Starting project, Which engine to use?

[camz]

My first Z was a 240 and I still love the clasic style. However I aso like the latemodel TT's. My question is this. Should I buy a TT and tweak it? or can I rebuild a 240/280 with more power/speed/ handeling? I know There are a few small block v8 conversions out there. Some with turbo, others supercharged. I have also read of other turbo swaps or build ups. Personally I don't care what I put in. I want what will give me the most "balls on fire fun". I want a car than can beat most others stock including a TT. Prefer a sub 12 sec quarter mile, but want the torque curve to pull all the way through . I don't want to get beat by some civic or WRX or worse an outback! Live in a winding road are so handeling is a necessity. Please what is my best bang for teh buck to meet my criteria?

[Bambikiller240]

McLaren F1

[seerex]

Or a Saleen S7 , my choice if my tax refund is enough

[seerex]

well Camz , gotta give us a figure of how much you want to spend first , speed is not cheap and all depends on how deep your pockets are

[camz]

The figure would depend on where the amount started reaching apoint of diminishing returns. So with not much to compare I can't realy give an amount. but for starters what will 5k get me?

[Bambikiller240]

For an engine or the whole package? you said you wanted handling also. Sub 12 sec 1/4 mi and superior road handling could take a lot of $$$$ Also, depends on where you are located, and what skills you have. You can't just throw money at the car.

[camz]

For the engine , I will not be doing any gt or other racing besides local fun drags at local strip and of course any friendly challenge, It will be a car I want to drive so the suspension needs to reflect that and handle adequately. As long as it will surprise most I face I will be satisfied.

[camz]

located in UTAH and have time and ability o do a lot of the work myself.

[Bambikiller240]

............. As long as it will surprise most I face I will be satisfied.

If that is all you want, then you could get away with a 2.8L ZXT engine/trans swap, and a coil-over suspension without mucking around with more complicated (and expensive) transplants. You won't get sub 12 sec time slips, but you'll still surprise most people.

[camz]

Gotta get the 12 sec.s too much speed on the streets here. Either by tuner or money in newer more expensive luxury cars, want to stick it too both. Aprox how muchhp at wheels and torque in teh zxt? max mph?

[Bambikiller240]

........ max mph?

depends on many variables....like HP (how you build/manage the engine), on weight of vehicle(how far you strip the car), and gearing(which trans and diff you choose). I can't help you with specifics.

You might find more (and probably better) answers at www.hybridz.org

[Inf]

if you must, get a car that is cheaper to be made fast and save your money to help pay bail later.