which engine to go with?

[bsw1221]

Planning the new build. Should I go with the the f54 or should I do a swap? I want a fun build. I want a fun streetable car that will surprise the non beleiver that pulls up beside me. But most of all I want it to be consistently fun to drive and not overpowering. And reasonably maintainable. Any help is appreciated

[Zed Head]

No offense but you haven't even described your starting point. Swap from what, in to what?

[bsw1221]

Its going to be an early 70s 240. I am in the process of finding a rust free body. Then I plan I stripping it down and having it prepped for paint. And will have new wiring. But before I begin wiring I need to know my entire build plan. Which is all decided on my power train.

[Zed Head]

It's good to have a plan.The F54 is just an engine block.

Here's a calculator that someone created that's really handy for seeing how different combinations of parts work together. OZDAT.com Engine Design Utility

[bsw1221]

What I originally intended to ask is if the in line 6 gives the power and performance to really provide a wonderful feel. Is it ever laggy on response or feel weak?

[bsw1221]

Thanks for the link. Very useful page.

[FastWoman]

An inline 6 is going to be no more or less responsive than any other geometry of engine, in terms of response lag, power, or whatever. Power is more a matter of displacement, head design, and other factors that are somewhat over my head. Response lag mostly has to do with the intake.

What an inline 6 (and not a V6) gives you is perfect primary and secondary balance, unlike any other engine configuration except a V12. It's smooth and light -- my favorite type of engine. Even better, the L24/26/28 has a lovely chain-driven OHC, an honest flat tappet valve train on which you can adjust the lash (a strangely satisfying job), and 7 main crank bearings. It's a really tough engine.

But is a 2.8L I6 going to be as powerful as a 350ci (5.7L) V8? Well.... probably not. But it's going to be a sweet engine nevertheless, delivering an honest 150 hp, give or take, in its stock configuration. Will you humiliate anyone in a late model Camaro? Probably not. But you don't have to. You'll look and feel twice as cool.

As for the responsiveness of the stock engines: I can't speak for the carbureted engines, because I've never driven a carbureted Z. But the EFI 280Z is VERY responsive when it's in proper repair. Punch the pedal, and it goes.

Edited April 3, 2014 by FastWoman

[bsw1221]

Thanks for the post. I really appreciate the feedback. My thinking has been that I will build a straight 6 and get the most performance I can using the best configuration and some better than stock parts. But from what I gather, alot of the stock parts are very good to begin with. Again thanks for the help

[siteunseen]

Datsun Z Garage- ZCAR Performance Mods

[Jeff G 78]

What is your budget and what are you going to use the car for once built? There are lots of choices and there isn't one right answer. Some like strokers, some like high revving motors, and others like turbos. What about fuel delivery? Are you going to stick with SU's or swap to triple carbs? You can give Rebello a call and get anything you want, but it won't be cheap. A simple DIY build will cost between $1000 and $2000 for the engine plus whatever carbs you go with. Those will be $200 to $1500.

[bsw1221]

My budget on motor/trans is 8500. But this will be my first build that isnt just buying a bolt on part and thinking I did something. This is my first complete car to go through. Im assuming whichever I pick the wiring will be a few thousand to put in all new. Im not sure but I figured thatd leave me room for costly mistakes.

[bsw1221]

That 8500 is including buying the motor/trans