Call me crazy, but...
 

Disclaimer to all the SBC conversion haters out there:

I DO NOT CARE about keeping it all Nissan, mixing American and Japanese, yada yada yada. I just want some advice on what I have already decided to do. Don't try to convince me otherwise. Finally, I got plenty of respect for ya'll, this is just what I want to do.

Now that's out of the way, I'm going to swap in either an LS1 or LS2 with the T56 tranny into my '78 280Z. I think it would be the best of both worlds - light and beautiful body, with awesome power under the hood (kinda like Unknown898, but possibly w/ an LS2). What I'm wondering is, will the stock frame withstand the 350 ft-lbs of torque, or do I need to reinforce it to avoid my car becoming a pretzel? Also, what rear end should I go with? I plan to end up with a sleeper that's nice for roadtrips, but will spank at the local drags.

Hey, if I ever get bored with 400 hp, I can always bolt an intercooled centrifugal blower on there and have a 600 hp Z!!! Hmm....a power/weight ratio of .25:1 ::drools::

Have you checked out the Darius 240z?

His homepage: http://www.servinitup.com/

http://www.viczcar.com/Zcar-News/Dar...-Makeover.html

http://www.viczcar.com/images/storie...body-video.jpg

I personally liked the car's previous version, but it's nutzo...

EDIT... also, hybridz.org has tons of info on making an LSx setup... they specialize in crazy motor swaps. :D

I agree with you - that widebody kit looks like crap, IMO. Enough people already say my Z looks like a Porsche. The videos, though...holy crap. THAT'S the sound I'm going for! That jet engine whistle...wow.

WO WO WO WO


THAT darius is the same from the stunting and servin it up vids? thats nuts. ive always seen teh trailers and clips but i had no idea. and teh wide body is very nice IMHO but its for a race car. not a car. notice how it no longer had lights but holds VERY VERY wide tires. all track. gotta do what you gotta do for performance. but any who, thats nuts, i never knew that was him. soooo... what exactly does he do? build his Z stunt and make vids? cause they seem like they got money to blow and have awesome lifes. lol.

all i see are a bunch of blow hards

didn't know darius had changed it up. count my vote for the previous incarnation as well.

Here's a better shot of Darius' car
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o...l_240z-064.jpg

Back on topic, LS-2/T-56 is the way to go. As long as the frame rails are straight and not rusted out, you will need a minimum of front and rear triangulated strut tower braces. Ideal would be subframe connectors and a roll cage.

The stock R-200 will handle the power but you should upgrade the axles to CVs. The u-joints are the weak point.

Take a look at this guys page. He has a LS-2/T-56 in a 280Z
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/438021

'nother dead thread post. Beautiful car. i agree with snow, its not a street car anymore. but who cares. the streets are only fun when the fuzz aint lookin. Race track is always fun.