My old Chevy powered 280ZX

[IrelandForever]

Built this back in the early 90’s for fun. It’s a 1979 280ZX 2+2 that I used for R&D. the plan was to build this as a prototype to verify everything worked and was viable for everyday use.

Drove it for about six months everyday without and issue, so I stripped it down and stored all the parts for transfer to a newer 2-seater version of the 280ZX, but before I could locate a suitable 2-seater version work transferred me to Dallas, TX. And my carrier took off so I sold everything and moved :(

Just your basic 350 and 700R4 overdrive slushbox

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k13/nissannutz/Z1.jpg

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k13/nissannutz/Z2.jpg

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k13/nissannutz/Z3.jpg

[crank_case]

haha, thats awesome.

But the really big question is....

Is that your Mk1 MR2 in the background? :hat:

[IrelandForever]

haha, thats awesome.

But the really big question is....

Is that your Mk1 MR2 in the background? :hat:

Yep, sure is. Totally rebuilt the engine dumped the fuel injection and installed Webber side drafts, not to long after that a girl ran into it and totaled it. :(
Ill see if I can find some pics and scan them up.

[crank_case]

Yep, sure is. Totally rebuilt the engine

Engine rebuilds and MR2s, I'm noticing a pattern here from my personal experience. :hat: (had to have the engine rebuilt on my MR2 spyder and just paid for a gearbox rebuild)

Would love to see pics if you can find them :)

That MR2/V8 280zx combo is my sort of semi attainable dream garage that I aspire to. One nimble thing for the twisties and another slightly mad more straight line car. :)

[IrelandForever]

found some more of the install...

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k13/nissannutz/Z10.jpg

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k13/nissannutz/Z9.jpg

First test drive :D


http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k13/nissannutz/Z12.jpg

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k13/nissannutz/Z11.jpg

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k13/nissannutz/Z13.jpg

and here's the only one i could fine of the MR2...

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k13/nissannutz/MR2-1.jpg

[crank_case]

First test drive :D


http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k13/nissannutz/Z12.jpg

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k13/nissannutz/Z11.jpg

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k13/nissannutz/Z13.jpg

and here's the only one i could fine of the MR2...



Legend. :D





http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k13/nissannutz/MR2-1.jpg

Nice, looks like an early model, '85?

[PG]

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k13/nissannutz/Z13.jpg

Brilliant pic!

Has to be on the next calender!

[Kingers]

That is pretty frickin sweet!!

Up the Datsuns! :-D

[markcro]

Brilliant!! Especially the big fat Number 11 left on the road!! No ppoint in having that torque unless you leave a few no. 11s about the place !! ;)
Fair play! Pity you had to sell it.

[IrelandForever]

Nice, looks like an early model, '85?

Spot on :)

Oh, I did have one problem in the short amount of time I used it for daily travel. One day on the way home from work I broke one of the half shaft u joints. Did a little research and found the turbo model 280’s used CV joints instead. So a turbo diff swap had to be performed for better day-to-day use.

[JHMEG]

Never liked them mk1 mr2s, but that 280zx is wow! Nice work. Your pics make it look like the engine just slides in. :) 350 is one of my all time fave engines too. Was looking at one again only today.

[IrishAutoParts.ie]

Sweet 280zx-how long did all that work take??

[IrelandForever]

Sweet 280zx-how long did all that work take??

A few months working on the weekends mostly. No cutting or welding involved, more or less just a bolt in conversion. I didn’t even take the time to wire it cleanly since it was just going to be ripped out anyway