OK - a thick question here: what does SBC stand for? Some Bloody Chev?

SBC = Small block chevy.

So would the RB26DETT be a bit too heavy for the circuit? What's a VQ30DET out of?

Anothe thing to consider with your engine swap is eligibility in certain racing categories. I'm facing the same dilemma with my P76 powered 240k. I love tha fact that the engine is about 50kg lighter than the L24, and sits a lot further back, but if I want to get into any serious caregories like IP, then they won't let me use the V8.

I intend on building the car up as a registered track car, ie built for track, but can be driven on the road (even though it won't spend much time on the road at all). The way I see it, a car that can actually be competitive (and legal) in several caregories of racing is going to be a lot more useful than some hybrid that has to run against the 800hp all out race monsters.

My 2c

Good point 440k, an exotic engined Zed will not be competitive in the racing classes it will be eligible for. Basically its historics or nothing if you want to race officially and be competitive in class. And historics have to be mostly original.

But for fun stuff like sprints it depends on the organisers as to what class you go in and who cares where you come, providing you enjoy the day

440K notes a problem that you may well take notice of.

It's all to easy to swap and change, however if you are considering competition, then a re-think may be in order as to which category your vehicle may find it's self in.

In the worst case scenario, you may find yourself unable to compete in ANY competition as there isn't a class/category for the vehicle.

Best advice is to join a car club and ask the eligibilty committee if what you intend to change is permitted.

MOM

440K, if you want to ditch the P76 in favour of an L6, I would be happy to do a swap with you I was having a long think about buying it, until I read further down the page and saw it was sold.

MickieB, if you want straight out Torque then the V8 is the option. It is a littler heavier, but can be set back and low to help with handling.

For more top end power, plus better turn key reliability and fuel economy then it would be the turbo 6. The toyota 6 from a Supra is cheaper to obtain, assuming you aren't out for brand loyalty (SBC aint nissan) and is capable as long as you arent after ridiculous power. Jap V8's aren't as torquey, but still have some grunt and are light. You can get more power from a turbo 6 through simple bolt on's though. Many options.

Take some time to decide. It can't all be done in one night.

Well if Mickie B is staying around T'ville, then he wont have to be too worried about classes. AFAIK they only look at engine capacity, with a multiplier for anything boosted.

Mickie: RB wont be too heavy for the track. It'd still be my pick.

VQ30DET is from the Y33 Gloria, Cedric and something else......i think.

If your goal is semi-modest (say ~350-400rwhp) I'd go SBC, and wouldn't worry about the "old tech" vs. "new tech". The RB is a big heavy motor, carries its weight high, and can't be set back NEARLY as far as the small block V8 can. I'd bet you can make a lighter-weight car with a lower more rearward c.g. going the V8 route vs. RB. Also, for hillclimb, I'd rather go NA than turbo. Immediate throttle response, zero lag.

Hmm the V8 would be a good thing from that point of view on our local tracks. I'd still be very tempted to go one of the jap V8s over the SBC.

Why not just get an l28?? the one i have is very reponsive and powerful, and the best thing is that it is eligible for all the historic classes that any z is eligible for.

Tom.

How much would i be looking at for a good L28, and where might i source one from? I'm sorta tempted by getting one just so i can get it on the road and already have a decent engine in it that i can do up. They take well to turbo's and the like?

I actually dont know how much an l28 is. i know that mine has had the woeks and is a very competative competition motor but for a little bit of road and sport i supposw you don't nee dot go a extreme. Probably cheaper to buy a car with a worked l28 if you can find one, do a motor swap, and then sell it.

Tom.