Original Engines vs Aftermarket - Thoughts & Opinions

[ninjazombiemaster]

Hey Guys!

I know there are some differing opinions on engine mods and swaps, so I wanted to make a thread and possibly a poll on the subject.

-At what point would you say a Z is no longer a Z - internally?.. Is it no longer a 240z if you put a Chevy 350 in it?

-What engines do you find work best in your Z's?

Basically that sort of stuff... I'll start.

Currently, my 240 has its original engine, is at nearly 110k miles and still runs pretty good. I feel like it isn't a 240z at heart with another engine, however I would not be opposed to replacing it with an LS1 engine or something of the likes one day, because I'm less attached to the numbers themselves than the car itself.

[72 OJ]

I currently own a 72 240Z with an LS1 engine with all the proper components that makes her a Zweet ride, classic Japanese sports car looks with a modern drive train. There was an early thread that dealt with the Zness or not on such a transplant, some welcome it and some refuse it , is all a personal option/choice......

Edited September 30, 2012 by 72 OJ

[ninjazombiemaster]

I currently own a 72 240Z with an LS1 engine with all the proper components that makes her a Zweet ride, classic Japanese sports car looks with a modern drive train.

Right on. I'm pretty sure if I've still got my Z when its engine inevitably meets its demise and I've got some cash laying around, I'm going the LS route. Something about the power of a vette in such a cool old car is just awesome. If you don't mind me asking, how much did the conversion run you?

[72 OJ]

It run a crazy figure...............................but do a conservative math to create such a Zweet type Z, a clean rust free Cali car with show quality paint 12,500.00 $ + or -, LS1 with low miles 4,500.00$ + or -, T5.6 spd 2,000.00$ + or - , A/C 2,000.00$ + or -, sub frame reinforcement 1,000.00$ + or -, rear diff up grade 3,000.00$ + or -, harness 500.00$ + or -, dyno tune 800.00$ + or -, kit to do the install 3,500.00$ + or -,disc brake up grade 3,000.00$ + or -,suspension up grade 3,000.00$ + or - , labor to farm some of the mods 6,000.00 + or - , plus bling,plus, plus, plus.................

Edited September 30, 2012 by 72 OJ

[Mike]

I think a Z is still a Z as long as it has a period correct engine in it.

[madkaw]

Gotta have a L6 in it. For me--I would build a turbo Z to fullfill my HP needs. Though I have nothing against someone doing the LS1 version, I would rather pop my hood open to a beautifully polished out L6.

[Rainman]

I don't begrudge anyone with a V-8 in their Z, all it takes is plenty of extra money as 72 OJ clearly pointed out! Like Steve, I prefer the L series for my 260Z.. Does anyone recall the superchargers offered by Jim Cook Racing back in the early 90s? I'd love to get my hands on one of those! I'll bet a supercharged 3.1L Rebello will turn out some very nice HP numbers with just a little boosting from a supercharger.. Just sayin'!

[psdenno]

The stock engine makes a great noise and provides more than enough power to get anyone in trouble. An engine transplant is merely an exercise in "Look What I Can Do!".

No ill will to those who choose to do that with their Zs, but the result is no longer a Z - just like a mouse with wings is no longer a mouse, it's a bat.

Dennis

[Zed Head]

I feel like it isn't a 240z at heart with another engine,

however I would not be opposed to replacing it with an LS1 engine or something of the likes one day, because I'm less attached to the numbers themselves than the car itself.

You seem conflicted. Your first statement fits with this forum, classiczcars, your second is more along the lines of the hybridz.org thinking.

MY EFI 280Z barely fits on this forum...

Edited September 30, 2012 by Zed Head

[Stanley]

when its engine inevitably meets its demise

With 110 K now, unless you plan on putting a rod through the block you might have to wait a while. I know a Datsun pickup that just got a rebuild - after 250K miles. Done any mods yet? I like some swaps, but there's a lot of potential in the L series motor, and I love to hear it wind. I'm a po boy, so it would be hipocritical to dis a swap I could never afford, but there's pleasure to getting the most out of your rig by tuneing. I bet my Z could beat it's previous self by at least 15 lengths in the quarter mile, and it's still pretty much stock, stock 81 JDM head & cam, though. A fresh valve job, carb & ignition tune, better exaust system? Not a lot of money, plenty of speed.

If you've got the bucks, and/or the skills, and just have to swap, I'd put something Nissan, just my opinion.

[ninjazombiemaster]

"You seem conflicted. Your first statement fits with this forum, classiczcars, your second is more along the lines of the hybridz.org thinking."

Shes classic as she is, and will probably stay that way - but its like OJ said, there's something about classic Japanese sports car looks with a modern drive train. Honestly, I'd rather get a second Z to mod if anything. This one is tastefully restored.

"With 110 K now, unless you plan on putting a rod through the block you might have to wait a while."

Indeed:)

It was given a decent overhaul at around 100k, so it should have a long life ahead of it. It has an aftermarket aluminum radiator, but that was more because of the availability than anything. And I believe the carbs are from a 72 or something, not sure, exactly, but they've been swapped. Basically everything on her is Original or OEM/Reproduction. It also has some other performance parts installed, front bushings (havent gotten around to the back), sway bar, that sort of thing.

[72 OJ]

Yep, the sexy 240Z has killer looks, exotic, a timeless Classic Italian/British/Nippon silhouette with a profile that screams Victorias Secret center fold. The one that I currently own has the heart and lungs of Wonder Woman

Edited October 1, 2012 by 72 OJ