LS1 in 240/260/280z?

[jEzTeR]

Hey all!

I need some info on doing the LSx swap into a classic Z.

I was planning on picking up another old Vette in a few years but now I'm thinking about another Z car instead. So I think that using a LS1 as the powerplant will give me the best of both worlds.

I know it has been done over and over but I have no clue as to the costs. I dont want to go crazy with power adders. A nice N/A 350 should put down plenty to keep me happy. I want to do the suspension and brake upgrades as well.

Looking for opinions and information. This is something that I will be able to get into in a few years so I'm just kinda throwing the idea back and forth right now.

[evildky]

the biggest challange is finding a buildable chassis in our area, I got a bud wanting to do the same thing but can't seem to find a suitable chassis, bill just keeps buying cars down south and bringing them home, if you don't mind doing floor pans I might know of a car

as for cost how much work do you want to do yourself? and I believe the LS1 goes for about $3500-4000 with the 6 speed, assuming you get all the correct hardware the engine bolts in with a couple metal plates that can be made for a few bucks and figure a couple hundred to have a driveshaft made and diff adapter, couple hundred for the hudraulic clutch parts, and a couple hundred for a larger radiator and hoses

I figure about 10K to buy and build a nice car doing the labor yourself, and figure about $3000-$4000 fro a decent chassis, ofcourse if you go standard SBC and go junkyarding it can be done for a lot less, the LS1 isn't cheap

or you could buy someone elses projecthttp://classifieds.hybridz.org...cat=8there should be another SEZ shootout this fall, lots of V8 S30's there for inspiration

[jEzTeR]

Nice!

Thanks Dave. Yeah I found a few local cars that arn't too bad for about $1K.

How many Z's is Bill hording now?

[audtatious]

Realize we have a hybrids forum as well. They should be able to give some detailed figures....

[Boosted 70z]

Consider shipping in a clean shell from out west somewhere. I've seen a few on craigslist for less than 1500 that have less rust than anything in your area. Shipping copanys can usually transport a car for 800.

[evildky]

Nice!

Thanks Dave. Yeah I found a few local cars that arn't too bad for about $1K.

How many Z's is Bill hording now?

be very weary of rust, be sure you check them out very well, rust repair gets expensive

bill still has his 77 he bought new, he has a mustard color 70 thats the driver, he has a silver 70 that took best of show at branson z fest (look for it in upcoming nissan sport magazine) and a hugger oragne 70 model thats being reassembled right now

[jEzTeR]

Very nice!

Looks like he is doing one per year now. Lucky man.

[evildky]

actually the orange and silver are both 70's the mustard one is a late 71, and of course the blue is his 77

[audtatious]

You are talking about this dude, right?

[jEzTeR]

Yes!

and he has/had a SRT-8 Charger

[nsrZ32]

Would be quick....but I'm not much a fan of domestic swaps into japanese cars.

[evildky]

yup thats when he first finnished the silver one before swithcing the are's for rewinds, and thts my primered beast next to it

[mattscar]

Damn. I REALLY want an old school Z so badly right now.

But the thought of a usdm swap in a z is errr...

Not my cup of tea. But I would like to see how it will look like!

[jEzTeR]

Yeah The 350 swap into a old Z is great for cheep power. All in all it's about the best bang for the buck out there.