I have just purchased a 280ZX Turbo and i would like to get it up to the 400hp mark at the wheels. Any suggestions on what to buy and in what order? Or any suggestions for things that "could work" that could be pulled from a different model car? I know that i will need an intercooler and boost controller, but are there other things that i should get first?

Any input will be greatly appreciated

 

In order to get it to the horse power that you are looking for it will cost you a bit. Plus if you are asking what to do first than you probably havent done anything like this before. Find a mechanic in your area that specializes in the z car. They will know what you should do. If you really want to keep the in line 6 or drop in a small block v8. Those are the first ?'s you should ask yourself. And how much time and money do you have? There are lots to do to your car if it is in good shape to add horses, but 400 is a lot to ask for if you are on a budget.
Good luck

Killer

 

You would need everything from bigger turbo to engine management.

 

get an RB26DETT from a skyline GTR ... it will make it a lot easier.

 

400 hp at the wheels isnt that hard to get to. Currently im pushing around 315hp and 338tq but that will soon change once im done with the essentials (quaife lsd) Ive got a tape with an old 180 with the 83zxt engine bored out to 3.1 pushing 1600hp soooo.. me no think its that hard!
thanks,
franklin

 

400 at the wheels equates to about 480 at the flywheel. IMHO that is going to cost you to make that much and still be reliable. Sure you could get it that high by skimping, but when one critical part craps out, you will have wasted your time and money. IMO a mild SBC would be a lot cheaper to get those numbers reliably.

 

Hi
I agree with "triple" if your on a budget the SBC might be a more economical option then the turbo. BTW you also have to consider beefing up the chassis and drivetrain and that's going to cost about the same as the power.

Toronto Ontario

 

That's the way I look at it. V8 is cheaper to get 350HP but with trans(not a automatic), drivetrain and other small things that you would need to convert, I think turbo is about the same price may be cheaper.

 

Well, if you are only shooting for a 400hp car, the current setup of a 280zx Turbo, CV halfshafts and r200 differential will be just fine. For a v8 conversion, that much power is really cheap. Its not so much that you need a 2000 dollar callies crankshaft for example. Mostly stock parts should be able to handle that much power. Heads, and a Cam will easily get you to the level you want. As for the transmission you can go with a T5 fivespeed out of the older camaros with v8s and those are not expensive at all. But if you plan on putting out more power later, you might want to think about getting a T56 six speed which will be slightly more expensive. What I am trying to say is 400hp is extremely easy with almost stock parts in a SBC and the added weight is miniscule. It is like 100-150lbs. Plus if you set the motor in the proper position, the shorter v8 gives the car almost a 50/50 weight distribution which as many know is very ideal.

anthony

 

So, by adding new cam and crankshaft to a 280zx turbo engine, how much power gain should that result?

And also, is port/polishing and overbore against the theory of a turbo engine?

Thanks,

Nathan

 

ganna drop a lot my advice would be get a 300zx twin turbo w/ aftermarket turbo. just a thougth

 

killer is right you need to know what to look for in your car. I have an 81 280zx non-turbo, but if you are looking for a mechanic that can tell you what you need to do. there is one in Here in Ventura, Ca who only fixes Z's and as far as I know he has the most knowledge on those cars that I have ever met. His name is Mike Sherfy and if you want to give him a call or whatever here is his # 805-646-9644, maby on the phone he could help you out.

 

Thanks for the number, Alexander

 

Your going to need a programable fuel computer ofcorse, head porting and lots of intake work is a must and a set of 73lb injectors. I would have a cam ground once you have flow numbers for the cylinder head and intake. Then go with a 60-1 or maybe a TSO4 on the turbo. These are the must haves along with a hi flow intercooler and fuel system good for 800hp. You can do it you don't need a RB or SBC. Good luck.

 

T4 or t66 turbos i been told... I have a non turbo but thats going to change soon. was looking @ new cars and i dont want a 4 banger (4 cyl) no way lol

 

Nissan rods, properly prepped, will live in the 600 hp range. Bob Sharp and Paul Newmans cars from the 80's used stock rods.

The block is not a weak link at all, the weakest link in the L series engine is the rod bolts, and a call to ARP is a 50 dollar fix.

A stroker is not to bad, but you need to come up with a set of 240 rods, preferrably the 9mm rod bolt variety, and then get forged pistions made.

Run a T04E/T3 hybrid with a 60 trim or larger compressor wheel, and get some decent fuel management, and you are there.

My turbo made 415hp and 473ft-lbs on its previous owners car. It was a stroker motor by the way.

A properly built L6 will last a long time, and make plenty of HP, it just costs a little money. Your best bet is to find someone who has done it and see what they did and do the same thing.

As an added bonus, I like the look on someone's face when I tell them I have a 6. If you have a V8, they expect your car to be fast.