280zx Drift/street build

Post Reply
duhnow
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Dec 27, 2017 1:37 am
Cars: 280zx

280zx Drift/street build

#1

Post by duhnow » Wed Dec 27, 2017 1:48 am

So I recently just bought a 1979 280zx. I live in Seattle Washington and I was wondering what is the cheapest engine swap I could do with a balance of power and reliability. I'm looking for around 400-600 hp for less then 10k

User avatar
DRIVEN
Posts: 7633
Joined: Thu Jun 27, 2013 7:05 pm
Location: I've been everywhere
Has thanked: 1166 times
Been thanked: 1138 times

Re: 280zx Drift/street build

#2

Post by DRIVEN » Wed Dec 27, 2017 10:02 am

Probably a 5.3 with a single turbo is the best bang for the buck.
When the only tool you have is a hammer every problem starts to look like a hippy.

User avatar
Laecaon
Site Admin
Posts: 4787
Joined: Wed Jun 26, 2013 7:21 pm
Cars: '71 510 Wagon, 02 BMW 325i Wagon
Location: PDX, West side.
Has thanked: 288 times
Been thanked: 329 times

Re: 280zx Drift/street build

#3

Post by Laecaon » Wed Dec 27, 2017 1:20 pm

Under 10, I agree, any small block/LT/LS. Cost is HP increase/ weight loss. I friend got a LQ4 from a Tahoe for about $1500. Another friend bought a running driving 96 firebird for $1200, yanked the motor/transmission, sold the car for $1000.

Any aluminum block chevy V8 will probably be about the same weight as your L28, maybe even lighter. And the weight sits further back, or I guess wherever you end up placing the motor (remember, its 4.5 cylinders long, not 6)

User avatar
HRH
Posts: 2354
Joined: Sat Jan 18, 2014 8:54 pm
Cars: Lots
Location: Near flatcat
Has thanked: 145 times
Been thanked: 644 times

Re: 280zx Drift/street build

#4

Post by HRH » Wed Dec 27, 2017 8:03 pm

Go L series turbo. Like a boss. :cha:
"Self proclaimed most active poster on NWD." - Me

User avatar
DRIVEN
Posts: 7633
Joined: Thu Jun 27, 2013 7:05 pm
Location: I've been everywhere
Has thanked: 1166 times
Been thanked: 1138 times

Re: 280zx Drift/street build

#5

Post by DRIVEN » Thu Dec 28, 2017 6:16 am

Sure. You'll only need 3 of them to get to the 400hp goal :D .
When the only tool you have is a hammer every problem starts to look like a hippy.

Post Reply