Thread: 78 280Z with a 2JZ?

thoughts??

ive found a 78 280...typical story, in a yard under a tree, body seems stright and most of the inside is there.....no motor or trans..

ive also found a wreaked lexus SC300 for very cheap....

I would love to have a 280 with a 2JZ, i just dont know if i want to take on another project and if so by how much....i just HATE passing on a good deal, and these 2 have fallen in my lap....



ARGGGGGG

Sounds like a great idea to me, but projects are all about:

1. Money
2. Time
3. Resources

You already know that it's very inexpensive to make power with a 2JZ, so your real costs here will be fabbing the cross member, motor/tranny mounts and bell-housing adapter.

Of course, you could always bang out the trans tunnel if it's a close fit for any Toyo tranny (W58, R154, V160), but using a 280Z MT and then adapting it to the 2JZ may prove to be less troublesome.

Basically, find yourself a really good fabricator at a trustworthy shop, and this project will happen just as fast as you can swipe your credit card.

If you are anywhere near BoostLogic in Texas, they do excellent work and their head fab guy has a Z31 300Z with a 2JZ.

if you have all 3 bases covered as mentioned above, i'd say go 4 it! and keep us updated!

yeah streetfighter was on my mind the second i passed the 280......i need to stop by and talk to mark bout this......

money is the killer...i dont have a bunch to throw at this...however i can find the motor mount for 300-350, that leaves trans mounts, and driveshaft to worrie about.....both i think would have to be made.....

the SC is auto, but i know nothing about toyota trans....

my issue is both these cars are such a good deal, im almost tempted to get them and yank everything that is needed out of the lexus(then part out whats left...then scrap what's left).....then clean the 280 up real good and get it "ready"....then sell someone the "whole package"....???

If you don't mind getting your hands dirty and parting out the SC300, then you'll be able to recoup some substantial cash. As for transmissions, you have the option of using an original 280Z manual trans (and adapting it to the 2JZ) or using any one of the Toyo trans I mentioned (and adapting it to the chassis).

• W58: 5-speed manual in 2JZ SC300 (good to about 400whp)
• R154: 5-speed manual in 1JZ MKIII Supra (good to about 500whp)
• V160: 6-speed manual in 2JZ MKIV Supra (good to xxxxwhp)

The W58 is cheap and easy to find, but holds the least power. The R154 will work with the 2JZ with an adapter plate, but that adds to any other mods you have to do to the chassis. The V160 is one of the most bulletproof trans ever made and holds 1,400whp on multiple Supras. Bolts on but expensive and hard to find.

the 280z was a great car!

Yeah, its a pretty simple swap... i almost did another 2jZ swap in an rx7, and also in a 240sx...

As far as transmissions go, i would stay away from the toyota ones if you plan on making a lot of power. Most of the big power guys are running TH400's..

TH400 is great for lots of power but if you want a third pedal, V160 FTMFW.

i could go either way with the 3rd pedal.....this being a "race" car i might be looking in to a TH400.....

so what came in the auto SC300 in about 96?? is it any good?? i ask because my first goal needs to be to get the car running and driveable quick ( so i can F all the nay sayers)...then ill worrie about whats next.....


BTW i pulled the trigger and grabbed the LEX at the price(PM if u really want to know) i got it I would be STUPID to pass on it....

i also gave the guy some cash to hold the 280.....so its looking like a go!!


all i need is to find some space to do this in...lol

Why not a RB instead of the 2JZ ? ?