Engine parts & Performance

[ohioz]

I am new to the forum. After reading many articles I am really confused. What I would like to do is put a 280zx turbo engine into a 280Z. I Know the V8 argument. I would loke to know what the best block is(year & model)? Same for the head. I want to build a fast street and track car. I have work on turbo cars before. Want to put bigger turbo on so need best flowing head for application. Does anyone make a good turbo cam for these engines or is stock best. How about crank, rods, pistons. Do they need replaced? Is there a book on the market that explains all of this? Can anyone recommend a shop that would have this information?

[Tiburon]

The consensus around here seems to be Turbocharging by using the 81-83 turbocharged inline six and performing aftermarket mods like: hybrid turbo,

intercooler, aftermarket ignition and or ECMS. along with exhaust, intake, cylinder head porting, aftermarket rods, pistons, valves and camshafts (although the stock cam seems to be enough to run 350 hp)

other mods can include tubular header and downpipe with coatings

external wastegates, pop off valves, etc etc....

Do use the T5 with this mod as the early 5 speeds won't hold up.

[texasz]

Generally putting in an '81-'83 280ZX Turbo engine will be what you are looking for but what you DON'T want is the P90a head! I think that these were only in the '83s so what this really means is that you will be looking for an '81-'82 280ZX Turbo engine, this will have the P90 head which is said to be the best flowing head and all three years have the F54 block wich is considered the best block by most. The difference is that the P90a went to hydrolic lifters and they are crap (from what everyone says...and I do mean everyone).

After that there are other mods you can do but I do not know anything about these as I am focused on a carbed non-turbo car and have not investigated your choice.

[ohioz]

Thanks for the replys. Now that I know what block and head to look for I have some other questions. With an inter cooler, how much boost can a stock motor take and still live a reasonable amount of time.

Do you need to put larger valves in this head? If so, what size and kind?

Does anyone make pistons for these engines or must one order custom pistons?

Who makes the best rods?

I would like to try for at least 450Hp. Is this reasonable for this engine and still be able to drive it hard?

I like to attend track days or driving schools as some are called.

Some street driving also.

[Tiburon]

Ok, now that you know which head and block to go for,

I would definitely think about going with a custom fuel rail....

NIssan makes off the shelf pistons for the turbo....

if going forged (which I recommend for the HP you want)

JE, Ross, Arias, CP, Wiseco all make excellent pistons.

I would recommend a dished piston as the flat tops may cause

pinging...Plus dished pistons are best for forced induction anway.

The very best rods in the industry are as follows, Oliver, Pauter and Crower, Carillo Rods, then you have Eagle, Scat etc....these are all high dollar rods and will hold up well up to 700hp.

Polishing the beams and journals and balancing the weight of the rods really helps the stock type rods handle a bit more power but I wouldn't chance an engine build up on stock rods (especially a turbo).

BY going custom rods and custom pistons, you can go longer rods and shorter comp height pistons reducing the outter most rotating weight, helping the engine spool up quicker.

I would also recommend going with Ferrea or manley stainless valves

(Ferrea are pricey but light, Manley are more reasonable but are durable

and both allow excellent flow)

Hardened seats are a must if using the N42 head. Cylinder head and intake portworkk are also crucial power adders in this arena as are thermal coatings to help control thermal energy.

The stock turbo crank can be reworked.....I would recommend a lightening, knife edging and polishing of the crank along with proper rotating assembly balancing. (less rotational weight means more power and quicker spooling)

The intercooler allows for you to run higher boost pressures and a more aggressive timing advance without preignition and or pinging.

I have seen some non intercooled turbo cars run up to 10-12 psi without too many problems....the intercooler can help get you into the 14-16psi (depending on the intercooler type, efficiency and location of it)

heck I have seen some cars with engine coatings and coated intercooler run

just over 18psi and the motor pushed some BIG power. The tailpipe was indeed glowing red as a cherry after that dyno pull....

:nervous:

the question here is how much are you willing to spend to get to 450 hp?

[Mr Camouflage]

Check out this site:

http://www.geocities.com/zgarage2001/z.html