Carbon Fiber LS3 Swapped 280z to compete against my Dad's 69 LS7 swapped Vette

Hey everyone,

Finally getting around to making an intro post here. I'm based out of the Seattle area (Lake Stevens) and run a YouTube channel called Build Sweat and Gears. I've used the forums a ton for troubleshooting, but figured it was time to actually share what I'm working on and get some feedback.

Right now, my main focus is my 1977 Datsun 280z. The goal is a full pro-touring build that can handle a bit of everything—road courses, autocross, and drag racing—but still keep its street manners. I'm even keeping the stock 280z AC system functional with the new setup so I don't roast on summer drives.

The clock is officially ticking on the build because I'm trailering the car down to Phoenix in just a couple of weeks for the Duct Tape Drags. It is a massive crunch to get this thing together in time.

Fortunately, I've got some incredible partners on board helping me make this thrash happen. Here’s where the car stands right now:

• LS Swap & T56: Dropping an LS engine into it. I just finished modifying the transmission tunnel, messing around with the internal support beam to get enough clearance for the T56 shift cup.

• Cooling: Running a full Proform setup to make sure the car survives that Arizona desert heat at the track.

• Fuel System: Plumbed entirely with Evil Energy components to feed the LS.

• Brakes & Suspension: Swapped out all the heavy stock footwork for a full Apex Engineered Pro-Touring suspension kit, a tri-brace strut tower setup, and massive stopping power from Wilwood Brakes.

• Fender Flares & Custom Bodywork: Trying to stuff 275s on all four corners. To make them fit, I'm installing a 2-inch front and 2.5-inch rear flare kit. To drop weight and clear everything, I'm actually building my own full custom fiberglass body panels right in my garage.

• Speedhut Gauges: Ripping out the factory gauges and retrofitting a full set of Speedhut gauges so I can actually keep an eye on track vitals.

I'm documenting the whole absolute chaos of getting this thing ready for Arizona on the channel. If you want to check out the frame and body fabrication, suspension setup, or just see if I actually finish it in time before we hit the road, you can follow along on my YouTube channel.

Looking forward to sharing the progress and definitely going to be picking your brains on the final plumbing and wiring details as I race the clock to fire it up.

Cheers,

Doug
Build Sweat and Gears