What do you think?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Billy Bob Joe
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Billy Bob Joe

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Hey, I am thinking of getting a Datsun 240Z for my first car this summer. I already have planned everything and am dropping in a V8. I really want to put in a 302, but it seems a bit more difficult than a 350. Which engine do you think should go with?
 
LS1! I've seen one with an LS1 in it and it was perfect, but I dunno what was required to get it in there.
 
302? Are you refering to the Ford 302? Or chev?

Ethier way I wouldnt put a V8 in a 240Z but if you really want too I would go the Chev V8 350 or 383 stroker.
 
I wouldn't go for such an old car for your first car, Datsuns are from the late 70's if I'm not mistaken and I could be. I think you are just giving yourself a big headache. Although I'm not you so to answer your question a 350 is your best bet, you can always stroke it later. Not an LS1 though since you would have to deal with a ton of electronics.

Go to the GM crate motor website and look at a good carbed motor. In fact I'll provide you with a link http://www.gmgoodwrench.com/perfpartsjsp/partlist.jsp?section=ce&cat=9274. Be sure to select a transmission that won't blow up, the stock on will if you put a V8 on it. Also upgrade the rear end, doesn't have to be a Ford 9, but get a decent one.

You will also need to rework the suspension since the car will sit funny with all that extra weight up front. And the brakes will be a must as well.
 
good luck.

my first car was a 1976 BMW 2002. still have it. it still runs great. suprises a lot of people.

old cars need constant love. be warned.


great choice BTW.
 
heh. lets hope a 302 will fit under the hood/bonnet without having to hack the sheet metal, mounts, etc to peices.
 
Unless you are a mechanic or are related to a mechanic that likes you, I'd think twice about doing this as a first car.

Old cars - even stock ones - are a constant hobby. Modifying them heavily just makes them moreso. If you're also relying on this car as a daily driver, that just ups the ante.

What do you do when your fabricated motor mounts break? Call in sick to work? Stay up all night with a welder and try again?

Project cars are great but they take time, money, knowledge, and facilities. Lacking any one of those things pretty much means you need to double the others.

That being said, the project you are discussing has been done before and so if you have skill and a place to work and time to do it, it can be done. I'd try the message boards at www.grmotorsports.com for a good dose of reality.
 
My neighbour had a 240Z with a small block in it. Beauty car, lots of power, but was always on his back working on it. Would love to drive it, just not own it.
 
Nice choice.... my father used to own a 240Z and he kept telling me how he loved its performance. Be sure to post pics if you get it.
 
Hey everyone thanks for the help but this project has been scrapped due to a recent financial crisis. I'll just buy a newer car next summer...
Probably a 1991-ish MR2 :)
 
Duke
Unless you are a mechanic or are related to a mechanic that likes you, I'd think twice about doing this as a first car.

Old cars - even stock ones - are a constant hobby. Modifying them heavily just makes them moreso. If you're also relying on this car as a daily driver, that just ups the ante.

What do you do when your fabricated motor mounts break? Call in sick to work? Stay up all night with a welder and try again?

Project cars are great but they take time, money, knowledge, and facilities. Lacking any one of those things pretty much means you need to double the others.

That being said, the project you are discussing has been done before and so if you have skill and a place to work and time to do it, it can be done. I'd try the message boards at www.grmotorsports.com for a good dose of reality.
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And because of this, it may be best to to buy this car and just use it as a daily driver. Then when you have the money later on, buy another one to work on.
That way you have one to drive, and one to work on.
 
My vote is for LS1. It's a proven swap into the Z, light enough not to upset the weight balance too badly, makes good power for the size, is newer and more reliable, and there are kits, and the experience of the community, to help with a swap.
 
Good choice. My dad has a 78 280z with a 350 sbc. And he has a 74 260z with a 383.
He also has a 72 240z but hes restoring it back to stock.
 

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