Paul McCabe

I currently drive a 99 Corvette and am about to sell it and buy a 79 280ZX. I'd like to put some money into it and get a more powerful engine, preferably something normally aspirated. I'd like to get at least 300 hp out of it, which I'd assume is gonna cost a lot.

I read that the RB20 is a good choice. I'm kinda worried about turbos because I just heard too many horror stories with blown engines.

what are my best options?

NismoPick

Welcome to ZDriver!

Don't take this the wrong way, but you are going to be severely let down when you sell your C5 for a 280ZX. I'd keep the Vette.

We have tons of info / previous discussions about performance modifications for the 280ZX. 300hp is quite a high goal for a 2.8L n/a SOHC motor. If you dump $10k into the motor, you could get it to 300hp. Google "Rebello" for a wicked n/a L28E.

Here's my take on the RB20 (as you can tell... I've typed it a few too many times):

The only time a turbo motor blows up is when it's mistreated or put together by an inexperienced or cheap mechanic. When built correctly and cared for, turbo motors will last just as long as any n/a motor.

Bleach

The RB20DET is not a good choice for 300hp.
The RB25DET or RB26DETT are more expensive and much better engines.

If you want AT LEAST 300whp out of an engine and you don't want to educate yourself on building a reliable turbocharged engine, then your best bet is to stay away from any 6 cylinder engine. If you like Corvettes, then put a late model Chevy V8 into a 280ZX.

A 300hp turbocharged Nissan 6-cyl will typically be more reliable and longer lasting than a non-turbo engine of the same type built to put out 300hp.... also cheaper

NismoPick

^^^ Great minds and such.

lifegrddude

I second the above opinions. If you like the n/a engine's response, you'll hate the "lag" associated with turbo engines. An LS1 is the cheapest option which will easily give you 300+ hp.

Easiest way to get 300 with a turbo L28 is to get at least a T3/T4 turbo (there are much better options now), a decent fuel management system, minimum of 440cc injectors/larger fuel pump, intercooler, external wastegate to prevent boost creep, and ARP head studs to help prevent a BHG (blown head gasket).

The L28 is a tough motor, but the power is limited by the head. If you have some port work done to it, it will definitely open up the top end.

FricFrac

You're really better off to buy a 280ZX Turbo unless you want the "fun" of swaping in an L28ET (turbo engine). You can spend around $2-3K on your EFI, injectors, intercooler, T3/T4 turbo and have a reliable 300rwhp. That's a fun car. Don't forget to do the suspension though - this thing stock rides like its on marshmallows.

If you want NA then an LS2 is probably more up your ally and good bang for your buck. It's gonna be $$$ and custom work of course... I'd recomend swaping in the turbo CV setup if you go down that road...

You're going back 20 years in technology so expect a more viceral car....

Paul McCabe

yeah I'm done with the Corvettes, and American cars in general. after spending the better part of 7 years driving only American cars, you get sick of them. The 70's Z's are really the only thing that interests me right now.

I see way too many F bodies and corvettes to want to keep mine. I wouldn't even drive a Viper just because it is such a well recognized car. The old Z's aren't popular with young people, only the new ones, so I think it'd be cool to have something unique.

NismoPick

So what's your budget?

hoov100

z32 TT, the car everybody wants, everyone recognizes, but only a select few will own.

TaterBiscuit

Honestly, sell the Vette and pick up a Porsche!

FricFrac

Lol everybody and their dog owns a Z32. They are a dime a dozen around here and the RHDs are even more common... The only uncommon Z32 is the Vert...

FricFrac

Yes they are sexy. Stance - that's the first thing to making a 280ZX look good....

One of the sexiest 280ZXs on the planet - Yasin's car:



Same wheels as Yasin (I'm only running 235/255 and Yasin is running 255/275 - sick!)

hoov100

How many z32's where built compared to s130's?

ThaPimpShrimp

How many s130's haven't rusted away!

datsuns130

what rims are those.. i want always wanted those.. and these are some bitchin *** cars

FricFrac

Doesn't matter how many of each were made - how many of each are on the road now. I almost never see a 280ZX on the road. I'd say I see 240Zs slightly more than a 280ZX and that's next to never as well. Z32s are all over the place - the Z31 is much much less common on the road. We import a TON of RHD Z32s though so maybe there are just more on the road around here.

FricFrac

Rota RB-Rs in 17x9.5 -19mm offset. There is a group buy on hybridz. They are the ONLY wheels with this offset that I can find anywhere with our bolt pattern. The new RKRs are out but I don't think they have nearly as agressive an offset. Both Yasin and I are running Yokohama S-Drives on the Rota's

Bleach

If a used Viper is within your budget then maybe you can just buy a really clean 280ZX, ship it to your place, then have a shop install an RB26DETT converted to a single large turbo. Aftermarket fuel management and you'll be on the road with 400whp.

Paul McCabe

Yeah the white ZX that was posted looks awesome. I never understood why they made cars look worse and worse throughout the years, particularly the Z and the Camaro.

I can't afford a Viper by the way, probably not even the older ones. But what I meant was that I'd rather have someone look at my funny when they say I have a "Datsun" than them flip out when I say I have a Corvette (the C5's really aren't even expensive, I think people don't really do their research).

The Z31's don't do it for me at all, neither do the 350's and 370's. They look very feminine to me. The 2X0's struck a great balance somewhere between a Camaro and a Porsche, looks wise, and that's why I want one.