Engine swap for a 1971 240z

[Lgarretto]

Hi

I just got onto this forum because I recently acquired a 1971 240z roller with no engine or transmission and I would like to ask some of you folks about possible engine and tranny swaps. I realize this question has probably been posed a number of times, I just wanted to ask it specific to me.

As far as the transmission honestly other than a 5 speed manual I really don't have too much preference so I don't really need ideas there actually, but I'd like some input on engines if y'all don't mind.

There are a handful of things I'd like out of whatever engine I choose for the swap. I realize that I probably won't get them all but I'd like to get as many as I could.

1) I'd like a small, preferably high revving engine. Likely sub 3.0 liter but I'm open to larger. I like the sound and feel (and most importantly how the car is driven) of smaller, higher revving engines.

2)reliability is big

3)enough aftermarket support that I don't have to fabricate everything

4)ability to get a crate engine is a big plus to me. (Or at least a professionally rebuilt one)

5)being that I'd like to make this into a track day/street car, my power output goal is somewhere around 400 plus horsepower

6) I know it's fairly far fetched for a small engine, but I'd like to stay away from too much internal work on the engine. A little is unavoidable I'm sure, but it would be nice.

If it helps, some of the engines I've been considering: l28, rb25det, sr20det, f20c, ej20, 1uz-fe, 4a-gze

I own a 6 port 13-b that I took out of a totaled rx8 I had, but I really don't want to use a rotary because they aren't particularly reliable and performance is difficult to acquire because of so much having to be fabricated custom.

Thanks, I appreciate any input or thought anyone happens to have

Logan

[Mark Maras]

If you're going to use a Datsun engine Rebello(sp.) is the answer for a high H.P. Z engine although 400 hp may be optimistic. If your choice is non Datsun, HybridZ has a lot of info on other swaps. These cars like lightweight engines.

I've thought seriously about a 13B too. If you need info on that swap, I know a fellow near Portland who has put rotaries in; Triumph Spitfire, Volkswagen Beetle, MGB & many more than I can remember. He also rebuilds rotaries for the Mazda dealers & Bonneville salt flats. PM me if you want to contact him. I think this would be an excellent choice.

[Arne]

400 HP is a lot for stock 240Z suspension and brakes. I'd go about this the other way, start by getting the cheapest and easiest to install engine and transmission into it and make it a driver. That is going to be an L-series six along with a stock 4 or 5 speed. Once you have it moving under its own power, work over the brakes and suspension. Then pick the killer drivetrain of your choice.

It's my feeling that many people pick the most difficult part first, and don't ever get a chance to enjoy the car first. Then when progress slows, it's hard to be motivated because you don't have anything to refer back to.

[madkaw]

400 HP is a lot for stock 240Z suspension and brakes. I'd go about this the other way, start by getting the cheapest and easiest to install engine and transmission into it and make it a driver. That is going to be an L-series six along with a stock 4 or 5 speed. Once you have it moving under its own power, work over the brakes and suspension. Then pick the killer drivetrain of your choice.

It's my feeling that many people pick the most difficult part first, and don't ever get a chance to enjoy the car first. Then when progress slows, it's hard to be motivated because you don't have anything to refer back to.

This man speaks with great wisdom. That 71 is no where close to handling 400hp without $$$$ in mods- brakes, suspension, safety. 200 HP would be fun for street and track and cheap while you shake down the chassis.

[Arne]

Steve adds another thing that I didn't mention above - even 200 HP is great fun in a car as light as a 240Z. And given the difficulties in getting serious amounts of rubber under the Z fenders, going much beyond 200 can be a bit squirrelly to drive.

[240260280z]

In Physics F=ma

In Datsuns F=a/m where F is Fun, m is weight and a is proportional to motor's power.

Here are some car comparisons I just stuck in a quick table: