[RexRoach 83zxt]

I have a chance to get my hands on a 78or 77 280z 5speed... I don't think there are any mods to it and I don't think there is as much rust on it as there is on my 83zxt... now my problem is all the stuff I have done to my 83 so far. here it is: K&N big cone, MSD ignition, iebach prokit springs, front air ****, new clutch, new exhaust, some minor apperence mods(valve cover, tint, seat covers, blue shifter), I have a homemade boost controller set at 9lbs, no IC, no pop-off valve. basicly I have put quite a bit of money into my 83.... now I'm pretty sure I can get this 280z for very cheap(500-1000 canadian) but I don't know too much about these cars... how hard is it to put my drivetrain in... I would do it myself if possible, it's brown and has a spoiler and loovers... does my T5 fit? does the drive shaft need to be shortened/lengthened? my 83zxt is silver and I love the color but it's got some serious body rust and pretty bad frame rust but that was going to get fixed this winter but if I get this original Z instead then my money can be put into stuff like springsm, struts, engine swap, what needs to go from my zxt to the Z for the engine to run good... I'm pretty confused which way to go but I'm sure you guys will be able to set me sraight... thanks a bunch



Dan

<http://ca.geocities.com/rexroach/>

 

[Unknown User]

I wish I was more familiar with the newer cars and I could answer your question for you better. Based on what I have seen of them the engine and trans should swap straight across. There are differences in the wiring harnesses which I am sure could be painlessly overcome. As far as the rest of it is concerned I am sure there are others more qualified to answer than me. But to get to my point aren't you in Red Deer? My brother just moved from the Kooteneys to some little skid mard near Red Deer. If you don't buy it let me know I may be interested. Good luck.

 

[DylanZ]

The way it was described to me is you gut your engine compartment, and start peice by peice pulling the turbo components out and placing them in the car. I don't know if you can keep computers or anything. As for the tranny, there should'nt be a problem, but you may want an 83 5 speed. Just a better tranny.

 

[RENN81ZXT]

Rexroach83zxt, I just completed swaping the drivetrain from my recked 81t to a 83na. You will have to replace the complete efi harness and controler. What i did was- 1. unplug harness from computer and pushed it into engine bay.
2. removed everything attached to this harness from car body and placed on top of engine- leave everything attached to harness.
3. attach hoist and remove engine with everything still attached.
4. remove everything from target car and install new drivetrain
5. the rear suspension is fairly simple to swap as a hole unit.