Engine Swap V8 - LS1 or LS2

[Warky]

Hi All,

I am new here and feeling kinda crazy.

After searching I have not be able to come up with to much solid info about dropping a V8 in, would love some help if anyone could.

 

The Car is an old 1970 240Z currently running an L28, to this day has never let me down.

She is getting a bit of a refurbish after a hard 15 years, need a driver side door handle, re skin the dash and a few other things but that's another thread.

 

I would like to drop a modern Chevy in. I have seen kits at http://www.rodshop.com.au/nissan/nissan_datsun.htm

Problem is they wont answer their phone or respond to an e-mail, so i have started to source some from over seas.http://www.johnscars.com/zcar/zcar.html

One thing i do not want to do is have to cut or modify any of the chassis.

 

Any one had any experience doing this or know if it can be done whilst still being able to keep it registered in Queensland ?

 

Thanks

[mossy]

Your best looking on this US forum

 

http://forums.hybridz.org/index.php/forum/30-v8-z-forums/

[Scoota G]

Or get one of these.

[George]

 

Any one had any experience doing this or know if it can be done whilst still being able to keep it registered in Queensland ?

 

As a first step I would get a hold of an engineer and discuss my plans with them.

 

What is the intended use?

How much power do you want?

Are you sure the L28 can't serve you well with a fraction of the cost?

What tranny do you plan to run? Brakes, diff, shafts etc all need to be considered. It's a slippery slope once you start.

 

The link mossy threw up is your best bet for info. They've discussed the subject to death on that forum.

 

Good luck!

[620Z]

The only body mod you will need is to strengthen the Chassis. Not cutting needed. Just the odd belting in the tunnel to accomodate the gear box. Hope you have plenty of cash as one thing leads to another etc etc. Or you could buy mine if you had heaps of cash. Ha Ha

[Warky]

Thanks for the replies the hybridz forum was quiet helpful, found a guide of how a guy did his.

but my biggest issue i have found is the department of main roads requirement. original car weight X 4 and that's the max CC allowed.

 

I am getting a list of engineers, i will pick one to call and speak with, I will need their approval no matter what i do.

http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Safety/Vehicle-standards-and-modifications/Vehicle-modifications/Light-vehicle-modifications.aspx#qcop

 

 

[PB260Z]

Welcome Warky,

 

You mentioned that the car is a 1970 model, is it a series 1, or what is commonly called an "Early Girl" ? these are highly sort after by The Z car crowd. V8 conversions always make for interesting discussions 

 

There are a few V8's in the build threads, have a read through them and make most of the experience some of our members can provide.

 

Good luck with the project.

 

Cheers

 

PB

 

 

 

[Riceburner]

Tim's LS1 240z was engineered in QLD. He sold it a while ago, but I think he still pops in every so often.

 

Check out his build thread. http://www.viczcar.com/forum/index.php/topic,6875.0.html

[zed240au]

I used johns cars engine mounts for my ls1 conversion well made and good fit From my research I would think its the most common kit used for Ls1 installs

Engine and 6 speed fit in with no cutting needed to the body of car

As u raised the weight will possibly be your biggest problem But should be able to sort it out with right engineer Worst thing you will find is the correct weight for a 240z common number quoted is 1168 kg which was quoted to me by Transport Tasmania

On the national modifications manual formula car weighing between 800kg and 1100 kg max engine capacity is weight by 4 there for 240z 4.672 litre

But in national modifications manual car weighing 1100 kg to 1400 kg is multiplied by 5 there for 1200 kg by 5 gives u 6 lt

Also stated in national modifications manual you can use the weight of the heaviest version of your body delivered to Australia therefore u can use weight of 260z 2 seater for the base weight in your calcs  which should get you over the line for this step depending on engineer Qld transport

But I found it very hard to find documented proof of Australian delivered weights for both 240z and 260z

 

Ls1 conversion makes for great car lot fun lots power good on fuel to cruise hard on tyres

 

Happy to help if you need any further info

 

Mick

 

[44014]

Exact problem I found when trying to figure that out.

Can not get a "official weight" for a aus model

My engineer was happy to accept a PDF of a scanned 280z manual stating a Californian weight of 1600kg

[Warky]

Thanks for the Post Mick, that has given me some hope.

 

Main use as an every day driver for myself. Problem is it's a project of passion, not purpose.

There is always the fall back to either do up the L28 or drop an RB26 into it.

 

As for the "Early Girl" unfortunately its not a series 1, I think.

my vin is 571 my old man has a lower vin 327 or there about.

- Mine has tool boxes behind the seat, his has holes into a void

- He has an air-vent in the boot, mine are in the pillars.

- his also went faster with the  L24 then the one i had with an L28...

