[ozzy 79]

Hi folks,

My 79 (with an 82 engine) needs a new exhaust manifold (rusty). At $530 Aust for a new manifold, plus labour, the cost is going to be around $800 or more.

In my dreams I want to have a 280zx turbo. My understanding is that the cost involved in converting to turbo would be around $4000 - $6000 Aust?

My thought is - I'm about to pay $800 for a new exhaust manifold... But if I want to go for a turbo, they're going to throw that manifold out anyway...

If the conversion could be done for say around $2,000, then that's only $1200 more than the cost to replace the exhaust manifold...

Am I dreaming? Can I forget it til I win Lotto?

I understand it is not just a "bolt this on here" job (converting to turbo), so doubt I'll be able to do it myself. (so no money being saved there).

Any advice, or consoling words?

 

[ozzy 79]

PS

I'm in Australia, so I can't just go buy a zxt cheap and transplant the motor (they were never sold over here).

 

[turbobluestreak]

Ok my advice is that you just go out junk curse'n and buy a complete turbo parts car and just switch the whole set up. engine, wiring harness,ecu, dash,and if your smart get the heating/cooling unit (its ten times better then the non turbo). Because I bought a non turbo and thought that I could just make it turbo and then I releized this is a lot easier. Plus I got my parts car for 200 with a whole much of goodies still in the car to sell.


Mike

 

[ozzy 79]

Please refer to PS - no turbos available

 

[warren p.]

new suggestion

do know your block # and head # ???
i think f54 blocks where for turbo cars but some non turbo cars had them. 1 of my 280zx's did. also some non turbo cars came with a p79 head that was on turbo cars. cuz if u have a f54 block u may be able to buy a p79 head from the states and the other parts u need.
u didn't they make the 200zr aka (the 300zx in america) down there?
u could always trans plant a 300zx aka 200zr motor in to your 280zx. i know u have skylines there too. right? u could alwasy put one of those in also. it may be esier than trying to find turbo parts for a 280zx there.

 

[ozzy 79]

Re: new suggestion

Um.... does engine # L28 711966 help at all? Where do I find the head & block no's? (other than "on the head" and "on the block".

If I can just get the p79 head, and "other parts"... if I installed them all (big if, would depend on how much creativity was required - if it's just plug'n'play, then sure, but if there's drilling and cutting... not likely), would the car go? My understanding is that once you actually set it all up, it has to be fine tuned to work properly?? If I got it that far, could I then take it to a mechanic to do the fine tuning?

Your alternatives also sound interesting. A Jap mechanic actually suggested the Skyline idea to me when I showed him my exhaust manifold problem. To me, a Skyline is a boring sedan. What exactly would I be looking for? Any particular year etc?

As for 300 turboes, yes, we did get them, or at least, I know we got Z32 turboes... Z31 I can't say I've seen one, but believe they were imported. How much modification are we talking here?

Shame I live in the middle of nowhere. Makes life difficult.

 

[DylanZ]

if you're not loyal to stock...

You should go take a peek at hybridz.org, they do all kinds of crazy swaps that may be handy for you (ie your buddy has one of those in his back yard) , and it may get the gears turning in your head (that gets dangerous , and mabee eventualy you'll get a reasonably priced camaro eater Z in your drive. Happy hunting.

Dylan