280zx restoration/engine swap

[bazpantsphil]

Hi, my dads just bought a 280zx off ebay in need to restoration, after seeing a 260z on a show with James May and Damon Hill and a 510y on wheelerdealers and impulsively buying one which needs a lot of welding to the floor, and restoration to the bodywork which he would be looking to get done local to us.

Its a 2.8 non turbo and has been sitting at 117k miles for the last 10 years so it hasn't been driven.

Its a 1982 model so it will still need to go through an MOT and get road tax until 2022, which it should do once everything is complete.

One of the ideas that I have had as this is all being done, is for an Engine swap and my dad is onboard as well. We don't mind just using the current engine which runs at the moment, but is not very powerful out of the factory and is not in the best shape.

Initially I was thinking 2jz, an LS engine or a VG30DETT but from what I have read this would be quite difficult, and the 2JZ is too heavy since im not going for crazy power, and the VG30DETT is ill advised, and LS may be too difficult, but reading online it may be better to go for engines like a 1JZ, or a 3UZFE, but don't really know where to start in looking for a place to contact to get quotes for work. I wouldn't be interested in a 350z engine.

Either a turbocharged 6 cylinder with BOV flutter (My 300zx doesn't have BOV's), or a loud v8 would be great, I could be swayed on either, but really need advice on who to contact to get the swap done, what engines would be best to go for in the UK, and potentially issues with an MOT test and road tax.

Ideas on pricing would be great as well. We don't have a budget for it, as different ideas will have different costs. If an LS swap only was going to cost £1500 more than a 3USFE swap, then i'd probably lean towards the LS, but if there cost difference was £5000 then I probably would go for the 3UZFE. (E60 M5 engine is the dream engine swap, but doubt that is at all affordable)

Would be happy for anywhere between 300 and 450hp with the lower being for a v8 and the higher end being with a a turbo engine.

The car would need to remain as a manual, and I believe it has powersteering and would still want that for it to be easy to drive. Ideas on suspension and brakes would be good as well. I know it may be difficult since i'm looking for an engine swap, but it would be good if it was an engine where parts were quite easy to source, and is easy to maintain.

I live in Warwickshire and would ideally look to get any engine swaps done nearby, but its not too big a deal to get it trailered throughout the UK if necessary considering its going to cost a lot to get done anyway.

Any advice would be appreciated

Edited by bazpantsphil on Saturday 13th October 18:41

[Andy616]

Have you considered the Nissan RB engines (25 / 26)?

[AW111]

Andy616 said:

Have you considered the Nissan RB engines (25 / 26)?

What he said.
Keep it Nissan / Datsun. The RB engines can make plenty of power, and you get a fair choice of transmissions.

[Axeboy]

I assume its the S31 as you mention it being non-turbo as the S30's were never turbod as far as I remember.

If it is, then as above, the RB makes sense. The S31 model could come with a RB20DET in the 200ZR model so although rare, parts and info might be easier if you go the RB route.

[GravelBen]

+3

RB25 or RB20 turbo straight 6 would be the logical choice.

[bazpantsphil]

I think it would be an s130, but an RB swap sounds like a logical choice. The RB25 looks good for over 400bhp

Any ideas on where I would go about looking for someone get do the work and source reliable parts? Estimates on cost?