240Z V8 modification

[seymourccc@earthlink.net]

Hello Z Zoomers,

I have a 72 Z with a High Performance 350 chevy small block. The conversion was done

in the early 80s. I bought this car from a

person in Fresno last Nov. He had the car

for 16 yrs. The car was seldom driven and

has been sitting in a garage drying out. Needless to say I bought into more of a problem than I anticipated. I'm in $8000 so far....

Now it is time to do something about the

suspension, it wallows like a drunk.

I have been told that the conversion adds 150lbs to the front end. Is this true?

What kind of springs and shocks are fitting

for this weight? How do I adjust the balance

for equal weight distribution front and back?

Any experience/advice will be appreciated.

Thanks,

seymourccc

1973 240Z L28 SUs

1972 240Z V8 conv

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seymourccc

[Bambikiller240]

Seymourccc: I can't tell you much, but I do know that there are at least several ways to install the SBC's in a Z. The old ways like "Johns Cars kit" or the "Scarab" way puts the engine way to far forward to get good weight distribution and leave the car with poor balance and handling that is nearly impossible to remedy. The prefered way is the newer "Jags that Run" design which I'm told puts the engine right at the firewall, but results in near perfect 50/50 weight distribution. Don't know which way your car is built but I'm sure you will get resonses from others who can advise you further.

Good Luck,

------------------

Carl Stahlnecker

72 240Z "Bambikiller"

HLS30-55703 11/71

cstahlnecker@hotmail.com

bambikiller240@altavista.com

[seymourccc@earthlink.net]

Originally posted by Carl:

Seymourccc: I can't tell you much, but I do know that there are at least several ways to install the SBC's in a Z. The old ways like "Johns Cars kit" or the "Scarab" way puts the engine way to far forward to get good weight distribution and leave the car with poor balance and handling that is nearly impossible to remedy. The prefered way is the newer "Jags that Run" design which I'm told puts the engine right at the firewall, but results in near perfect 50/50 weight distribution. Don't know which way your car is built but I'm sure you will get resonses from others who can advise you further.

Good Luck,

Carl, Thanks for the reply. The

placement of the engine is right against the

firewall. So I guess this is the more desire-

able set-up.

2yrs ago I put Tokico shocks with Eibach springs on my 73. Since then, it handles like

its on rails in corners. But, it lowered the car. I'm not sure I want this car to sit lower. The tires seem to have a high vertical

height. Dunlop G/T Qualifier frnt: P225/60 R14 94S rear: P225/70 R14 98S. Why are they

so tall? Was that the fashion in the late

70s?

seymourccc

1973 240Z L28 SUs

1972 240Z V8 conv

[AxtellZ]

Try Hybridz.org alot of really wise folks

there i'm sure can help you out. Good luck

Jeremiah

[Jake]

hey, buddy.

I am currently working on my fourth v8 conv, and should be able to answer Any questions you might have. Ive submitted three supplements to the Jags That Run conversions manual, which Is "GOD", by the way. These guys really know there stuff, and have pretty much worked out most of the probs. First of all, look at your distributer. it should not sit farther than a half inch from your firewall. if it does, dont sweat, not hard to remedy! second. dont worry about the extra weight. a passenger weighs about 150, and I doubt you feel that. I race SCCA, and prefer to have the extra weight. if you have added lowering springs, take 'em out. the effect you are looking for is a lower c.g.(center of gravity). This can be done most effectivly, and cheaply, by adding 1" spacers between your front cross member, and frame rail. JTR{Jags That Run}has a parts dept. called Stealth, and they sell these spacers for about 40 bucks. you could also use a steel plate, cut to 2.5"X 4"x 1', with two 3 eights" holes approx three inches apart. Yes the wheels look gay, and can be fixed by adding 17"x 9" Centerline wheels with a nice low profile tire like a 255-40-17. you can get four of those for a hundred bucks, and you and I both know how fast you will go through those!!! The truth is you have entered an expensive undertaking, but dude... you have the fastest car in the neighborhood, and can that honda drive all the way to 7-11 engulfed in a thick cloud of tire smoke?? Hey, I have a lot of parts, and if you have any more questions, please feel free to email me. Jake S.D.

[lan240]

Check out this web site, it is all about V8 Z's

www.hybridz.org

[Two40MuscleZ]

The information regarding JTR; their set up of engine placement and support information is absolutely correct. Another very good consideration is HybridZ.Org. This group can offer you a multitude of informatioin, support, how to's and field just about ANY question you can think of. There is also a search feature which will allow you to retrieve past posts regarding all facets of Z's and mods, (see mission statement at beginning of Hybridz's main page). Not just for V8's also info on slant 6's. Good luck with your project.

Comps, Van

[widebodyz]

Im getting rid of my shock towers in the front and putting a late model fiero front end suspension under my car. I don't think it's going to add alot of weight but........ Im not sure.

[Jake]

TOWIDEBODY Z...

Dont do it! The gain in handaling is completely insignifficant, and it Will add about 70 pounds right to youy front tires.

The Z can be made to handel beter than any porsche, and the front end, although scrawny, is light, and extreemly functional.

We put a fiero front end on one of my conversions. DOG. Besides being a major pain in the arse, the car was way to soft in the corners, and dictated signifficant body drift at top speeds. ..just like its doner car. The problem is that once you will realize your mistake, its too late to go back. If you insist on ruining your z, the least of your worries should be the weight, but if you need help, or have any questions, e-mail me, and I will walk you through all the steps to putting that lame front end in your beautifual z. of course I will tease and make fun of you the whole time, but the fact of the matter is that Ive done it, and may be able to help .

Jake REOBELA@YAHOO.COM

[grantman240z]

anyone notice that this was posted over a year ago? and hes only made 3 posts since march of 2000...tells ya how often hes gonna be back

[Jake]

WHAT???:stupid: