@@kbern88 Thanks man. Did you happen to post your build on forums or anything from. Back in the day? Would love to go back and find it for more details. Such a clean setup and alot of attention to detail.
@@build.drive.fish. I sure did, I posted two different threads on hybridz.org. One thread was the na build and the other was the turbo build. My handle on Hybridz.org is slow78z.
@@build.drive.fish. I agree, it was cool talking with everybody and you can always go back and look at the pictures and posts. I just went back and looked at the turbo build thread. Haven't been to that site in a few years. The turbo build thread is titled: feeding my addiction (turbo build)
I'm an electrician by trade but did work in the automotive field for 10 years prior to my career change. I installed the safety wire because another fellow hybridz'er had a fuel line pop off during a dyno run with these same style of fittings. He and his car are fine. The safety wire was a safe and cheap alternative to buying different fuel rails that use AN fittings. Thanks for the kind words
Unfortunately I don't have it anymore. I sold it back in 2017. It went to Cali and then Canada. I hear it's tubbed and caged now. Sure wish I could see it again.
kbern88 so it's safe to say it all worked well with the truck engine? I was worried about accessorie spacing and things like that. I know his mounts were meant for the ls1.
Yea, it worked well. The only difference between those two blocks architecturally than I know of is a boss needs drilled out of your going to run the f body alternator. Other then that the engine mounts are the same.
Dunno if you have realized by now but you can flip the fuel rail around so the intlet is on the passenger side where your fuel line comes up. Also whoever that guy was that had the fuel fitting pop off probably was just an idiot and didn't push it on fully. The stock GM cars all run these push on fittings and don't have issues. How have the Sandersons been holding up? I was looking into header options and heard some people complain about plug wires burning and having to beat on them some to fit.
I love the build but I have a few questions. Any particular reason you went with a 5.3? I know they can utilize most LS1 performance parts but, isn't it an iron block? The gen1 Z cars are so light, I think I would rather keep it closer to stock weight by going with an aluminum block.
My original intentions were to go turbo which I have done now. The 5.3's are a little better platform for boost then the aluminum blocks from what I've researched. The 5.3's and 6.0's are also cheap and abundant.
I used F-body accessories minus the power steering pump. The alternator bracket was a stock f-body bracket so no spacer were needed. I did have to drill and tap the block for one of the holes though. The iron blocks are not drilled in that spot.
I have a 76 280z and I'm looking to do an Ls1 swap with that, how much did it cost for you do have the swap done along with any supporting modifications to get it running and legal? I'm gonna be looking to go to shop to do this for me because I simply don't have the know how for it and I want it professionally done.
Check out my build thread on HybridZ. It should answer alot of your questions. Thanks forums.hybridz.org/topic/114879-1978-280z-53a4-project/ forums.hybridz.org/topic/116974-feeding-my-addiction-turbo-build/
You said that you got that throttle cable from Lokar, but there is another bracket that is attached to the firewall that you said just bolts right up to the 2 hole that were there from the previous linkage. Where did you get that bracket from?
The two hole bracket on the firewall came from a Hybridz.org member that makes and sells them. I cannot remember his name but if you go to the gen3 v8 section and do a search his thread should turn up.
alright, question number one: where can I find that trans dip stick? Question #2: did you use the original K-Memeber? whats the setup on the motor mount ? great build, loving it working on one
Thanks, I'd like to paint it Diamond graphite. It's a metallic gray color that Infinity has. My engine bay is already painted this color. I have found a few wheels I like but just want to wait till it's pretty before purchasing a set.
It's a great color especially on a cloudy day and at night. I've got a similar color, platinum graphite, on my Infiniti FX. Keep up the good work and document if you can so I'll have some guidance for my future swap.
nice ..nice build man! quick question, so if I get any of these engines either from a silverado or avalanche how do you make it work with a manual transmission if they were on a automatic? are they interchangeable with a t56 for example... I apologize in advance but I am like Jhon snow: I know nothing
Yes, the T56 will bolt up to the truck engines just fine. I don't remember the exact years but a few of the 6.0 engines had different cranks that were longer on the back end. Other then that the architecture is the same.
Thanks. I haven't really figured up how much time I've spent on this build. As far as just installing the engine, that was a snap. I purchased a kit specifically made to install an LS style engine into a Z car. The kit may have taken a few hours at most. After that the engine literally went straight down and then I slid in the bolts to the engine mounts. Piece of cake.
Great start. you must have the best wife on earth. why didn't you get the exhaust pipe up over the rear axle and more tucked up away from speed bumps? how far along is your baby now? one last question. where did you get the block and does it get good mileage? is the car now more heavy? why didn't you tie the subs together. thanks for the tour , take care.
I found a wiring diagram for the year car it came out of and modified it to be a stand alone unit complete with fuse block and relays. I also modify harnesses on the side too.
You bet! It's on Hybridz under the title feeding my addiction. Here's the link. forums.hybridz.org/topic/116974-feeding-my-addiction-turbo-build/?fromsearch=1
How did you swap out the clock ? I cant find anyway to get access to the gauges on my car. I just did a transmission swap (auto to 5 speed manual) factory l28. Soon to be a 3.0L 4 barrel carb
It's been a while since I messed with the tach but I think there is a Philips screw that goes in from the bottom under the dash. It's a bit tricky to get to but it's accessible.
So i just new wheel and tires and I ran into the issue of alignment . Nobody at any shop can figure out how to align my car. Have you had the same issue ? On various forums it appears it is a very common issue
Such a great build...I catch myself watching this video over and over for info. I'm doing a 5.3 swap as well in a 78 280z
Thanks a bunch for the kind words. Your going to love your car when it's done. I miss mine so much. Good luck with your build.
@@kbern88 Thanks man. Did you happen to post your build on forums or anything from. Back in the day? Would love to go back and find it for more details. Such a clean setup and alot of attention to detail.
@@build.drive.fish. I sure did, I posted two different threads on hybridz.org. One thread was the na build and the other was the turbo build. My handle on Hybridz.org is slow78z.
@@kbern88 awesome, thank you. I'll check it out for sure. Miss the days when people used Forums instead of FB groups lol.
@@build.drive.fish. I agree, it was cool talking with everybody and you can always go back and look at the pictures and posts. I just went back and looked at the turbo build thread. Haven't been to that site in a few years. The turbo build thread is titled: feeding my addiction (turbo build)
Clean install
Thanks!
Cool build man! Good job!
Thanks
This is sick man,I'm hoping to buy
one when I move back to Dallas next week.
Thanks
also was wonder what you used for a coolant hose
I believe I used a GTO lower hose and just pieced some different hoses together for the upper hose.
that sucker is flawless. great job dude.
Thanks a bunch!
This car is awesome! I just bought a 75 280z planing on doing the same thing you did.
I'm an electrician by trade but did work in the automotive field for 10 years prior to my career change. I installed the safety wire because another fellow hybridz'er had a fuel line pop off during a dyno run with these same style of fittings. He and his car are fine. The safety wire was a safe and cheap alternative to buying different fuel rails that use AN fittings. Thanks for the kind words
Well done! I bet it gets a lot of looks at the stop light!
yes it does. lol
Hey, there got my car all done but have the th 350 wanting to do your 4l60e idea was that a pain in the butt? Wondering if I'll have to pound more.
I definitely had to do some tunnel massaging, but it wasn't too bad. If I remember right, it needed attention around the bellhousing area.
@@kbern88 awesome, yeah have wanted to have a more driveable car. Do you still have yours?
Unfortunately I don't have it anymore. I sold it back in 2017. It went to Cali and then Canada. I hear it's tubbed and caged now. Sure wish I could see it again.
Nice job looks great
Thanks
Man that car is freaking sweet. I seen one of these in a salvage yard in Fort. Worth two weeks ago.
The engine mount kit and trans cross member are from John's Cars Inc.
kbern88 so it's safe to say it all worked well with the truck engine? I was worried about accessorie spacing and things like that. I know his mounts were meant for the ls1.
Yea, it worked well. The only difference between those two blocks architecturally than I know of is a boss needs drilled out of your going to run the f body alternator. Other then that the engine mounts are the same.
Dunno if you have realized by now but you can flip the fuel rail around so the intlet is on the passenger side where your fuel line comes up. Also whoever that guy was that had the fuel fitting pop off probably was just an idiot and didn't push it on fully. The stock GM cars all run these push on fittings and don't have issues. How have the Sandersons been holding up? I was looking into header options and heard some people complain about plug wires burning and having to beat on them some to fit.
very clean work. looks like its came from the factory.
the way it is now its a sleeper
Thanks for the complements Greg.
Really impressed, I hope to get started on a 280z project of my own soon.
i like this build, its still all datsun with just changing whats needed to make it go fast, you know its fun to drive :)
sweet build man!! quick question though what brackets and mounts did you use to hold the engine in place??
I love the build but I have a few questions.
Any particular reason you went with a 5.3? I know they can utilize most LS1 performance parts but, isn't it an iron block? The gen1 Z cars are so light, I think I would rather keep it closer to stock weight by going with an aluminum block.
My original intentions were to go turbo which I have done now. The 5.3's are a little better platform for boost then the aluminum blocks from what I've researched. The 5.3's and 6.0's are also cheap and abundant.
What did you use for your pulleys? Did you have to add spacers for alternator bracket?
I used F-body accessories minus the power steering pump. The alternator bracket was a stock f-body bracket so no spacer were needed. I did have to drill and tap the block for one of the holes though. The iron blocks are not drilled in that spot.
I have a 76 280z and I'm looking to do an Ls1 swap with that, how much did it cost for you do have the swap done along with any supporting modifications to get it running and legal? I'm gonna be looking to go to shop to do this for me because I simply don't have the know how for it and I want it professionally done.
Check out my build thread on HybridZ. It should answer alot of your questions. Thanks forums.hybridz.org/topic/114879-1978-280z-53a4-project/
forums.hybridz.org/topic/116974-feeding-my-addiction-turbo-build/
You said that you got that throttle cable from Lokar, but there is another bracket that is attached to the firewall that you said just bolts right up to the 2 hole that were there from the previous linkage. Where did you get that bracket from?
The two hole bracket on the firewall came from a Hybridz.org member that makes and sells them. I cannot remember his name but if you go to the gen3 v8 section and do a search his thread should turn up.
Thank you. Nice build.
You are very welcome and thank you.
Really nice install, neat and well thought out. Thank u
Thanks a bunch!
alright, question number one: where can I find that trans dip stick?
Question #2: did you use the original K-Memeber? whats the setup on the motor mount ?
great build, loving it
working on one
The trans dipstick is from Lokar. It has the stock k member with the Johns Cars engine mount kit.
How long was your lokar throttle cable, I have the same set up and I’m wondering if I need the 36 or 24 lol
I’m guessing probably the 36”. The engine should be 2 foot by itself and then over to the throttle mechanism another foot.
That’s what I guessed thanks!
I read on the comments that you modify harnesses on the side, can I get ur number for when I'm ready.. I can't get over this swap man .. great job
im about to start a ls swap in a 280zx where did you get the motor mounts and everything else for the swap thanks
johns cars inc.
Did you have to trim your control arm mount with the headers?
No, not that I remember anyways.
ill be getting mines soon will a hemi fit into this or should i just get a 350 chevy motor
She is looking great! I hope to do this to my '77 in the future. Great Job! What are your plans for paint and exterior?
Thanks, I'd like to paint it Diamond graphite. It's a metallic gray color that Infinity has. My engine bay is already painted this color. I have found a few wheels I like but just want to wait till it's pretty before purchasing a set.
It's a great color especially on a cloudy day and at night. I've got a similar color, platinum graphite, on my Infiniti FX. Keep up the good work and document if you can so I'll have some guidance for my future swap.
I just bought a 280z for $1500. I'm putting in an LS2. Where to start?
A ton of research on HybridZ.org and LS1tech.com. Then buy lots of parts and install.
nice ..nice build man! quick question, so if I get any of these engines either from a silverado or avalanche how do you make it work with a manual transmission if they were on a automatic? are they interchangeable with a t56 for example... I apologize in advance but I am like Jhon snow: I know nothing
Yes, the T56 will bolt up to the truck engines just fine. I don't remember the exact years but a few of the 6.0 engines had different cranks that were longer on the back end. Other then that the architecture is the same.
Very nicely done. I owned one of these over 25 years ago, I still miss it. How many hours did you spend on jamming the engine in there?
Thanks. I haven't really figured up how much time I've spent on this build. As far as just installing the engine, that was a snap. I purchased a kit specifically made to install an LS style engine into a Z car. The kit may have taken a few hours at most. After that the engine literally went straight down and then I slid in the bolts to the engine mounts. Piece of cake.
Did you do the wiring your self or did you order a kit from somewhere
I did all the wiring myself except for the fuse/relay block. I purchased it from Current Performance and wired it in.
Great start. you must have the best wife on earth. why didn't you get the exhaust pipe up over the rear axle and more tucked up away from speed bumps? how far along is your baby now? one last question. where did you get the block and does it get good mileage? is the car now more heavy? why didn't you tie the subs together. thanks for the tour , take care.
hey man, how did you get the computer/wiring figured out?
I found a wiring diagram for the year car it came out of and modified it to be a stand alone unit complete with fuse block and relays. I also modify harnesses on the side too.
how much did all of this cost you ?
Build thread?
You bet! It's on Hybridz under the title feeding my addiction. Here's the link.
forums.hybridz.org/topic/116974-feeding-my-addiction-turbo-build/?fromsearch=1
Fuck yeah.
With the purchase of the car currently I have roughly $9,500 in it. It's my addiction. Lol
kbern88 did you do the work yourself? Quite cheap
Bro are you chewing gum?
Yes, I know it’s annoying! Lol. I didn’t even notice it till people started commenting on it. Now it annoys me. Haha
I'm jealous... lol
Haha, thanks
kbern88 I love how clean it is, how much does this swap run?
How did you swap out the clock ? I cant find anyway to get access to the gauges on my car. I just did a transmission swap (auto to 5 speed manual) factory l28. Soon to be a 3.0L 4 barrel carb
It's easy to remove the clock. Remove the vent bezel under the gauges. From there you can access the two screws holding the clock in from the bottom.
So im trying to get the tachometer of the car and I dont see where its being held in . Could you help me out a little?
It's been a while since I messed with the tach but I think there is a Philips screw that goes in from the bottom under the dash. It's a bit tricky to get to but it's accessible.
So i just new wheel and tires and I ran into the issue of alignment . Nobody at any shop can figure out how to align my car. Have you had the same issue ? On various forums it appears it is a very common issue
kbern88 thanks for the info btw
I've never had mine aligned so I couldn't say if there are issues. Maybe a frame shop could help out.