what do u think?

[the Z guy]

what do classic Z owners think about v8's in z's ????????

[beandip]

I have no problem with the mod. from what I have read the ford rather than the small block chev works the best . the cast iron block of the stright 6 is a heavy engine so the v8 would be a performar . I have done simular swaps years ago in the late fiftys and early sixtys . Building a sleeper is great fun . I would like to drop a big turbo v-6 in a PT- cruser. As far as my 240 I enjoy the stright six and the way the little six banger does its's thing.

[jcdozier]

I think the Classic Z is "about" both looks AND performance, so dropping in a V-8 is okay with me. Having said that, it is unlikely that I will ever make the conversion unless my engine self-destructs. For an older dude, the original straight six provides all the performance I need.

The block, head, and intake mainfold in my '71 Type-I are all original, and in some probably perverse way I like that. I have, however, "improved" it with electronic ignition and Hooker headers........

[Phacade]

Great swap if you have the time of Methusela, the patience of Job, and the Money of Soloman.

That having been said I will probably not do it myself, although I am tempted.

[carguyinok]

I have my swap in the works.

A few years back I had the chance to put A few miles on A 71 240Z with A 327 vette motor and 4 speed.

Once you feel A Z with that kind of power. You will fall in love and never look back.

love @ the twist of A key.

[ionman]

For me the issue is the quality of the vehicle that you are starting with. My '73 is virtually all original and I will do everything I can to keep it that way. If on the other hand I found a straight, clean Z for sale with a blown or questionable drivetrain and lots of aftermarket stuff I would definately consider the swap. If I did mess with the motor I would probably go all the way and do lots of "other" upgrades. I can see it now:

A '73 convertible Z with a 327, 5spd, 17 or 18 inch wheels, dual exhaust, shaved handles, thumpin stereo. It would look and run just like the original Ferrari in Miami Vice!

[72zcar]

It would be hard for me to cut up a real clean original 240z... but on the other hand if it already is upgraded in other ways or is very tired and would end up in the scrap yard anyhow I feel like its still a z saved. My v8 z is almost done, it's a little slow going because I have three z's and I also work on my friends 71... gotta work, only get sundays off. www.72zcar.50megs.com is my site for the v8 72 240 if anyone wants to check it out. zyaROFL

[the Z guy]

all of your answers are great this is the best club... i like it because u guys dont necessarly are single minded u r open for suggestions. keep them coming i lov reading themROFL

[26ounce]

I'm with 72zcar & ionman. If the Z car is a well maintained original and has historic value (ie early production number or something) I would not support a V8 swap.

Having said that I reckon most V8 swaps are cool and I am constantly amazed by the ingenuity and dedication shown by some Z car owners who modify Zs to their own interpretation of an ideal machine.

[wilby34]

I think that the idea of the extra power is an awesome one, but the only issues I might have with it would do with the time to put it in. also, I think that in order to handle that kind of power you would need a new tranny and dif, which could get pretty pricy.

[Zed]

I do I love the smooooooothness of the straight six (3 of the last 5 cars I’ve

owned had a straight six). It’s like a turbine with torque.

But, there is only so much you can squeeze out of these engines before they

become un-streetable. IMHO Turbo is the best option if you plan to stick with

the L6. I would love to see a Twin-Turbo L-28 Z. Two smaller turbo’s will give

you lots of boost, but will have less lag than a single big turbo.

After that your options are either V8 or another L6 like the RB26DETT. Unfortunately

the cost and shad-tree engineering of installing the RB motor is very prohibitive.

If the Z you have is a good restoration candidate then sticking anything other than

the original type engine is blasphemous IMHO.

My ’73 is too far gone to be considered for restoration, so I’m planning a LS1/T56 swap.

I figure if going the V8 direction, I might as well go “all the way” with Coil-overs,

4-wheel disc conversions, etc…

[EScanlon]

I apologize up front to anyone that may be offended by this analogy:

Years ago, I met two transexual women. (People born Male who changed their sex to Female) One of them was absolutely drop dead gorgeous, and I found it totally unbelievable that she used to be a man. I accepted her word for it, but I could never be absolutely sure unless....... and I didn't care to pursue. The other one was so drastically obviously a man in a dress, (imagine Mike Tyson in a short dress!) as to make you shudder.

As far as the first woman, the change / modification was so obvious as to be justifiable in and of itself. The second is what some modifications remind me of. Not only did the question WHY? comes to mind, but also that feeling of what a shame.

That's the problem with some modifications. Some are obvious and some are mistakes to everyone but the person who did the mod.

When it comes to engine transplants, if the original car is in good to excellent condition and it is complete, then I suggest you sell it to someone who WANTS the car in THAT condition. Then buy a car that needs or would benefit from the engine transplant.

My 2¢, hopefully I haven't offended anyone.