V8 z - does it need frame bolstering?

[BTF/PTM]

This is just a curiosity, I want to get some feedback from those who own v8 z-cars. I've been lectured by some very stubborn old-schoolers at work who are absolutely certain that a v8 in a z-car requires a tube frame and all kinds of custom work to make the car their own perception of drivable. For the record, none of these people have ever owned a z of any kind, most of them are the die-hard "Go America" types who scoff at anything that doesn't bear a Ford, Chevy or Mopar emblem (and of course they hate the other two of those respective names depending on which they own), and most of them are fans of either circle track and/or drag strip racing. I'm just curious as to how close or far they may be from being correct. Maybe the only possible solution they see is a tubbed strip-only car with a cage? What say the group?

Edited February 21, 2010 by BTF/PTM

[Goose52]

I ran a 331ci SBC in my car from 1977 to 1982 - I do have some wrinkles in my firewall from the unitbody winding up from the torque but it was no biggie. No reinforcements were made on the front end at all.

I recommend you spend a lot of time at www.hybridz.org, browsing the thousands of threads on that board that relate to V-8 conversions. You might give that URL to your friends as well so they can read what it takes to put up to 900hp (or more) in a Z-car.

[Bonzi Lon]

You might try this site for what he has done to this Z over the 30 years he has owned it. http://www.ratzun.com/ It might be the extreme Z. A 516ci engine with an 11-71 blower, running E-85, puts out about 840hp with as much torque, fastest 1/4 was 8.96, and it's Street Legal. (in KS anyway) Drives it to the track pulling a trailer of supplies. There is no Z metal left between the bumpers and rockers, full frame and cage. It was a joy to have it in my yard.

Bonzi Lon