Hello everyone! I'm wanting to bring my Z up to a whole new level of power with a chevy V8 and a 6-speed transmission. First of if you guys have any suggestions for what the best setup would be parts-wise I would be very thankful. I've sort of been browsing around Z car parts websites for a while now and I've seen these small block V8 conversion kits that are supposed to contain everything to mount the engine so that it doesn't mess up your weight distribution too badly. THAT is what makes me think this is possible. Now here comes my real question, don't laugh I'm being serious:) Would a 6.0L LS2 corvette engine and a TR6060 6-speed transmission fit in a 1978 280z with little or no modifications? If not what would I have to do to make it work? And if that particular setup wouldn't work then what would be the best engine/transmission setup for this project? Thanks for reading/considering my crazy questions!

V8 swaps are very popular for these cars. However, the information on this site is mostly geared towards cars with original-ish drive trains. Hybrid Z is the place to look. They have compiled a wealth of information on how to stuff almost any powerplant you can think of into these cars. It will take you some time to read through it but I think you'll find the information you are looking for at the following link...

http://forums.hybridz.org/index.php/forum/38-faqs/

It takes a deep pockets to do this mods, I have seen super nice work done on Z's, I wish you the best luck in this adventure, the above suggestion is the best avenue, I am on the ''original-ish drive trains'' and ''original-ish body mods , era correct-ish'' mods group.

One last thought - hybrids.org is the place to get this info, but bear in mind that they are not particularly noob-friendly there. Posting this question there will get a terse "search & read" reply at best, or possibly flames if people are feeling a bit grumpy today. So do plan to do a lot of reading there before asking any questions.

Have you driven your Z yet with the engine it came with?

Don't add major horsepower without significant brake upgrades. The stock brakes, like the brakes on all 70's cars, are just adequate for spirited driving with the power originally available. If you get the car up to really high speeds you are likely in for a nasty surprise if you have to make a panic stop.