I have a 1981 NA 280zx (I don't know what NA stands for) and it irques me greatly that I could have so much more power with a turbo, but I don't. The car was a gift, so I can't complain, but before I start messing with the exhaust or anything else, I want to examine the turbo route:

Is it possible, easy, expensive, and most importantly, worth it, to get a turbo for this beast? are the engines the same as the turbo engines, meaning no major engine mods are needed? I couldn't find a solid thread on this, surprisingly, but if the answer is simply "you're better off buying a 280zx with a turbo already in there," then that is what i want to know.

Thanks, this forum is really awesome.

 

NA = Naturally Aspirated
Turbocharger / Supercharger = forced induction

Read: https://www.zdriver.com/forums/240z-280zxt-s30-s130-tech-tips-275/turbo-swap-ticking-people-off-since-2003-a-19638/

 

these cars came with a turbo?

 

i got the same car, and sort of have the same question. it would be awesome if it was turbo compatible, but if not, strokers are really sick.

i have searched youtube alot, and alot of people have made their zcars mean with a highcompression motor.

so anyway im not really helping you, im just saying that you are not alone about wondering if this is possible to do. and when u find out, please pm me on this subject. it would be greatly appreciated.

 

strokers are spendy


if you want to spend the least amount for the most power get an L28et and swap it in

 

lol yeah i drive a 1981 non applicable 280zx, it gets me around

 

Naturally Apathetic... Oooo take that NA 280ZX's

 

it's all about the not available!

no jk. turbo is nice.

 

i turbo'ed my Nice *** L28. same cost as just getting a full turbo motor in the end with harness and ecu. don't ask how. but it is.

 

its a fun setup while it last

 

am i really reading this? i mean what the hell. no. go find it in search. not helpfull hints on what needs changing inside the motor. i am disapointed. really.
change the exhaust manifold. and piston's. you'll need a Jpipe. blow off valve,(or just get a turbo intake from a stock turbo motor) ECU, larger injectors(mercadees uses some really nice ones ) turbo dizzy, and you might as well get the harness, or make the few changes to the stock one. don't forget a boost gauge. and if you can afford one. A/F meter(air flow). tap the oil pan for the return oil. make some new oil lines, or use stock ones. oil filter mount from a turbo has the taps you need for the turbo lines. or an aftermarket remote turbo kits will have the same. you might as well change the oil pump. and water pump while your there. also the timing set. upgrade your cam to let it breath better, or just get a turbo head from a junkyard and get it checked out before you use it. might as well change the clutch as well. the stock trany can handle the power you gun put out. but if you upgrader the turbo and shoot for anything over 300hp. change to a BW T5.(stock turbo engine trans) that should just about do it. i am sure some one here will fill in a few other lil parts needed.

 

i doubt the bw t5 can hold 300. you dont have to change pistons either.....hell he doesnt even have to change head if he wanted. nothing wrong with a high compression turbo motor. unless he plans to boost over 10psi i wouldnt worry about it but if he does always methanol. why would you need a turbo intake? all intakes on the l28 flow the same.

 

Im going to have to do some very light picking over

the stock turbo intake dose not have a BOV it has a safety pop off valve that releases all pressure above 9psi

these "turbo lines" your referring to are the oil cooler lines, a ZXt with an auto trans has an oil cooler adapter stock.
The oil feed line for the turbo is a hard line that runs from an oil distribution block at the oil pressure sender around the back of the had to the turbo.

L24/L26/L28 water pumps are the same.

With the one exception of the L6 maxima but thats a whole nother can of worms and isnt worth the effort to try and even find one unless your doing some serious road racing.

this one I want everyone with a turbo to pay close attention to...

the best cam for an L28et is the N/A "A" grind cam

 

so from what i can gather...

question: I want more power, can i turbo my NA or just go buy a completed turbo setup?

answer:

:01 1:

SEARCH

 

actually a great cam for a turbo is the e88 cam. http://www.atlanticz.ca/zclub/techtips/cam/index.htm

 

yup thats an "A" grind

 

lol I have two of those (along with a P79 head and dished pistons... remind me again why I'm going NA? )

I say just get an exhaust tip whistler and a turbo valve cover, should get you about 50hp

 

hang onto them, might have to get thos off you later

 

Well, I'm using the internally oiled one to be reground for my NA motor, and the other one is externally oiled, so unless you want to trade me before I get to the point of sending it out, I doubt you want an externally oiled cam :P

Actually, I think the one in my car currently is an A grind, so that would be available, but only after I get my other motor built :P

 

my bad i was thinking mark on the cam. marked with a C

 

thats an E88 from an L26 then

an E88 from an L24 would have an "A" grind cam along with cams from most 280z/early 280zx's