Graedat Posted June 9, 2015 Posted June 9, 2015 Hello everyone, I am starting a new build thread on my 77 260z. The forum has been a little quiet so I thought I would add my build. A couple of years ago I had decided to put an RB26DETT in her but my plans have changed (due to a back injury). The RB and many parts I had sourced have now been sold and the Zed will now be a street-able cruiser. I love the V8 in these cars and if its to be a cruiser that V8 rumble is a must! The Chev is a great choice and I did once have a 350 in her as many of you know. But in the corner of my shed sits a freshly reconditioned 351 Windsor waiting patiently to power something. I also wanted to tackle a conversion that doesn't seem to be very common and a little more difficult. Anyway enough talk here are some pics. Here is the Zed all stripped and ready for measuring. Quote
Moderators PB260Z Posted June 9, 2015 Moderators Posted June 9, 2015 Gidday 351W in a Z, I have thought about this idea, IIRC the Windsor is narrower the the Clevland. How do you stand with engineering 5,800cc's into a Z? I am really looking forward to seing you bring this idea to the road. Cheers PB Quote
Graedat Posted June 9, 2015 Author Posted June 9, 2015 No issues with with engine capacity. My car is registered with a tare weight of 1200kgs. My engineer said I could go 6.0 ls2 if I wanted. The Windsor is noticeably smaller in dimensions than the Cleveland and the Chev for that matter. Fits in beautifully. G Quote
Graedat Posted June 9, 2015 Author Posted June 9, 2015 The first thing I wanted to do was to run the Windsor on a stand to make sure it was OK. I grabbed my engine stand and modified it to suit the Windsor. I purchased the fox body sump from Ford Racing and I am very happy with the quality of the kit. I bolted it all up and then mounted the engine the the stand. Quote
Scoota G Posted June 10, 2015 Posted June 10, 2015 Me Rikey! That front sump may cause a bit of havoc with the crossmember unless you get it far enough back. This would then make it difficult to separate the engine from Trans (possibly). Quote
Graedat Posted June 10, 2015 Author Posted June 10, 2015 Hi Scoota, I read your build and was very impressed. I want the engine nice and close to the firewall. It will fit fine with some trimming. Quote
Graedat Posted June 10, 2015 Author Posted June 10, 2015 So I get the engine all prepped with carby, dizzy, and exhaust system. I connected up an oil pressure gauge and tacho to give me some info during the test. Quote
Graedat Posted June 10, 2015 Author Posted June 10, 2015 Yay, the engine runs fine, although I will probably be buying some heads for it. Looking seriously at the Kasse P38s. http://www.jonkaaseracingengines.com/html/kaase_p-38_canted_valve_small_block_ford_heads.html Watch Stacey Davids video.... pretty impressive! G. Quote
Graedat Posted June 10, 2015 Author Posted June 10, 2015 Right one more picture of the 351 Windsor just after a short test run. Happy there was no loud bangs or rattles. The next step is to start fabricating the cradle. It will span both chassis rails and go under the sump. First was to make sure the angle iron was sitting flush with the side of the chassis rails. Enter the Mill! Quote
Missinglink Posted June 11, 2015 Posted June 11, 2015 Looks like an interesting project! I have a 302 Windsor in my 240Z which is licenced, if you need any pictures for reference let me know (I didnt fit it but have rebuilt the engine etc) Quote
600Z Posted June 11, 2015 Posted June 11, 2015 Hi Grae, This will be very interesting to keep track of your build and pictures you post. I'm looking forward to it. Justin. Quote
boost Posted June 11, 2015 Posted June 11, 2015 Interesting build. I'm so envious of the ample space you have to work on the Z, the hoist and a milling machine as well ? What else do you have in that shed of yours Grae ? Quote
Graedat Posted June 11, 2015 Author Posted June 11, 2015 A closely guarded secret Boost. LOL. Thanks Justin, it will be slow but I will try to update once a week. Quote
Graedat Posted June 14, 2015 Author Posted June 14, 2015 Well I measured up the first sections for the cradle. It was a bigger job than I anticipated because I had to remove sections underneath to clear the radius rod support. I removed the pieces and re-welded the box section to ensure I had the strength needed. On looking at my welds I could have increased the voltage, but I did get some nice heat penetration so it will do. Here is some pictures. Jerry my greyhound is constantly supervising me and comes into the shed regularly to inspect my progress. Quote
CBR Jeff Posted June 14, 2015 Posted June 14, 2015 Jerry my greyhound is constantly supervising me and comes into the shed regularly to inspect my progress. Looking good. That's going to have some mumbo. Rocky says G Day to Jerry. Rocky is my biggest critic. Always ready to lend a hand. Looks like Jerry is the same? Jeff Quote
PeterAllen Posted June 14, 2015 Posted June 14, 2015 I can't find Roger Berry's 351 "Blue Oval" build thread but I guess you are aware of this. I haven't read it compltely and it's a bit old but there might be some helpful info. http://www.lainefamily.com/240Z_V8_Conversion.htm I always think it's a good idea to work on the extractors at the same time as engine mounts, it can save unnecessary design change when it all goes together. Looking good - most interesting and keep the info coming. Quote
Graedat Posted June 14, 2015 Author Posted June 14, 2015 Jeff you must send a photo now that you have introduced Rocky! Peter I have read that right up it is what I am basing my cradle from. I have been looking at how my headers will work and might try to make my own. Quote
PeterAllen Posted June 15, 2015 Posted June 15, 2015 I'm getting too old. The car I was thinking of was built by Terry Oxendale, I think Berry may have bought it. I'm sure there was 'build information' somewhere but I have found the photos link. http://www.fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/pictures?userid={7DC317B0-8EDB-4B2E-A837-F708D07C9769}&inv=9C67398D46D99D9&userid={7DC317B0-8EDB-4B2E-A837-F708D07C9769}&AlbumId={661DE507-2AFC-4542-BBB6-144B908D27CD}&inv=9C67398D46D99D9&GroupId={13F89174-0FDA-4036-8899-4E651925E818}&nt=a Quote
Graedat Posted June 15, 2015 Author Posted June 15, 2015 Oh wow have not seen these! Thanks Peter. Quote
CBR Jeff Posted June 15, 2015 Posted June 15, 2015 Jeff you must send a photo now that you have introduced Rocky! Peter I have read that right up it is what I am basing my cradle from. I have been looking at how my headers will work and might try to make my own. Ok he is on my build thread Quote
Graedat Posted July 8, 2015 Author Posted July 8, 2015 Sorry guys the cold is slowing me down a bit lately. I will update more pics tonight. Cheers G Quote
Graedat Posted July 8, 2015 Author Posted July 8, 2015 Small update tonight, this happened a while ago but I trial fitted the donk and measured and re-measured to make sure I had it right because I wouldnt get a second chance once I weld the cradle together. Quote
Graedat Posted July 8, 2015 Author Posted July 8, 2015 Small mod to the front cross member to give plenty of clearance for the sump. I cut it and re-welded it. Quote
Graedat Posted July 8, 2015 Author Posted July 8, 2015 Engine out again I have lost count and more measuring to make sure the angles for the cradle are spot on. I also spent some time making the engine mount supports to allow me to use the stock ford engine mounts. Quote
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