Need help deciding which engine?

[Seanh]

Well, I was going to use an L28 engine and rebuild it to high performance, but that plan has fell thru, I can't get that engine. I still want to build up a performance engine for my 240z, but I don't know what I can do. I wanted an L28, but I can't find one locally. I was wondering if there would be any difference in useing a different engine to build up. I am going for a 280 engine atleast. Would it be alright to use one off a regular 280z, like the L26 engine or something? Or is there something special about L28s that I should wait for as long as it takes to find an L28? Do anyone live near me (I live in Nebraska) know where I could find one? Thanks

[smg1404]

How much power do you want???? If you want to dominate for the minimum cost. Give in to the dark side,,, go for the small block.

If you feel unable to pua an engine in you car that is not from Nissan, then wait for the 280 block, or go for a Z32 engine. etc... The cheapest way to make your Zcar a low flying object is a big honkin V8... No one will fight this fight and win.... Do not buy a 260 engine,,,It is a mistake that datsun built for 1 year ,, and regreted real fast.... Sorry 260n owners. but that's my view on it. Where you live , you have lots of long streight roads, (I think) so don't bother with a quick quick rever, build a high torque, freeway blaster... Take the competition at 160 plus. Just remember to get some good brakes.

[2ManyZs]

The L-28 was used from 75-83 so there should be plenty of them available. Only difference in the blocks was the later L-28 had a siamesed cylinder with more webbing between the cylinders. These can be identified by the block number of F-54.

Nothing wrong with a good L-26 either, the only problem that was experienced with the L-26 was the flat top carburators, and they can easily be changed to the earlier round top carbs. Same goes for the 73 L-24 with the flat tops carbs, change the carbs and you have as good an engine as any L series there was, just donw on displacement compared to the L-28.

[Seanh]

I'm going for atleast a mid 12 second car, with a 5spd and 4.11 LSD rear end.

How hard is dropping a V8 into this car? I would love to have that, that would be sweet, if the work isn't too difficult and would be cheaper then what I'm going to spend makeing a L28 run this fast. What do you think? What would I have to do to drop a V8 into this? Thanks

[2ManyZs]

Best place to find info on V-8 swaps is over at www.hybridz.org

Jags that Run (JTR) has a kit that will help you bolt a V-8 right in.

[smg1404]

If you want a car that is for the drag strip.... don't even waste your time on a nissan engine.... you cannot replace cubic inches without spending lots of money. 300 hp is a lot for an L series engine.....It is where you start with a small block.