Recently i was offered two (2) 1982 datsun 280zx's for $262. One is a t-top with a turbo motor and automatic transmission it runs but is a parts car only and the other is a standard top with a 5 speed that runs well. The thing is the one with the five speed has a good number of rust spots, but the parts car has all the panels to replace the ones that are rusted on the 5 speed. And also the frame on the 5 speed is rusted but the frame on the t-top parts car is in excellent condition. What i was wondering is how hard would it be to take the engine transmission out of the 5 speed and put it on the good frame of the t top parts car and then add all the interior and such from the original car also. Oh yeah the parts car started out as an manual but was later converted to auto, because the clutch pedal and all standard shift related hardware are still on the car.

Thanks in advance
Keith

 

The engine swap isn't too hard. But you're talking about a turbo engine in one and non-turbo in the other so there's quite a few more accessories to worry about and the wiring harness and computer may need to be swapped as well. Its good that you can keep the t-tops though. They look nice and are fun to have in warm weather.

The front end body panels are super easy to swap. You may notice that the rear fenders can not be removed. I'd also go with a 5-speed manual over the auto. The older automatics like you have are very heavy and have a lot of internals. They sap quite a bit of power from the engine and are only 3-speeds at that. You'll have much more power and fuel economy from the 5-speed.

My suggestion would be to use the turbo motor if you can get it running pretty easily. I'm not sure why its designated as the parts car unless it is missing a lot of engine parts.
Get that turbo running, swap in the 5-speed which shouldn't be too hard since you have the clutch assembly already done. Swap on some fenders and doors from the other car and you're good to go! Now the N/A car is your parts car for brakes and stuff...

 

For the money I would buy them just for the parts and it sounds like you could take the 2 and maybe some cash and come out with a nice ride. Only thing is you have to do the work cause it would cost a fortune to have someone do it for you. So if you have the skill's go for it, I love my Z and cant wait until Iam done with it. Or you could just tell me where they are and who to contact......................


Jimmy 83ZXT

 

Thanks, for the info, i think im gonna just put the na motor with the 5 speed in the ttop car first that way i have somethin to drive while i soak all my money into the turbo motor and after i have it perfect just swap it back into the ttop car and leave the five speed. Also, would the rear end from the turbo car be lsd or not.

Thanks
Keith

 

Non-LSD for those years. The LSD came in the turbos only but not untill 1987+