Swapping turbo into 86 NA PARTS CAR QUESTIONS

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pat_86_300zx
Posts: 13
Joined: Fri Aug 08, 2014 10:18 pm
Car: 86 300zx NA (red)

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I have an 86 300zx NA Manual that I plan on doing a turbo swap in fairly soon.... I recently found an 87 Turbo Manual parts car on craigslist but the kid sold to someone else the night I was gonna go look at it. (After looking for 4 months you can imagine my frustration!!!!) There is also an 84 Turbo being sold in my area but it is an Automatic....Yuck!
My question is, would it be possible to use the Automatic for a parts car and just buy a used Manual ECU? If so, would an 88-89 ECU work? (JWT only upgrades 88-89 ECUs)
Following this link: http://www.redz31.net/pages/turbo.html
This is the list of parts needed when performing a turbo swap:
T3 Turbocharger and exhaust elbow from 84-87 300ZX Turbo
Drivers side exhaust manifold
Downpipe
Front crossmember (both the crossmember and engine mount bracket must be swapped for turbocharger fitment)
Drivers side engine mount bracket (bolts to block)
All intake piping (from Airflow meter to Throttle body)
Alternator mount, tensioner (and longer belt for application because the alternator mounts on pass. side instead of drivers side)
Oil pan
Turbo oil lines (and water lines if applicable)
Fuel injectors (260cc/min instead of 180cc/min)
Correct ECU (Interchange info here)
All applicable gaskets

Is there anything else I might need if not listed here? (Just in case)
I just want to make sure I'm buying the right turbo parts car.
Any suggestions are welcome!
Thanks :)


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AZ-ZBum
Posts: 1282
Joined: Mon Aug 04, 2003 9:48 am
Car: 05 Nissan Murano
84 Nissan 300ZX Z31 AE
88 Nissan 300ZX Z31 Vert
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Contact:

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There's no issue using an Auto ECU in a manual car.

And you'll really want to upgrade the exhaust when you do the swap or you'll be slightly constricting the flow.

pat_86_300zx
Posts: 13
Joined: Fri Aug 08, 2014 10:18 pm
Car: 86 300zx NA (red)

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Z-Bum!!! I've been following you website ever since I bought my car! Thanks for the tip!

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evildky
Posts: 14225
Joined: Sat Jan 31, 2004 9:23 pm
Car: 71 Datsun 240ZT
87 Nissan 300ZX N/A-T
06 Nissan 350Z GT
Toyota Tundra TRD RW
Location: Louisville, KY
Contact:

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Sounds like you've done your homework, the only thing I'd add is to upgrade to the turbo clutch, it's a bolt on and will hold the power better and might as well address ti while you're doing everything else.

pat_86_300zx
Posts: 13
Joined: Fri Aug 08, 2014 10:18 pm
Car: 86 300zx NA (red)

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Also, I've been looking for the spearco intercooler that fits 84-89 300zx's, but it seems they dont make it anymore... After researching I found this one made by CX Racing.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/V-Mount-Interco ... 4897.l4275

Would any of you trust this intercooler? If not, where's a good place to find one?

Thanks

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evildky
Posts: 14225
Joined: Sat Jan 31, 2004 9:23 pm
Car: 71 Datsun 240ZT
87 Nissan 300ZX N/A-T
06 Nissan 350Z GT
Toyota Tundra TRD RW
Location: Louisville, KY
Contact:

Post

I've seen a lof of intercooled Z31's and just about every one is different. I wouldnt want to run one horizontal like that, I also wouldn't lay down the radiator and tick my air filter in between like they did. Just get a vertical flow and a pile of pipes and tubes and work it out, it's like a puzzle with no right answer ;)


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