Lots of questions (evildky?)

[SHIFT_Z]

Long time no posts...

evildky, most of these are directed towards you since I know you are the local Z-man.

As you all know, I've been on the forums for quite some time... Been through a lot in the past 2 years in particular.I wrecked my 85 Turbo, totaling it, roughly 1.5 years ago. The engine appears to be mostly in-tact... so I'm going to try and salvage it. It had ~60k original miles, so I think its worth a shot.I just recently picked up an 86 N/A slicktop. Its got 116k on it... runs mediocre at best. But it will drive decently once warmed up. Anyhow, instead of dumping at lot of money into that motor, I'd like to swap the 85 T into the 86 NA, and start right.I registered on Z31.com (I used to be a member, but lost my id / password a long time ago) I also know they are pretty cut-throat over there, so I'd like to start here if I could.

On to the good stuff:1.) How direct of a swap is the entire 85's turbo motor into the 86 shell? (Motor mounts, space, etc?)... (as far as I know, the cars are identical except for minor changes to cosmetic stuff from 85 to 86)--> Side note, I'm more than familiar with Paul's (Zbum's) site, but I think he's thinking more along the lines of putting a non-z31 motor into the car.. I'm seeking more focused guidance.)2.) I would like to upgrade the suspension since I'm under the suspicion that the 86's needs replaced. Are there any aftermarket shocks / springs that will be a direct fit? Are new OEM replacements sufficient otherwise? I did some searching on this, but was unsuccessful as to finding specific brands, Part #'s, etc.3.) If Option 1 is plausible, what should be replaced or upgraded on the 85 motor while it's out of the engine bay?4.) Anything else I need to know? What will I need if I can't get it off the 85?5.) Since I don't have the knowhow to do the swap myself, are there any shops within Ohio, or the tri-state area (Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana.) That specialize in Z-cars or Nissans that I could trust to do the swap, and do it right?

I KNOW about searching for answers guys, but I'm really down to the wire and if this is going to happen, I need to start making phone calls and making investments. AKA need answers and info nooooow. If you can directed me to other websites for specific if need be, thats fine too.

Thanks in advance for taking the time to read, and answer.I'll be checking back frequently.

Edit: Z-Bum if you happen to stumble in here, lay down some facts for me if you have time.

Modified by SHIFT_Z at 5:17 AM 10/10/2008
Modified by SHIFT_Z at 3:03 PM 10/10/2008

[Perrenial Badass]

Since evildky hasn't posted yet, I'll give you my advice. He can correct me later if I am wrong anywhere, I guess.

1) The engine will bolt directly in. That is, with the turbo crossmember. Take the whole engine/crossmember assembly and swap it over. Take the intake piping, the downpipes too since they are different. Don't forget the ECU. Next, the transmission... if they are both manual, then swapping the transmission is optional. I've heard a lot about the NA transmissions being stronger than the T5 transmissions. It boils down to it being a "non-world class" transmission, whatever that means mechanically. Anyway, people tear through them pretty quick with higher power, so that's up to you. The turbo automatic is stronger than the NA automatic. If one is manual and the other is auto, I'd personally put the manual in, but that's just my preference.

2) Polyurethane bushing are ****ing awesome. Not much more needs to be said about that. For springs I would choose Z3Rs and Koni Yellows. Suspension Techniques offers pretty good springs (if you can find them), and Tokico has some okay dampers in the Blues and Illuminas. Illuminas are better than the Blues, but require the 87+ turbo strut assemblies to fit in the tube if memory serves. Tokico springs are good riding springs and have a nice stance if you don't mind the rake. The Tokico springs and some Blues would be a good setup for a daily driver. Failing that, springs from an 88SS or some OEM replacement turbo springs would probably do nicely for near stock power.Z3Rs http://www.z31parts.com/suspensionparts.htmlPoly http://www.thezstore.com/page/...100ZXMore Poly http://www.z31parts.com/polyparts.htmlReguardless of what you do with the springs and dampers, I'd get poly. They make a world of difference in the feel of the car. Even on cars without worn out stock bushings, like a 150k mile 86 would have.

3) What do do while it's out... that depends on what you want to eventually do with it. I feel that a rebuild isn't what you are looking for, but I personally would replace the piston rings and all the gaskets. Beyond that, every filter you can get your hands on. I'd replace the CHTS and it's sub-harness, and while doing that; cam seals, water pump, timing belt and tensioners. Then I'd change out every vacuum line in the car, and all the power steering lines and boots that might be leaking. Check the steering rack too. If you feel that the alternator, power steering pump, and AC compressor may need to be replaced soon, I'd do that right then. It's also a good time to replace the accessory belts.

