Chase84 Posted November 20, 2015 Report Share Posted November 20, 2015 Hello all! Ive been doing a lot of surfing on ratsun and learned a lot so far. Also love the camaraderie you guys have going on. I purchased my 78 280z about a year ago but due to work and being a family man with 2 daughters, I haven't had a lot of time and money to get going good. One of thing that has been holding me up is deciding whether to keep the l28 or do a V8 swap. Here in Alabama there aren't any Zs around but a lot of American muscle. So of course all my buddies are screaming V8 swap. But ive done the research and while it is good power for the money, its still a lot of money and time to get the swap done. The l28 runs but was smoking very bad due to carbon build up and a valve not sealing good. So I have pulled the motor and broke it down. So again I question myself.... do I (1) just have the motor cleaned and install new gasket kit, (2) rebuild the l28 or (3) go ahead with the V8 swap? Ugh choices! As far as what im looking for is a reliable daily driver with some good power. all opinions are welcome and I will post pics when I figure out how to do so on here lol! Quote Link to comment
Lockleaf Posted November 20, 2015 Report Share Posted November 20, 2015 If you've been doing a lot of surfing on ratsun, you should know there is only one rule. PICS! Quote Link to comment
maltese Posted November 20, 2015 Report Share Posted November 20, 2015 Triple side drafts, cam, header, and a fresh L28, is plenty of fun in that car. No small block needed. Where's the pics? 1 Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted November 20, 2015 Report Share Posted November 20, 2015 do I (1) just have the motor cleaned and install new gasket kit, (2) rebuild the l28 or (3) go ahead with the V8 swap? (1) this won't fix smoking from a worn engine. (2) (3) probably about the same. Quote Link to comment
dgi Posted November 20, 2015 Report Share Posted November 20, 2015 Welcome to Ratsun. Full disclosure: I've never driven a V8 powered 78 280Z. It might be fun. But my normally aspirated L28 has plenty of power (75 280z, removed EFI, installed 72 240Z SU carbs). While I don't drive it daily it would be very reliable as a daily driver. So, IMHO, freshen up the L28 bottom end, have the head done up nicely, and reinstall it. Time or expense won't be nearly as much as installing a V8. Plus you will be driving the car quickly. Then spend your remaining money on appearance and handling. 1 Quote Link to comment
Draker Posted November 20, 2015 Report Share Posted November 20, 2015 Welcome to Ratsun! Quote Link to comment
Chase84 Posted November 20, 2015 Author Report Share Posted November 20, 2015 Thanks guys! Think I will keep the l28 for now maybe after the body and suspension is done down the road may do a turbo build or just go all out and swap I ls1. But I'm sure that is forever away! Pics coming tonight once I can get to my computer! Stay tuned and thanks again! Quote Link to comment
Chase84 Posted November 21, 2015 Author Report Share Posted November 21, 2015 The day I picked her up in Georgia! Screenshot_2014-09-03-12-13-03 by Chase Smelley, on Flickr Screenshot_2014-09-03-12-13-01 by Chase Smelley, on Flickr Screenshot_2014-09-03-12-12-59 by Chase Smelley, on Flickr Screenshot_2014-09-03-12-13-13 by Chase Smelley, on Flickr Screenshot_2014-09-03-12-13-11 by Chase Smelley, on Flickr Screenshot_2014-09-03-12-13-07 by Chase Smelley, on Flickr .....And back home in Sweet home Alabama 20140911_222005 by Chase Smelley, on Flickr 1 Quote Link to comment
Chase84 Posted November 21, 2015 Author Report Share Posted November 21, 2015 Work up until now....mostly just tearing down. Like I said been doing a lot of debating!! Quote Link to comment
Chase84 Posted November 21, 2015 Author Report Share Posted November 21, 2015 Got the engine bay degreased today and getting ready to fix hole under battery tray and paint! 20151120_131301 by Chase Smelley, on Flickr 20150630_110418 by Chase Smelley, on Flickr Also got dash cover put on. 20150611_235115 by Chase Smelley, on Flickr 20150612_002155 by Chase Smelley, on Flickr 20150612_002227 by Chase Smelley, on Flickr P.S. Pic of the V8 block I was going to build for a swap 20150521_124121 by Chase Smelley, on Flickr Quote Link to comment
FlyinPat Posted November 22, 2015 Report Share Posted November 22, 2015 WAS going to build? As in you changed your mind? Or ARE going to build and install? Quote Link to comment
Chase84 Posted November 23, 2015 Author Report Share Posted November 23, 2015 Was going to build and install. But not alot of money to sink into a v8 build right now Quote Link to comment
Chase84 Posted December 4, 2015 Author Report Share Posted December 4, 2015 Getting ready to pull apart my zx motor and replace gaskets, rings and other odds and ends. Anybody have a preference on gasket and ring brands? Ive read Felpro was good as for as gaskets? Quote Link to comment
Lockleaf Posted December 4, 2015 Report Share Posted December 4, 2015 Stay away from DNJ parts they tend to suck. Quote Link to comment
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