Which Cost more?
 

Hey everybody,

I have another question. I have a 1980 280ZX. Since my engine is pretty old, I want to either buy a new engine or have the engine rebuilt. I need to know which is more expensive. I am only 16 so money is a huge issue however I can wait to have my engine done work. If gettin a new engine would be cheaper I would also like to know whats the biggest datsun engine I can put under my hood.

Thanks guys!

Collector Kid

Your engine shouldn't be considered too old, even though it was made 24 years ago ... my Z is an '81, and has had no internal engine work done before, and it's still kicking out 125hp to the wheels (I think the engine was dyno'd at 140-something at the crank, bone stock from the factory, so that sounds about right if you figure drivetrain power loss ...). As far as I know, the largest engine with the Datsun name on it is the L28, which you have (in non-turbo form, I assume ...). I am 17 and in the process of building up my '81 ZX 2+2, so I know the money issue - the way I'm seeing it theres a couple ways you could go ...
(1) you could get the turbo version of your engine (L28ET) from any turbo ZX, and simply swap it in. I think you'd need the ECU, and a couple other goodies from the turbo car as well. This can be done with a trip to the local junkyard and a weekend with a couple of buddies helping, and it's pretty cheap, too.
(2) you could drop a small-block Chevy/Ford/Chrysler engine in your Z. It's not Datsun/Nissan, but it works ... and V8s are everywhere, so you could get one from a junkyard, an engine shop, a high-school auto class ... and it's also dirt-cheap. Engine mounts, etc. you could find at zcarparts.com to get everything to work.
(3) you could get an RB-series engine (RB20DET, RB25DET, RB26DETT) from any Nissan Skyline, and drop it in. Someone on Hybridz.org told me it was a bolt-in swap with engine mounts from a certain model of Z31 300ZX, but I'm not too sure on that. This is also the most costly way to go, but if you want power, either this or the V8 swap would be it.
Hope this helps - I look forward to hearing more about your Z - I'd like to see some pics, even if it's not too good-looking. You can check out my website below for info, ugly pics, etc. of my Z.
-Dave