Starting project, Which engine to use?

[alg]

You could built up the 280ZXT and then add NOS.

Alex

[chickenwafer]

OMG HE SAID NOS!!! NOOOOOOO SHAME SHAME!! RICE!!!

If you want handling, DON'T get a V-8, you will throw your handling out the window!!! Find a nice 280zx turbo and pull the engine and trany- basically a drop-in setup, I know, I'm doing one myself. With some nice coilovers, anti-roll bars and a talented driver in the cockpit you will out-handle a lot of stuff.

Dave

[Bambikiller240]

OMG HE SAID NOS!!! NOOOOOOO SHAME SHAME!! RICE!!!

If you want handling, DON'T get a V-8, you will throw your handling out the window!!!

That is SO not true. Use the Jags That Run method of installing a SBC and you'll end up with almost perfect weight distribution. Talk to the folks a www.hybridz.org

[sblake01]

Yes, I went for a ride with a guy at one of the shows I have attended. I don't remember his name but he had a SBC in his Z that was set back more than the ones you usually see. I handled just fine. Not that I really care much for V8 Zs but some of those statements about it upsetting the handling are typical examples of 'if you hear something often enough you begin to believe it's the truth.' And I also notice that that kind of stuff seems to come from the younger members here who really haven't been involved with these cars long enough to have a consistent first hand knowlege base. More and more when I come here to browse I read about these 'pipe dream' type projects that if you totalled up the cost for the parts and work that they describe (turbo stroker motors, coil over suspension, Garrett turbos, et. al.), it would be higher than what it will cost for Chris to build 26 & 27. Advice should be based on experience. I don't know, overall, how well V8 Zs handle, so I wouldn't make the statement that they don't handle well based on my one experience. I would imagine that Chickenwafer has no experience with them and is only repeating what he has heard. (Not a knock on you personally-Chickenwafer if anything, just a sweeping generalization based on things I've read hear by other younger members) I also think that alg was just 'having a go at you' with his statement.

[Zeus]

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

so true... make the car fast enought to have fun but slow enough to truly enjoy the z car for what it was made to do.