280zx engine swap to 240z

[blackjack]

Can I leave the bell housing and transmisson attached to the motor to do a L2.8 swap into a 240z?

Another Ques. what seals typically need to be replace on a 5 sp. manual tranny out of a 1981 280ZX? The owner said all the tranny fluid leaked out. I have not checked this yet. Car is not running.

Thanks.

Waylon

[240ZX]

Can I leave the bell housing and transmisson attached to the motor to do a L2.8 swap into a 240z?

Another Ques. what seals typically need to be replace on a 5 sp. manual tranny out of a 1981 280ZX? The owner said all the tranny fluid leaked out. I have not checked this yet. Car is not running.

Thanks.

Waylon

Yes, you can leave the tranny attached to the engine for install and or removal.

The tranny has a circular lip type seal at the input and output shafts. There are also gasket type seals that are sandwiched between the sections of the tranny.

Since you have it out, replace the lip seals anyway...they are cheap and easy to replace (that is if you know what to do).

[Marty Rogan]

Yes, you can leave the tranny attached to the engine for install and or removal.

The tranny has a circular lip type seal at the input and output shafts. There are also gasket type seals that are sandwiched between the sections of the tranny.

Since you have it out, replace the lip seals anyway...they are cheap and easy to replace (that is if you know what to do).

So, ...what do you have to do to replace them. I just picked up an '83 5spd and might as well change them while it is out.

Marty

[blackjack]

You should just be able to drop it right in. It may be a little bit longer maybe by a half an inch or so. You should be able to retain you stock drive shaft what ever that may be. The other item I have heard being an issue but maybe in the 1970 models is they will have to cut the tunnel cover a little to make the shifter fit correctly. Or use a different shifter that has a (S) bend in it.

Waylon

[Duffman]

General question, albeit stupid: what advantages does the L28 have over the L24 engine?

[Arne]

Well... L28 = 2800cc, L24 = 2400cc. More displacement = more power. Plus the L28s are considerably newer, and so many have much less wear.

[Duffman]

Thanks Arne, seems simple enough!

Does it make sense to move to electronic ignition on the L28, rather than deal with carbueration? Probably one's own opinion, but thought I would ask.

[Arne]

Does it make sense to move to electronic ignition on the L28, rather than deal with carbueration? Probably one's own opinion, but thought I would ask.

Two separate issues. Installing the injection in a carburated car can be done, but it's a bit of a job to do it right. I'd normally recommend that 240Z owners stay with the carbs. (And trust me, I know about this one, because I had to un-do a previous owner's botched injection install on my car.)

But the electronic ignition is a good upgrade from the original points ignition. Simple and easy to do. I've got that one too.

[Duffman]

Thanks, Arne, for your thoughts on this, have always wondered. The electronic ignition upgrade looks like a worthwhile upgrade.

[xray]

You should just be able to drop it right in. It may be a little bit longer maybe by a half an inch or so. You should be able to retain you stock drive shaft what ever that may be. The other item I have heard being an issue but maybe in the 1970 models is they will have to cut the tunnel cover a little to make the shifter fit correctly. Or use a different shifter that has a (S) bend in it.

Waylon

Not completely accurate. The Borg Warner T5 in 280zx turbos WILL NOT fit a 240 driveshaft. Apparently it's too short and has a different spline count. See below link:

http://www.geocities.com/zgarage2001/borg.html

In re: ignition...while upgrading to the E12-80 is a good idea, be aware that your tach may not work properly. I've heard some folks had to swap out for a 280z tach or add a resistor. Again, follow the link:

http://www.geocities.com/zgarage2001/

I have seen a number of people utilize the Pertronix ignition module which does essentially the same thing with only slight wiring changes that do not alter the integrity of the stock wiring harness. Search this website for "Pertronix ignition."

My 2 cents

Steve

[Arne]

In re: ignition...while upgrading to the E12-80 is a good idea, be aware that your tach may not work properly. I've heard some folks had to swap out for a 280z tach or add a resistor.

I'd heard that too. But I've also heard from lots of 240 owners who had no problem with the original tach at all, so I tried it. Tach works fine, no mods needed at all.

[Duffman]

Great websites, Steve, thanks for sharing in the holiday spirit!!