TheCrazySwede

Engine arrived! Pics coming soon...

Very good point. The setup I was going for would include a short shifter + extender. I know MSA sells one and, in fact, the thread size is 10mm....making the available extenders compatible with it. The only worry I had is the fact that the 5 Speed I plan on putting into my Z comes from a 280ZX and the short shifter kit offered by MSA is only compatible with tranny's up to '78. I don't know too much about welding/cutting, etc. If I got a truck shifter, can it be made into a short-shifter (to decrease throw) while keeping its length? I'd have to ask a muffler shop or something to help out.

Thanks CO! I want to have the shifter sitting higher than stock....kinda mimicking the ol' Ferrari GT cars of the 60's and 50's.

Dear Forums, I have a '77 280Z and I wanted to install an extender for the stock shifter to decrease the distance between the steering wheel and the knob. From what I understand, the original thread size is 8mm....is that correct? I can't find an extender that fits that size. Anyone know of one? Thanks!

Engine album updated!

Thanks all of you for helping me and supporting the build! Really helps in keeping it all going. I updated some simple specs on the front page.

You see, when you throw numbers at me like that, you're flying a plane that soars way past my head's capable radar, haha. As I mentioned in my post, I'm still learning about the whole process, so I'm no motor-guru like you lads. The CR should sit snug somewhere between 10.5 to 11, but according to Mr. Hosomi, the motor will feed just fine on 91 octane without throwing a fit. The displacement should allocate around 3.0 Litres. The Cam duration is .300 and the lift is .560 .290 and the lift is .490 if my memory serves me right (more often than not, it doesn't.) I want the car to idle nicely and be able to drive around town, but I'm not really looking for a Prius here. If it raises hell everywhere it goes, I'm fine with that! According to Eiji, though, his setup will run very smooth.

Not entirely sure what happen to the oil pan. Maybe the previous owner threw a rod or something. The rods are longer, but the pistons are shorter. They are both, also, very lightweight, which should help a lot

Updated the post with new pictures.

My stock 280 with EFI got 145whp. I would assume that would make it 175 @ the flywheel? That would make it a 11% difference.

Yup, that's my goal. According to Eiji, I'll be going past that goal in wheel horsepower, so I'm not complaining!

Thanks Zedy. I'll be sure to knock on your garage when I'm lost! Really looking forward to learning how to tune those beauties!

Yes, I'm going with a 9lbs Flywheel. As far as carburetion goes, I'm upgrading to a triple Weber system. Bought a book last week about all the ins and outs of weber carbs, so I get my research done before I get my hands on them.

Aye, that's what I'm hoping. Haven't gotten into the details yet, as far as head work goes. I wanted to wait for the inspection results first to see if my head was any good. Eiji isn't one to fixate on HP numbers, and quite frankly, neither am I. I would like to hit 200+, which Eiji is confident the build will hit. Fast cars are fun, but fast engines are unique and special to me.

Did you manage to get the Z out of the batcave or is it still boxed in? I need to hear your Z roar more often! It sounds as beautiful as it looks...and it looks amazing.

Same thing in my '77 280. My gauge isn't fully functional, though. It never goes past half (the needle stays in the middle) even after a full-refill. Then, after about 150 miles, it drops and hovers right above E. To refill it takes around 10-11 gallons.

Eiji received the motor in yesterday, safe and sound. Excited to see the build in motion!

I spoke to him about his plans for the head very briefly. I can't remember the details, to be honest, but it's something we would discuss more once he receives the motor so that he could inspect my head first.

@madkaw The cam options is still under discussion. Eiji has a bunch of custom grinds, and I nibbled at the thought of a couple, but I haven't given the green flag to a single one, yet. Still talking to Eiji about it.

I spoke to Eiji about the crank options, and he mentioned the benefits of each (L28 vs. L28D) I told him I wanted a fast revving L28, at the expense of power if necessary. He told me the different rod/stroke ratios, and quite frankly, the diesel crank didn't really do much for me. One of his shop cars runs on a very similar setup as my motor, and he's pushing over 200 at the wheels, with a stock crank. I read up on a lot of Eiji's work (granted, it was very hard to find) but he really knows what he's doing. He's actually very well known in the JDM tuner's community and I can't argue with all of the happy customers I've talked to. I'm going with a stock crank, along with Kameari pistons and rods. The head work is still under discussion.

I'll be hogging the refresh button on my email in the next couple of weeks, hoping to see an email from Eiji! Thanks a lot for your help, Zedy! You're not in the clear yet, though. I'll be sure to bother you when I get the motor back!

So the motor was sent out the other day and is on its way to Eiji. As thus, the waiting begins!

Got the motor ready to ship!

Glad to hear that you're happy with your motor, Torby! I am a bit curious, though. You went with Rebello, but you built the engine yourself? Maybe I'm reading it wrong, haha.