1976 280z
 

I have a 1976 280z and I am wanting to turbo it, but I need advice. It has 180k miles on it, what internals do I need to replace before I ---- with a turbo.

As for as the engine goes, I was going to replace the cam, valve springs and retainers, rods, pistons, rocker arms, valves and get new head gaskets.

Is there anything else I should do before I turbo?

http://www.strike9.com/file.aspx?pat...size/280z4.jpg

Re:1976 280z
 

Due to the age of the engine, I would go ahead and do a rebuild.. Just freshen it up. I dont know what the factory compression ratio of that engine is, But I would build something around a 8.5 to 9.0c/r engine. Not to high, and not to low.

Now correct me if I'm wrong, but Wasnt their a few years on the 280's that came with factory turbo chargers? Are the manifolds interchangable from the NA to FI versions of the engine?

I am actually a Nissan Tech, But I have very little knowledge about the older Z's.

I would assume the rods are pretty strong, I have yet to see a Nissan with small rods, other than the QR25.

Jeff

Re:1976 280z
 

talk to these guys http://www.hybridz.org/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=16

Re:1976 280z
 

yeah..there is a turbo model of the 280.

Re:1976 280z
 

janspeed (prenounced yanspeed) did an aftermarket turbo conversion for the 280

Re:1976 280z
 

dude...screw the turbo..my uncle has a 70 something 280Z with a lS1 engine from a 98 camaro Z28 in it..i have no idea how he did it..but the car is fast.

Re:1976 280z
 

The 350 motor/trans is a direct swap. Just gotta get the motor mount kit from JTR, its like $340. The 350 motor adds a lot of weight to the front of the car and makes it handle like ----. A lot of people will not do the swap simply because it will rip the car apart.

Re:1976 280z
 

Yes, the 2nd generation 280's have a turbo model. Everyone I spoke to says the manifold and all that jazz will not fit, and it will have to be custom made and custom fitted.

I figured I would get an aftermarket exhaust manifold (or header, whatever) and have that raped and made to support a turbo application.

Re:1976 280z
 

i wont go into that arguement hah. but when i put the 302 (chev) in my 1971 240 it handled just as good as when it had the straight 6. people are misinformed.

Re:1976 280z
 

agreed, I would go small block !

Re:1976 280z
 

Sounds good, there is a 350 engine/tranny for sale in the paper, $550. I'll call on it today.

Now I can get those chrome valve covers i've always wanted!!! or not.

Re:1976 280z
 

If I put in the carbureted sb Chevy 350 motor, would I be able to turbo it? Would it just be better to go NA with a high-flow carb and a Spiral Max...

Re:1976 280z
 

anything more than a BPU 350 won't be very streetable, I mean twin turbo that 350 in the Z and you won't have traction in 4th gear

Re:1976 280z
 

Sounds like a bet to me, buddy. Heading to Pick n Pull tommorow, hopefully punk some parts.

Re:1976 280z
 

Is it just me or is stealing stuff from the salvage yards REALLY fun?

Re:1976 280z
 

I prefer to think of it as giving the government some competition.

Re:1976 280z
 

I had a 78 280z with a turbo motor in it. was very fun to drive, and got better mileage than my non-turbo, and was very quick. I personally wouldn't do the smallblock thing. I would get an 81-83 turbo z motor and sit down in it. you can put 240 rods in the motor(100 thousands longer, raises compression one point), o-ring the block, and push around 4-500 hp on it. or you can just get the p90 head(turbo head) and put it on your 260 motor.(don't bother porting or polishing the p90 head, nissan spent $$ doing it already,you'll only make it worse). I have never heard of the turbo manifold not fitting the other motors. the 240-260-280 motor parts will pretty much all interchange. The factory downpipe will work, you'll just have to have a muffler shop fabricate a 3inch exhaust to run with it. I am building an 82 turbo motor right now to go in my 53 chevy 2dr hardtop. the v8 will kill your mileage, but the turbo six will be more fun and get great mpg.

Re:1976 280z
 

So... small-block it is.

Re:1976 280z
 

I can get a pretty good deal on a blown 350 motor. If I put a blown 350 in it, do you think the frame would hold up?

I also don't want to cut up my hood to have the Hillborn scoop go through it, but I will make that sacrifice if I don't have to do much frame work.

Re:1976 280z
 

I'd say 87' Buick Grand National motor, but that's just me.. Seen the stock motor run 9.9s in a freaking regal, so imagine what it'd do in a 280...

PS: I'm putting a GN motor in a fox body stang...

Re:1976 280z
 

giraffe go on hybridz! they know there ----.

u can buy 350 mount kits on ebay also. i made my own it was easy.

Re:1976 280z