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Fairlady engine swap questions

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Old 04-26-2010, 10:09 AM
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Fairlady engine swap questions

Hey guys I'm still in the planning phase of my 81 Fairlady Z and I'm trying to determine what I should do for the motor. I was thinking of shooting for an RB26 swap. I know in a us 280ZX it requires a lot of fabrication. Would there still be alot of fabrication since my car is already RHD? I've tried using the search but couldn't find anything. If I don't swap in the RB26DETT I'm getting rid of the L20A and putting in an L28ET. Thanks for your time guys.
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Old 04-26-2010, 11:17 AM
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I doubt there's much difference in the amount of work for RHD & LHD. Just motor mounts, trans mount, driveline, exhaust, and wiring. The only potential probs would be clearance w/ the steering.
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Old 04-26-2010, 12:34 PM
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Originally Posted by pete8717
Hey guys I'm still in the planning phase of my 81 Fairlady Z and I'm trying to determine what I should do for the motor. I was thinking of shooting for an RB26 swap. I know in a us 280ZX it requires a lot of fabrication. Would there still be alot of fabrication since my car is already RHD? I've tried using the search but couldn't find anything. If I don't swap in the RB26DETT I'm getting rid of the L20A and putting in an L28ET. Thanks for your time guys.
RB26DETT is a good choice of RB motor for your Z.

I have an RB20 in my Z and I have LHD, and I had to fabricate the oil return from the turbo to clear my steering column.



If you can weld or know a welder, or have enough money to get it welded, it shouldnt be too hard to get custom fab'd mounts.

L28ET should drop in without much trouble..

What is an L20A doing in your 280zx?

How much do you have to spend on your RB26 swap?
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Old 04-26-2010, 04:37 PM
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The fairlady Z was released with the L28 or the L20A. Mine has the 2 litre I6. As for how much it's gonna cost for my swap? Not a clue. I find used RB26's for about $3500. I'll still need a transmission and I will need a new rearend for the amount of power I plan on pushing.
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Old 04-28-2010, 05:07 PM
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Or at least I'm pretty sure it was the L20A. Correct me if I'm wrong. It's a 2 litre I-6 either way.
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