I picked up this z a month ago and drove it a few weeks. Seemed to be a little weak so I decided to tear into a bit. It had an exhast leak at the head so I started there. Before taking the head off I got some low compression readings from 1 & 3. After taking the head off and putting some oil in the cylinders 1 & 3 leaked through. Now for the opions, I have access to a 305 chevy, should I rebuild the original engine again or put the money into a v8 swap. I am leaning to rebuilding the original to maintain classic z appeal. A freind of mine has the 305 and thinks it would be cheaper to do the swap. I would store the original engine if we do the swap. If I rebuild the original I would like to beef it up and would need help with parts to do it and vendors. Any input would be appreciated.

Jim

... I am leaning to rebuilding the original to maintain classic z appeal...

Hi Jim,

If money is not a factor, rebuild the original engine and do some modifications to 'beef' it up. I don't think it would be that expensive depending on what upgrades you do. There are many options to give it more power. If thats what you are leaning toward... go for it.

I put an '83 L28et into my '71, it hauls azz now. But if you decide to stay n/a I would keep the L6 and mod it out. Research a good head/block, like the F54/P90 combo. Also, use a big camshaft with a nice header. If money is not an issue you could have the head ported to the header and polished up for some extra flow, add some tripples, and man, that Z would seriously be a screamer!

Well you could also turn that L6 into a stroker motor if money is really not an issue. Trip around on this website and see what you think about the stroker setup. http://www.bbgraphics1.com/73z/index.html

Don't do the V8 swap.

It all depends on what you want . What is the goal here. If you want a Z keep the in line engine. Otherwise the hi-bread will give much more HP potential but the car no longer will be a Z really . I haven't done a V-8 swap into a Z , but the small block Chevy engines fit nicely and the weight is almost the same. From a cost standpoint to highly modify a L-6 vs a V-8 that is mildly modified , with the installation and all It is about the same . The 8 is a monster though. There is a web site for Hi bred Zs and they would be a great source info. Gary PS I have a '82ZX engine in my 240 running SUs and am vary happy with the combination .

I did a L28 engine swap for this guy who bought the motor from me. The motor was stock, and with his SU's bolted on with a header that car ran so, so well. It was quik and very relialbe, almost perfect I would say for daily driver. With all said and done the guy spent $400 on the motor, $225 on the header and $400 to me for labor. If you do the job yourself your looking at an inexpensive way fun Z car.

Thanks for the responses, I will for sure run with the original engine idea. It was rebuilt in 96 by a local performance shop but I am unsure of any internal compenent specs. It does have a header already, when I pulled the heads it was obviuos that it was ported already also. I found some markings on the cam but do not know if was stock, The seller beleived it was slightly modified but did not know any specifics. He had only had it for a year from the original owner. I have pics of the tear down as I am doing it if anyone is interested. I will start planing the rebuild. A freind of mine is a ASE tech with his own shop which I helped him open so room and cheap labor will be a plus! Thanks the links to parts suppliers, I will need them. Thanks guys!

Not a fan of the 305, or as I call it, the "boat anchor".

Beandip hit it right on the head. Depends on what you wanna do and how many dead presidents you are willing to part with.

My personal thoughts, go with the L engine and build her up. Camaro's are a dime a dozen and there ain't nothing like a Z!