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Howdy All - just came into a nice 1972 240Z that currently has a Chevy 350 in it. Conversion already done, but I'd like to drop a few more HP into it. I have two questions -
1) I'm thinking a 383 with 450-500 hp would be a nice match. Since it is already setup for Chevy, i'll stay that route. What are some of the other options I should consider that are popular?
2) Engine source. There are a TON of engine builders on the internet. I know that many of them use junk Chinese parts and it will probably grenade quickly. Are there any reputable chevy engine builders that folks on the forum have had good luck with?
Your car may be "set up" for a chevy but is it set up for 500 hp? You have a lot of searching to do on the various Z forums. By the time you get set up for that much HP you will realize that you are now at the get go part. The S30 chasis, suspension, rear diff etc. will not handle that much HP.
GM crate motors are pretty reasonably priced, come with a warranty and they sell some 383's.
Do you know if the conversion on your 240Z was done using the Jags That Run (JTR) method or something else? You might want to get a copy of the Jags That Run conversion manual. JTR Datsun Z Car V-8 Conversion, manual for Datsun V8
Also, you might want to check out the HybridZ site. HybridZ
Dlirium,
What are you trying to build? Quarter mile car? Daily Driver? Crooked track/autocross car? If oyou're just wanting to go fast in a straight line then the 383 stroker is a good option. The problem is that it's weight will affect tour cars handling in corners. Also, tje 240 was know as the "flexy flyer" becasue it's unibody is so weak compared to more modern vehicles. With that kind of power you will need to structurally reinforce (full length subframe, strut tower supports, rollbar) The 240 also has an R180 differential so you'll need to at least upgrade to the 280S R200 - Best would be a Z31 turbo LSD r200 with CV halfshafts - or you could just replace stuff every time you break something which will be more often than you want.
My LS1 powered 280 has 325 HP to the rear wheels with and '88 Z31 LSD R200 but I still have u-joint half shafts and I have broken two of them.
