I've been thinking about doing a turbo swap into my 77 280z but I'm noticing that performance parts for the turbo engines are scarce in comparison to the stock engine in mine. A lot of the performance parts on msa say for non-turbo use only. Anyone know why that is?

 

Because the stock turbo cam works good for up to 350hp.
Because a turbo engine can't use and really doesn't need headers.
Because a larger exhaust is better done at a shop rather then in bolt-on pieces.
The turbo upgrades can be purchased as universal upgrades for the specific size turbo you are using. (T3, T4) Look in Turbo magazine for manufactures
The 280ZX turbo computer has an upgrade and that is a MSA thing.
The intake tubing is just custom/generic that you put together with clamps or have a shop do it.

Machine work like porting and polishing is not ever purchased through MSA. I think the 1981 turbo has a dual port throttle body and so MSA just says "no turbo" applications on their throttle body but really you can use their 60mm throttle on a turbo with the correct intake manifold.

turbo and non-turbo engines bennefit from different upgrades, so I guess that's the main reason there are fewer upgrades from MSA for a turbo.

 

cool. thanks for the info. is there any downfall to using the 60mm t/b on the f54 turbo?

 

I don't think so. If you have a 82-83 intake manifold, I think it'll be fine.
But I don't have a turbo Z yet. I'll try it when I get one!

 

would it be possible to mount an aftermarket intercooler kit for a z31 to an 81zxt engine?

 

Probably. You can fit just about any intercooler in the front of a Z. Do you remember how much room is up front?!? You can put two additional radiators up there!