 

So its safe to assume he has the series 1 your talking about.

 

EDIT

The curb weight in QLD for a 240Z is 1042Kg. Full stop, not open for discussion.

Looks like the v8 conversion discussion is over.

 

 

 

[monkey]

nissan's VH41de is only 4.1 which is under the 4168cc max for a 240z, the conversion has done before. Though not sure of any off the shelf mounting kits. hope this keeps your v8 zed dream alive.

[RB30X]

My engineer was Lynsay Stone Engineering in Townsville.

Not sure if he's still in the game or not though.

You could probably pick up my old car (currently for sale on the gold coast) for the cost of parts and engineering alone, and keep yours with the L6.

 

[Warky]

So I manage to speak with a bloke in the modifications area at QLD main roads.

 

- an engineer will pass on formal documents I provide. If what ever I provide is not water tight and an accident occurs, its back on me.

- engineer is in the clear because he acted accordingly to what he was provided.

 

I can walk the very fine line of claiming the 260 chassis is the same as the 240 and utilize the 260 weight. He did stipulate that according to them it is a different make, not different model.

I would need formal documentation to back any tight rope walking I do.

So if any one has any thing that may help please let me know.

 

He did give me one piece of advice that was very helpful, don't waste my time with a modern engine swap. I will have to ensure it meets all pollution requirements of the car it came out off.

I can do what ever i want because the current engine is pre pollution requirements, if I cant find solid documentation I think I might look at rebuild adding forced induction.

 

Unfortunately this little one has sentimental value. Wanting to restore to her former glory, with a bit more go.

see attached, they are a beautiful car.

 

 

 

[44014]

Thanks for the Post Mick, that has given me some hope.

 

Main use as an every day driver for myself. Problem is it's a project of passion, not purpose.

There is always the fall back to either do up the L28 or drop an RB26 into it.

 

As for the "Early Girl" unfortunately its not a series 1, I think.

my vin is 571 my old man has a lower vin 327 or there about.

- Mine has tool boxes behind the seat, his has holes into a void

- He has an air-vent in the boot, mine are in the pillars.

- his also went faster with the  L24 then the one i had with an L28...

 

So its safe to assume he has the series 1 your talking about.

 

EDIT

The curb weight in QLD for a 240Z is 1042Kg. Full stop, not open for discussion.

Looks like the v8 conversion discussion is over.

Can you provide the source of this information?

[Warky]

The info was from an engineer i called, apparently he has a book with the weight data, and that's what he works off.

 

Its entirely up to the guy you get to certify and the documents you can provide.

Also how much he likes to work in the grey area, as discussed in a previous post.

 

I think I will just let it go, I have not invested any money yet.

 

 

[PB260Z]

The info was from an engineer i called, apparently he has a book with the weight data, and that's what he works off.

 

Its entirely up to the guy you get to certify and the documents you can provide.

Also how much he likes to work in the grey area, as discussed in a previous post.

 

I think I will just let it go, I have not invested any money yet.

 

I wouldn't give up just yet. Consider these options.

 

* Try another engineer.

* There are a few V8's that meet the requirement based on 1,042kgs - Nissan VH41, Toyota 1UZ, Rover 3.5 or 3.9

 

Most of these engines are also alloy so weight may well be similar to L26/28

 

Just a thought.

[Warky]

Thank you every one for the help.

I have made the first engineer a little mad with arguing the meaning of model, he is sticking to his book.

 

The guy at the transport department accepted that they are in fact the same model and I have another engineer on side.

A picture is worth a thousand words in this case.

 

I just need an exact weight of a 260 

My second engineer has not got a "book" and wants me to prove the weight.

so far i have 1100, 1162, 1200. none of which i would call a reliable source.

 

[44014]

Thank you every one for the help.

I have made the first engineer a little mad with arguing the meaning of model, he is sticking to his book.

 

The guy at the transport department accepted that they are in fact the same model and I have another engineer on side.

A picture is worth a thousand words in this case.

 

I just need an exact weight of a 260 

My second engineer has not got a "book" and wants me to prove the weight.

so far i have 1100, 1162, 1200. none of which i would call a reliable source.

 

Ah ha back to the problem I had.

I spoke with my engineer and I explained the situation and that Aus delivered cars do not have the weight stated

in the owners manuals , I went on to explain I can show him a (S30) weight in a Nissan owners manual for over 1500kg but it was from a american s30,

he was was more then happy with that.

This is quite advantageous as the 77 280Z 2+2 California spec car must have led floors as it comes in at like 1550 kg or something silly.

 

[Warky]

Any chance you have a digital copy ?

I just need some thing with s30 and a weight.

 

1500kg, could go with an LS3.....

 

Thanks