Okay, I am not a common posting on this forum, I usually just read them. Anyways, I am in the process of beginning a challenge that started with an arguement I had with a guy. The arguement revolved around which is better for general performance, High tuned 280zx's or a smallblock swap (I was on the side of the L6). Anyways, I decided to find out for myself so now I got two 280zx's that are going to be identically built except for the engines. I grew up around GM small blocks so my knowledge on Z's are pretty limited. I know for GM, that the automatics can take more power, is the same true for the 280zx?

My one car that is getting the small block is a 79 280zx with the N/a engine and 5 speed. The other is an 83 Turbo with automatic however. Since this challenge of sorts is for top performance, which will get better results for dyno, autocross and drag racing? More importantly, which tranny can take the most power? One person told me that the Z borg warner 5 speed is pretty weak...

 

Thanks for the info, at least it is hydraulic clutch, makes the swap a bit easier, lol. I was fairly certain that the SBC would make more power, however when I build up I am keeping costs balanced as possible, so the L6 does get the extra few thousands into the engine to offset the cost of the small block and tranny plus the rest of the conversion kit. The primary setup for the cars will be road/track so with the same tires and wheels, the excessive torque could cause more traction problems then the L6. ANyways, that is the whole point of the experiment, to see which can perform better. I actually kinda hope the L6 performs better, imagine what that will do to all the people who think that anything with less than 8 cylinders is ryce, ha ha. Best part is that with the even cost balanced, there can be no, well this many more $$$s were spent.