1974 260Z VH45DE(T) project

[T45]

Mettler, when you were taking all those photos at that race shop did you happen to find out what model these headers were from? It looks like they'd be a perfect fit by just hacking off the flanges and welding them up.



Also, there is an H-beam rod and domed piston in one of the pics. Any info on what those are from?

[Olderthanme]

It looks a little like a Ford 4.6 modular hesder...maybe...

[tmorgan4]

Where are those pictures Mettler posted from? This is the first time I've ever seen them.

That wanted ad for one of the intake runners was actually in the Infiniti parts for sale sections...here's the link to the ad: zerothread/298318

[T45]

I bumped it up for you.

[tmorgan4]

Found it...thanks man. Never seen that thread before.

[Mettler]

Lol no idea what that was from, prob VH45... but seriously, why would you want to reuse that old junk? It costs like 70 bucks to get a mint set of brand new header flanges lasercut to perfection (I made the drawing for VH41DE exhaust flanges.)



All I gotta do is e-mail my m8 down at the laser cutter to get a set cut (although I already have 2x spare sets on hand), cut 8x 1.3/4" I.D. x 40mm long bits of 1.6 wall exhaust tube, squash one end in the vice to the right shape on each, and weld them on to the plates. Lol... like I did today

[T45]

Nah mate, I was referring to using the pre-made headers and cutting the flanges off and just welding them to the VH flanges. For some of us headers are a bit too much fab work. I honestly don't desire them but a lot of guys would like an alternative.

[Mettler]

Those headers wouldn't fit in anything, check it out they come straight out from the heads for like 200mm or so, designed to fit in a superstock body. Those guys are lucky, they have room for such long, free flowing headers, whereas us car transplant guys have to made do with what little room we have!

[T45]

Well one could hack off the extra length up to the turn radius and go from there. That would tuck it up pretty close to the block. I don't think it would work in a Z32 though, there is hardly any room at all left with just the stock mani's.

[Mettler]

Well one could hack off the extra length up to the turn radius and go from there. That would tuck it up pretty close to the block. I don't think it would work in a Z32 though, there is hardly any room at all left with just the stock mani's.

The problem that'd leave one with is clearance issues with the exhaust studs.

[Olderthanme]

If anyone is interested...I'm going to develop a log-style header that should be good for almost any VH45 motor swap. I'm going to do some initial sketches tonight.I'm thinking that in about a month I'll be starting on headers.

OTM

[T45]

Sweet. The only thing I had to modify on the logs to get them to fit in the Z32 was the bottom. They hit on the xmember and I had to flatten the xmember a little and the bottom of the log about 1/4" to get them to clear. Then I just welded up the flange from the original V6 mani's to them and they bolt right up to the rest of the system in the car.

If they fit within the original dimensions of the Q mani's I may pick some up. They would also be ideal for new Z swaps too I think.

[Olderthanme]

Contemplating picking up a Z32 for this project... Would be tighter for the motor but more economical in the long run. The 260 is going to need a whole new drivetrain for the VH45 or I can just use a Z32...LOL

I may just leave it N/A instead for the 260 and build a VH45DET Z32

[Olderthanme]

I'm definitely using the 260Z for this project...LOL brain fart.I'm in the process of stripping the engine down now and it should be bare by tomorrow night.

[Olderthanme]

Pulled the driver's side head today...

Then I got down to the underside and started pulling the oil pan and oil shield.

I touched the #1 rod at the crank and it bumped over about 3mm. Crap!

Pulled it out and there was no bearing at all! The #2 bearing was spun...

Time to go back to pull-a-part and get another longblock...

I think $80?

I guess this block will be my mockup motor...LOL