1983 Datsun 280zx Engine Swap
 

I am in some desperate need of advice/help when it comes to acquiring the correct parts in order to put an RB26DETT into my 83ZX. This is going to be my first Engine Swap and I know I also need an RB25DETT Transmission... I am just having one HE&& of a time finding what I need. It also does not help that I'm currently in Germany. Any help/advice with this would be much appreciated, thanks!!

Here's the correct section for this subject

Other Vehicles - Nissan 370Z Forum

at least the car was sold in germany, last guy i knew that did one in a z32 got parts from a japanese salvage motor company. youre gonna be ordering a lot of stuff from japan if you can't get it from the dealer.

Have you been here:

Nissan : Datsun ZCar forum :Nissan Z Forum: 240Z to 370Z

or

Classic Zcar Club

Thank You.

It has been moved. :)

^^

My old Home :ugh2:


Both good places for information gathering.

Personally Im biased for an V-8 conversion as thats what I did to my ''70'' 240Z

Also try Hybridz.org. It's the best website for engine swaps regarding old Z's. Everything from V8 to RB's to VQ's. The hardest pare for the RB is fabricating motor mounts. After that everything just pretty much bolts together assuming you have the right parts. Good luck

Might try finding/contacting Gordon MacSwain. He's the one who own's/built the RB powered 240Z that went up against Nissan's crowd sourced 370Z. Even though his is a 240z instead of a 280z, I'm sure he could give you a few pointers.

Here's a little write up about his Z: RB powered 240Z

Cool! Got pics?

I also go to hybridz.org.
HybridZ

You need engine, IC, Radiator, fan, drive shaft better differential and for gearbox there are some options:

1. RB25DET 5sp gearbox, only downside has long gears but can handle power
2. 300ZX gearbox is also good and can be mated with the RB25/26
3. VQ35/37 6sp manual CD009 (2006 till now )

Parts arent such a big issue let me know what you looking for can guide you.

These people sell mounting kits bolt on can be done at home though a bit expensive then what we pay here in dubai

Home McKinney Motorsports

There is another company in Florida Zfever they do the swaps also if close can contact them

Mounting is pretty much straight forward atleast how people do it here mine took two days of measuring and getting it done.

HybridZ is an awesome forum loads of information and very helpful as well.

Engines and parts here are cheaper for instance I sold my RB25DET engine slightly modified with gearbox, radiator, intercooler with IC piping, wiring harness along with standalone ECU ( tuned) and engine mounts for 4000$ to a guy in califonia and shipped it from here, try to keep an eye on full drop in kits might save a lot of hassle and money. If you need any help in getting anything form here let me know if I search can get mounts engine and gearbox etc.