Hi, my neighbor has a 1977 280ZX with a L6 engine.
I'm facing a couple of dilemmas.

First: I need to find a Turbo install kit for it. But I don't just want a measly 30-50 hp. I want a Turbo that will give it enough power to drag race.

Second: is a problem with installing the Turbo kit. The left side of the engine has plenty of room. but the right side, containing the intake, exhuast, fuel ingection system, brake and clutch master cylinder, has minimal room. How would I work with that?


Lasty I wanted to know that if i swap a junk yardturbo engine in, will it give it enough hp and torque to drag race? Or should I try a V8 conversion?

Thanx

 

Find out what kind of car your neighbor has. There is no 1977 280ZX. A 280Z and 280ZX are very different cars but have basically the same engine.

1977 should be just a 280Z.

There are no turbo kits. Just factory turbo engines. What you want to do is a turbo engine swap which is fairly easy. the turbo engine can be found in some 1981-83 280ZX cars.

You will just have to work with the space given on the left side of the engine. When referring to left or right side of the engine, you usually do this from the perspective of the driver facing towards the front of the car. The L6 has the intake and exhaust on the left side of the engine.

As far as wether to do a V8 swap, what kind of quarter mile times do you need? You can drag race a 250hp car, or you can drag race a 550hp car. How much money do you want to spend on this project? If you need more than 400hp then maybe a V8 would be better.

 

http://www.geocities.com/clifton_ragland/Z.html I s my buddy clifton that is helping me with my 450WHP turbo setup.. Hope this helps..I am with bleach on making sure it is a 280zx, there wasnt one in 77

 

Thanx, and ur right about what side of the engine is which. Then main problem was that there is so much in the way right next to the intake and exhaust.

 

I am running into probs, with my turbo swap I have a t4/GT40 ball bearing that I am putting on, But I am sure it is going to hit the steering column.

 

Just realize that when you go to install a new turbo or exhaust, you may just have to remove the intake manifold. Get the exhaust work done, run some intake pipes and then put the intake manifold back on. Work can be done under there. The more you work on it and get familar with the car the easier it will be and the less overwhealming the mess of wires looks.
Newer cars are this difficult over the entire engine compartment. Dont' even try to work on a 300ZX twin turbo...

 

Man, the first time I had to take off my intake manifold (to change the exhaust manifold) was a nightmare. It took me forever, and putting it back on, Oh my GAWD it was hard to align those bolt holes. I've had to do it a few times now though and can get it off in a few minutes. Practice makes perfect.