'77 engine into an 83(for Now)

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Jan 19, 2004 | 02:56 PM

speedgato2

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From: tucson

'77 engine into an 83(for Now)

i know this is weird...it's just until my other engine is done.

my mech says it can't be done?
the sensors don't match, but should that matter?
the 77 didn't have all the sensors and still ran, right?
so what do i have to do?
just wire it right?

thanks for the help

Jan 27, 2004 | 06:07 PM

yomammaZ

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wow, you are brave! Is your Z the only car you have? The '83 used a crank angle sensor on the distributor, and the coolant temp sensor is located in a different place. I'm sure that you can get it to run... I'm just wondering how well. good luck!

Who is your mechanic? Where are you located in Tucson?

-Geoff

Jan 28, 2004 | 09:19 AM

Bleach

The Evil Twin

Joined: Mar 2001

Posts: 9,296

From: Seattle, WA

Lets see... I think both 1977 and 83 have the round port exhaust.
I'd say use the intake and exhaust manifolds from your ZX and just put the block/head from the '77 into the car. All the sensors should line up just fine because they are mainly on the manifolds. Both have the head temp sensor in the same position.

You can also use your '83 distributor on the '77 front cover.

Jan 28, 2004 | 12:56 PM

speedgato2

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From: tucson

hey whats up yo

my father has a mech that does all his work.

i don't think he's very good, well he's good at simple things, but anything complicated he just doesn't think it can be done.

he actually argued with me about whether the z has a throttlebody!!!!!!!!

i know you recommended someone before...what was it?

this car is my younger brother's car and yes, it is his only car.

Jan 28, 2004 | 12:59 PM

speedgato2

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From: tucson

thanks bleach.

i thought that i might have to change out the manifolds, but the mech said the engines just won't work.

the turbo is being built and wont be ready for about a month
(different mech...after i find one)

Jan 28, 2004 | 02:02 PM

Bleach

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Joined: Mar 2001

Posts: 9,296

From: Seattle, WA

Waaaa?? ...turbo?

Ummm... you can swap the block/head combo in there as long as your '83 is a non-turbo and all the current sensors and computer are non-turbo. ya.

And then you're going to build a complete L28 turbo in your garage and swap out everything once that is done, right?

Anyway, sounds good.

You could also do an L20b with a single carb! hehe... just have to rig up a temporary engine mount. It'll use your same transmission.

If your mechanic doesn't know Z-cars then he might say it won't work. He probably thinks its a FWD like most of the cars he works on these days!!!

Feb 2, 2004 | 02:16 PM

yomammaZ

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Try to call Micro Import Service if you want some professional help on this. You should really avoid M+J Auto and Primarily Japanese. Who is building your motor up? Are they local? What are your plans for it?

Feb 4, 2004 | 04:26 PM

speedgato2

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From: tucson

hey yo.

it's my kid brothers car. he melted the original engine , so we thought we'd try a short term swap.

we found a turbo engine to swap in but the mech has taken so long arguing with me as to whether we can use the 77 engine that the turbo is about ready to get put in.

thanks for the info on the shops, i will need to find someone that knows what's up for this.

Feb 4, 2004 | 04:30 PM

speedgato2

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From: tucson

the 77 that we got the engine out of is getting a 302 put in. hopefully soon.

is micro-age good with turbo's.. are they reasonaoble.....my brother is still poor (20 yrs old)

thanks

Feb 4, 2004 | 05:23 PM

#10

yomammaZ

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I'm sure that Micro is not cheap, but they seem to know what they are talking about. I'd call them about rates and to see if they can deal with the fact that you guys performed an engine swap. If they give you crap about the engine swap, I'd walk right away. I know that there are a lot of shops out there who give you crap for doing your own work.

To tell you the truth, I haven't come across a diagnosses problem that couldn't be solved with a vacuum pump/multi-meter/fuel pressure gauge.

This situation sounds like it is becoming as frustrating for you and your bro, as both of my situations with M+J and Primarily Japanese. After those ordeals, I just learned how to fix it myself. I have a buddy who knows turbos pretty well, and who has worked on Z cars in the past. If you want, I can find out if he'll work on the car for you.

Feb 5, 2004 | 12:12 PM

#11

speedgato2

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From: tucson

yo,
that would be great.

i'm having my bro call micro today. i am curious about their work.

send me an e-mail to exchange info.

thanks again!

Feb 16, 2004 | 07:33 PM

#12

yomammaZ

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Sorry that I've been gone for a while. I'm in the process of getting some teaching jobs lined up and at the same time, finishing up the paint and body on my Z. What is your email address? I talked to my buddy and he said that he'd be willing to take a look at the car. Did you end up calling Micro?

-Geoff
geoff_tt@yahoo.com

Feb 17, 2004 | 04:54 PM

#13

speedgato2

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Posts: 80

From: tucson

i did talk to micro...didn't want to do it. he said to go to promarily japanese. my email is juanantofig@hotmail.com. thanks sorry all run together....enter key broken!!!!!!!!!