280zx or small block?

[green_machine]

I own a 260z with the stock engine in it (it is/was my daily driver). A couple days ago I was driving and all of a sudden the engine locked up. I got my dad to help me tow it home the next morning and I thought that all I needed was a new cam so I wasn't that worried. My auto shop guy, who all he does is work on Zcars and has been for over thirty years, told me that the engine was gone and that I needed an entirely new one. Everyone is telling me to get a new car but like many of you on this site know, you cannot just get rid of your Z, that it is a part of you.

So my question is: What type of engine would be best to put into it? An RB and SR are out of the question because of the price (or at least the RB because I don't remeber how much the SR costs ($4,000?)) so I think I am stuck with either the 280zx F54 or a small block chevy (396?) or just if all else fails another 260z engine. I don't really know which would be better and money is a big issue in the decission here. Thanks all very much for your help,

Derek

[Zrush]

My opinion is if the Z you are talking about is as nice as the one in your avatar, or for that matter IS the one in your avatar, I'd put the engine that's suppose to be in that car, in other words, NO V-8's. That's been so overdone it's passe. Just my opinion, your car, do what makes YOU happy.

Vicky

[240ZX]

If money is your limiting factor, drop in a remanufactured L28 (probably around $2K). You can use all the accessories items from your current engine, including induction, exhaust, and trans. Doing anything else will up the $$$ amount. Also, if you decide to stuff a V8 into your Z, it's a good idea to do the chassis improvements necessary to handle the additional torque. If you are so inclined to do the V8 thing, you may wish to visit the HYBRIDZ site.

[green_machine]

Yes, the car in my avator is in fact my avator. I am really starting to think against a V8 for all the reasons that both of ya'll ponted out. Zrush: when you say put in the engine that is suppose to be in tere do you mean the 2.6 L or do you think it is wise to put in the F54? I'm just trying to get as much info as I can.

[Zrush]

I don't want to diss the 2.6 but many here feel that the 2.8 is the best bet. Like what 240ZX replied. My husband has the N42/N47 set up and she is a screamer but the car is not stock by any means. I'm more of the "sideline" Z lover as I was not present during much of the build of Zrush. My questions became irritating to my husband while he was building the car so I learn as much as I can here.

Vicky

[AxtellZ]

Basically, any L-series will do. L26 may be hard to find, as they were only in the 260 for one year here in the US. L28 from a 280, or a 280 turbo from a parts/junkyard car seem to be your best bet, based on cost & availability. Of course, maybe you come across a running L24 from a 240 cheap- that would also work just fine.

Just depends on how much you can afford, and how hard you have to look. To go cheap, and not have to search that hard, i'd go with a 280 block. Just drop it in & go. If you want more power, consider a 280 turbo...

Good luck!

[Victor Laury]

Derek, You're getting good advice. If you want your car back quickly and cheaply, rebuilt L28 long blocks are most likey availible at a rebuilder near you. swap your carb/dizzy/exaust manifold from your blown L26 and your on the road again. The extra 200 cc don't hurt either!

[hls30.com]

I bought my last L28 turbo from the salvage yard, E something, just the Savannah side of Jacksonville, block and head only, $250. I am verifying a '83 turbo engine over the next coulpe of weeks, the complete and uncut efi harness, airflow meter, ECM, distributor and other electrical controls will be available once I verify they will work correctly. If you are interested, just PM me.

Will

[1971rb26dett]

I agree with pretty much every one here on the opinoin to keep it L series. I wanted to go with an RB setup too. But money troubles have killed any hopes of that . Maybe in the future. A rebuilt L-28 is a stout motor and will satisfy you.

BTW a 396 Chevy motor is a big block and would not fit without extensive fabrication.

[green_machine]

Hello everybody, sorry about the delay in posts. For the people who would like to know, my car is running although I do not have it back yet. The guy that I mentioned in one of my earlier posts, went and took the engine out of his son's 280zx, rebuilt it, and put it in my car. I'm not sure what year the car is (but if I can remember correctly it looked like an '82) but I will figure out tomorrow when I pick the car up. I also have new SU carbs, new back brakes, and a new hood (so much for my christmas). I was suppose to pick the car up last Friday but my parents didn't tell me so when I didn't come home from school until 11:00 it was kind of too late. But I get it tomorrow and am in the happiest mode right now. Man nothing can bring me down. I'll update tomorrow after I drive around all day.

[e_racer1999]

good to hear! you will be very satisfied with your decision....

[Gav240z]

Yes a V8 was a bad idea if you were concerned about Budget. L28's are great you keep the natural balance of the car and you make it easier to work on your Z. You made the right decision and although you won't cream everyone on the street there's plenty more time for that later.