Performance wise, I think that a mild port and polish on the heads would be fun and maybe some cams, but that's between you, your plans, and your wallet. But I would definitely intercool the car. It's just a smart thing to do in my opinion. But again up you you entirely. And I'd ditch the stock clutch fan for an e-fan. It's worth it. And last... clean the entire engine and engine bay. But I'm pretty anal when it comes to engine bay grease.

4) What else do you need to know? Well... all I can think of is that the 86 slicktops aren't very common.

5) Can't help you there, I'm in Florida. If you needed a shop in Tampa or Orlando, then I might be able to help you out. You might want to ask a few car savvy friends to help you out and teach you the ropes. Doing it yourself will be a lot more fun, extremely educational, and costs a pretty penny less. And a pretty penny in common labor costs can buy a boatload of ****.

[SHIFT_Z]

Awesome reply, thanks for your .02 I just don't know if I'd trust myself with the removal and install. Yeah I can read from a Haynes, but yeesh. This seems like a project I'd like to see in more experienced hands. Then again, I don't want to pay $3,000 to someone to do it. HENCE... an experienced shop or someone that knows Z31's could get it done right and in a time-efficient manner (Hopefully!) Anyhow, I'll keep looking, thanks again

[evildky]

perenial pretty much covered all the bases, the crossmember swap isn't as difficult as it might sound, you'll have to take the turbo alternator mount and wiring as it locates the turbo on the other side of the car

ramey's is somewhere near cinci, they are z32 specialists so if they'd take this on it should be a snap compared to the z32

[SHIFT_Z]

^Would you be able to ballpark a cost for a shop to do the swap?(assuming I can pull whatever I can prior to them getting their hands on it?)

[evildky]

I've heard a TT conversion on a Z32 runs 1k-1.5k, I'd imagine this would be half that, maybe less, I don't think there is such a thing as book labor on such a job, but it's likely near a day of labor for a decent tech

[AZ-ZBum]

Damnit. You had to use my name, didn't you?

1.) How direct of a swap is the entire 85's turbo motor into the 86 shell? (Motor mounts, space, etc?)... (as far as I know, the cars are identical except for minor changes to cosmetic stuff from 85 to 86)--> Side note, I'm more than familiar with Paul's (Zbum's) site, but I think he's thinking more along the lines of putting a non-z31 motor into the car.. I'm seeking more focused guidance.)

LOL. http://www.redz31.net. Read it. VERY straight forward. Should answer 99% of your questions.

2.) I would like to upgrade the suspension since I'm under the suspicion that the 86's needs replaced. Are there any aftermarket shocks / springs that will be a direct fit? Are new OEM replacements sufficient otherwise? I did some searching on this, but was unsuccessful as to finding specific brands, Part #'s, etc.

Lots of springs/shocks are direct fits. Keep in mind that you'll need NA shocks and springs. OR.... You could take the strut tubes from your turbo and use them. In which case, you'll want shocks made for the turbos. Springs that fit any Z31 will fit any other Z31. Personal driving style will dictate choice of springs.

3.) If Option 1 is plausible, what should be replaced or upgraded on the 85 motor while it's out of the engine bay?

Depends on how far you want to go with it. If you're going to keep it under 400hp, then don't touch the motor. If you're going over 600hp, you'll really want to do a lot of work on it. Obviously not cost effective.

4.) Anything else I need to know? What will I need if I can't get it off the 85?

Pretty much everything will come off the turbo and you can put on the NA. Be specific in your question and it will help in the answer.

5.) Since I don't have the knowhow to do the swap myself, are there any shops within Ohio, or the tri-state area (Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana.) That specialize in Z-cars or Nissans that I could trust to do the swap, and do it right?

Can't help you there. But a simple motor like this should be cheap. Since you're going from an 85 to an 86, you should use the turbo's wiring harness as well. The ECU to engine harness is easy to get in and out.

[SHIFT_Z]

Damnit. You had to use my name, didn't you?

Well duh. When you're a guru at something, it's likely that you'll get called upon by name!

Thanks for the info. I'll make some phone calls and keep you guys updated.

[SHIFT_Z]

ramey's is somewhere near cinci, they are z32 specialists so if they'd take this on it should be a snap compared to the z32

Tried Googling that and didn't come up with anything.Do you have some more specific info on them? Complete name?I will give them a call once I get the number and speak with one of their techs...

[evildky]

http://www.cincyz.com/look for silvertwin there, he's also sometimes active in nico's z32 section, he works for ramey