD trans is a good price.

NismoPick

AWD trans... so you making an AWD Z?

snwbrderphat540

the RB25 RWD tranny mates to teh RB26 fyi incase u didnt know. people have done it a fair amount have. on here however, no one i know of yet. LWW is getting it done i believe but he isnt doing it by himself and seems like it might be a slow project just like his race car replica lol

Ratfink

I would be doing all the work myself. That's the best part about cars. Doing all the work.
I am seriously thinking about an AWD car.. But, that may be more work that I feel like messing with at the time. I have a hard time having a vehicle down too long. I get too anxious. The trans comes with the engine for that price. I figure that I could sell it along with the L26 and triple Webers to help fund the project a wee bit. The Borg Warner T5 would go to a close friend that needs it for his Camaro of all things.

snwbrderphat540

AWD would require ALOT of work. making the tranny transfer cases and dif mount points. custom suspension mounts and custom length drive shafts/half shafts. added weight. and the time and precision to makes sure the newly mounted suspension is perfectly square. and trial and error. not a task for one man, but a profesional shop with multiple men and resorces. just do the swap with a 25 tranny and keep her a true sports car... rear wheel drive.

Ratfink

Yeah. I think I will. I like taking on the big jobs, but that would be too much down time. And, I have a soft spot for RWD. I would like to own an AWD at one time though. Already done some strange engine swaps. That does not bother me. And, I come from a suspension shop where I used to fab up custom suspension. That does not scare me too much either. But, it's just more work that I think I want to deal with at the time.
I need to make sure I have the funds for this first. Just because I can pick it all up for a good price, does not mean that I won't spend five times that in parts and supplies in the end. If there is one thing that I ever learned doing engine swaps, is that it will take twice as long, and cost 10 times more than you thought it would.

I screwed up my registration with the Hybridz.org. Accidentally deleted the mail message because I am not used to the new hotmail format. crap.

WildmaN

Hey Ratfink; Nice Z you have there in your sig. Would like to see more pics of it man. And whereabouts in Tempe do you reside? I live here in East Mesa. Maybe sometime we can meet up if you want. Oh yeah what type and year is your Z?

Ratfink

Well, because I don't care about stealing my own thread. haha

It's a $600 special that I got form the Green Leaf Pick and Pull.
A 1974 260Z 2+2. Happened to have Triple Webers, Header, and a T5 in it. I thought I was going to turn around and have a car that I would have to stick a new engine in, but it runs like a charm.
I am over on Southern and Mill.
I'll let you know next time I go to the Pavilions in Scottsdale, and we can bring the Z's. Mine is in rough shape, but runs good.

Bleach

just slap some front struts from an 1st gen Altima in there and you'll have AWD in no time!

hehe

WildmaN

Hey I think I started screwing up your thread. lol Anyway yeah sounds good man. I will PM you my phone number if you like. The best way to communicate would be through text messaging. Sounds like you got a good deal on that Z. Congrats on that one man.

74260zt

Forrget the AWD ..... unless your a mech eng.

Ratfink

Nah. I could do it. I worked in a suspension shop before now, and I have been a motorcycle mechanic, and now a heavy duty diesle technician.
I can measure, cut, weld, fabricate, and I have just enough patience to get something like that done. But, I don't want the down time.
Plus, I like the idea of high horse power rear wheel drive cars.

NismoPick

A lot of people "could" do it... people "don't" do it because it's a waste of time, money, and resources. Tho I'm sure someday someone will make a 280Z/280ZX awd just to say "I did it" and then wish they hadn't.

texasz

I have heard that this swap will run about $10k when all is said and done...the cost of the RB front clip is only the beginning. There's a lot of fab work involved, lots of modifying, lots of retro-fitting, etc.

Never done one, this is just what I have read and been told by people who have done them.

Ratfink

As I said. Fab work, retrofitting etc. All done by me. But, 10K would be about right even then I think. Still. 10K for a bad *** Z, that looks great and is faster than 90% of the cars on the street is awesome.

NismoPick

^^^ Or put that $10k into a wild motor and suspension and go even faster!

bjhines

When you get it done. Bring it to the track and we'll cheer you on while it pukes is guts through it's turbos halfway around the first lap.

How do you even judge how fast you car is against others "on the street" ?

Ratfink

Didn't say I was racing on the street did I?
Just saying, you take the same car to the track, against 90% of the other cars that are daily drivers, and it will be faster when I am done.

What are you talking about puking it's guts through the turbos?
Do you seriously think I am going to blow an engine on the first lap?
Do you seriously think that I am a moron?
Do I care?
No.
Underestimate people, their capabilities, and their vehicles, and you will end up getting put to shame some day.
The RB26DETT is a good solid engine.
If you don't like it, that fine.
Opinions are free.
Different opinions are cool.
Trying to belittle someone for their difference in opinion is childish.

Unknown898

Ratfink, I live in Tucson, If you are going to undergo this transformation with the RB26 I would really like to check it out, and get some experience with that engine and car. I am looking at an LS1 in my Z. I think it would be sweet. The RB sounds like hell on wheels man. Be careful though, with the RB 26, make sure its warrantied for awhile. I have heard sometimes the oil bearings and turbo manifold/ball bearings sometimes are shot when the motor arrives. But If you have the money for the RB do it.

Ratfink

Still just a major thought. I am also looking at a VK45DD...
I am a diesel technician by trade, and direct injection has a soft spot for me. haha
But, getting a hold on one of those might turn out harder than the RB26DETT. I am just pretty sure I want to keep it Nissan. Thinking about the VK56DE too. That is really an American engine. haha But, it says Nissan. I am not anti-American either.

Unknown898

Yeah. Did you see that SuperStreet with that guys 240z with the RB26. That is inspiration on wheels. I was like... umm... new pants plz