280zx hardtop possible install

[tir33d]

You know the saying "when it rains it pours"

Well after buying the 280zx hardtop from Bigworm and only having it off the trailer at the workshop for less than 1 hour I had a customer with a VX calais with 80,000k's turn up on a car trailer, long story short was in a front end bingle with no insurance so is after an offer on the car, now its a clean calais with LS1 and auto, I told him that realistically I could only offer him $3-$4k as all I want is the motor and gearbox (but do I really want it?). I think I would own this car for $3500.

So..... I know how to put an LS1 into a 280zx but this is a different model being a 79. One thing I noticed is its a steering box rather than rack and pinion. I don't have my race car here as its still in Sydney getting its cage and exhaust re-done so I can't make direct comparisons.

Are there any other major changes between the 79 and my 82 model?

By the RTA website in NSW I could legally engineer a LS1 (346ci) if the car weighs 1270kgs. Are my numbers right?

I know I luv my race cars power, but keeping it legal would have been great, now I have this hardtop I think I want to go down the same track but get it legal (as per RB30x - but he is QLD).

My $1000+ car is now looking like a $8000 car before bodywork, but I think done right the car would be worth ??  10 - 15k. Thoughts anyone.......... I don't plan on doing it to sell it, but its always good to keep an eye on real value.

Jeez, if I would have done that with my racecar I would prob have been about $20k better off................ Cars, prostitutes, wifes, kids - they all cost lots........ At least a prostitute charges you upfront and you know what you are getting...............

[Wayne G]

Love your sense of humour