Karl's 1983 T-top 280zx Build

[280zx_nz]

Well I have yet again changed plans on what engine to use! so many RBs around now and wanting the Z to be different so have purchased another engine.....



cough..XR6T 4LT turbo engine, believe it is out of a BF XR6 but won't know until it arrives. Not sure what to do about a gearbox, I have a T5 manual box that is currently sitting in a EA SVO 3.9, not sure if it is a world class box or not, have to have a look. Thinking either buy gear set from the U.S, or U.K can't remember where i saw it but it will handle alot more torque, from the sounds of it 3rd gear gives out almost straight away when 300kw is put through it lol!. Next on the list is upgraded valve springs as they cannot handle much more than 340kw. Going to use a Holset HX35 on it. I'll upload some more photos when the engine arrives.

[Datto_610]

Nice! I like what your doing with this!

[280zx_nz]

Well so much about that, sale fell through as the seller couldn't prepare it for freight. Until I find another engine I have been carrying on with the RB conversion, fabricated some new engines mounts yesterday and got the engine sitting quite low and corrected the angle:



Finally got around to tacking the inlet plenum together:



Probably won't end up doing much more to it anytime soon, been busy with my partners S14 VQ30DET conversion, for those that are interested, couple of pics:

[280zx_nz]

RB30 is now back up for sale as I have finally decided on a engine for it. LM7 5.3l Chev V8 out of a 2001 Tahoe from Murica, better than LS1 stock to turbo since it has a lower compression ratio. Sorting out freight for it at the moment, going through a place called Gateway in Christchurch. Only done 177,027k's, these engines get used well into 300-400 thousand miles no problem, tough engine.



Got this wee, well not so wee turbo for it. Holset HX52, easy 700-800hp turbo. Needs a new compressor wheel.

[gingofthesouth]

RB30 would have been nice.
Nissan engine inside Nissan car with plenty of bolt on performance bits readily available in NZ.
Good luck with the sale all the same

[280zx_nz]

Would have been awesome, its a pitty that there are so many RB Z's around now, not only Z's, in anything! Sick of hearing about and seeing them around.

Engine I have bought is capable of alot more anyhow. Going to fabricate all the bolt on stuff myself e.g turbo and inlet manifold/s so not really a issue, I believe they share parts with LS1s and LS2's. RB30 has been sold to someone up in Auckland

[280zx_nz]

Engine is on its way, due to arrive on the 19th of November. New rims finally arrived!

[classicdat]

Love the rims, they will look sweet.

[280zx_nz]

Engine arrived! Christmas has come early:






The LM7 in stock form is very nice to look at and there is no way the intake and alternator placement will fit under the bonnet



Above picture is compared to a Ls1 intake which will be getting used until I have decided on a intake design to fabricate.

Quite clean in the heads



Started cleaning it and getting it read for trial fit. I will most likely have to modify the sump or use one out of a late model Holden Commodore V8, same as Camaro.