L28ET Swap into S13

[KASilvia90]

I posted this in the engineering section but it seems that section is very quiet so I decided to post it here as well.

I've been thinking very seriously about trying to swap an L28ET into my 90 S13. Finding information for this has not been easy and the one site I found with some really in depth stuff, the guy i guess never finished cuz it just ended without results.

Basically I know the oil pan needs to be changed with an early maxima pan (front sump). Other than that, I am at a loss for what needs to be done. It seems simple and straight forward, but the things I am thinking of most is wiring up factory gauges.

Also I keep reading it but I cant find the specifics that I need, how to you bolt up a KA transmission to a L engine? Does it just need an adapter plate or is the bellhousing not usable and you need to swap internals?

Any help would be greatly appreciated, if there is a better location for this let me know. Thank you all.

-- And to add: I basically have a parts car 280ZX so attaining everything shouldn't be hard. Also please do not post any kind of "why bother" or "SR is cheaper' stuff. I want to try the L28 to be different and because I like the engine.

[anthony1122]

yes im new with the 240 scene what the hell is a L28ET

[redhat-z]

I believe the engine mounts are a bit further up on the L28 than the stock KA24. Plus the engine is obviously 2 cylinders longer so you'll probably have to do away with the mechanical fan. The oil pan will most likely need to be custom due to the location of the cross member. As far as the transmission, A lot of people use an L28 bellhousing on a KA transmission. Most any machine shop can modify the bores in the bellhousing for around $150. As for the wiring, it will be difficult but not impossible. Use the L28 engine harness and ECU. Go download the 280zx and 240sx FSMs at carfiche.com and buy a depinning tool so you will end up with a clean harness afterwards.

Also - "The SR swap is cheaper!" - Just kidding.

[KASilvia90]

Lol thank you very much for the site reccomendation. Its gonna be a lot of work but I'm down for it. I like the originality enough and it would suite my needs. I've got an E-fan from my current car so I doubt I will keep the L's fan. I am thinking I might need to kind of custom my front though to move the radiator a bit forward.

Also to the previous poster, an L28ET is a 2.8L Inline 6 turbo engine from the Datsun 280ZX. Its has non-crossflow aluminum 2v/cyl head. I believe the turbo is a T3 but i am unsure. Its non intercooled at 6psi and makes 180hp @ 5600rpms/205tq @ 2800rpms.

[EviL inside]

pallnet has done this swap.

easier than it seems.

RB crossmember, early maxima (L6) pan, tapped for oil return, electric fan in front of radiator.

he's working on a problem with the front swaybar hitting the oil pan right now.