You don't seem to be seeing the whole picture. the wiring AND connectors are as important to making horsepower as a turbo or any other device. Even a perfectly new engine won't go with bad wiring. The entire engine SYSTEM must be working well for any modifications to work well. Even the stock engine won't work well, if your sensors AND wiring AND connectors aren't up to snuff. The original question was asking for suggestions for improvements.

Adding a turbo or any other device won't do much good with a bad ( engine) electrical system.

OK...... go take off all the wiring, Beandip, and see how much horsepower you get with a turbo, or stroker or even if the thing will start. Even one of those Rebello engines will totally suck on horsepower will an (old) electrical system.

Tomo, all of that stuff falls under the heading of 'no-brainer!' Once again, HELLO!!?

i guess the real problem is the 77 280z doesnt have the right stuff to go either way.

WRONG! The 77 280Z has alot of potential. Of course, it all comes down to money and how fast, or should I say, how much hp you want. It doesn't have to be a stroker or a Rebello to be a potent Z engine. We are lucky, in this area of Florida there are many talented hi-po engine builders with alot of Z knowledge. The guy that helped build my husbands 77 280Z also built engines for "Big Daddy" Don Garlits and he loved Z's. Cost, well we won't even go there, but the results are what my husband wanted.

Vicky

Before you start taking the engine out, or while you ARE taking it out, you better look at the wiring and connectors, if the connectors aren't perectly clean & shiny and the wires conduting perfect with no resistance, your money won't be of much help.

The engine depends on the ECU doing its job perfectly, and with the old wiring ( and sensors, and AFM, etc.) and connectors, the ECU won't be getting the correct information to produce the right fuel mix or probably even put out the right signals to the injectors, etc. to make those horses you are looking for.

Get yourself a good repair manual and/or FSM, and the "280Z fuel injection 'Book":

'280Z fuel Injection Book

I've been working on the wiring & stuff for about two years (summers) when I get time.

Your hopeless!!!! How many posts, from members, does it take for you to figure out you need help. HELLO!!!!!!!!!!!!! :stupid:

I agree with you Vicky, the 77 does have plenty of potential. A good rebuild, maybe an overbore, new injectors, some head work, a good exhaust and a good ignition will bring that engine to life AND it will be close to the 3-5K budget.

That stuff falls under the heading of 'no-brainer!'

Then why didn't Mrcow say he was aware of it in his original question? He seemed to be so interested in just the mechanicals (header, exhaust, cam), that one might presume his electricals were intact and perfect. He even said he was going to spend a LOT of money on the rebuild, but (none?) on the electricals.

sorry tomo but i consider electrical to be part of the rebuild and common sense. the reason i didnt mention it is electrical by itself isnt going to give me the zip i am looking for. so i am searching for ideas on engine work.

"Common Sense!"

At least he says he's aware that he needs to give attention to the whole thing to get to his goal. I wouldn't be surprised if there were some people who were staring at the engine, or some other thing, wondering why something wasn't working right, when all they really need is a little can of DeOxit 100.

thx

At least he says he's aware that he needs to give attention to the whole thing to get to his goal. I wouldn't be surprised if there were some people who were staring at the engine, or some other thing, wondering why something wasn't working right, when all they really need is a little can of DeOxit 100.

thx

Nice try Shirley! :stupid: