Random 'pro-touring' project brainstorm

**69boo307** · 09-08-2005

I was thinking this would be a cool project... I guess it would actually be more of a 'pure sports car' type build than 'pro-touring'.

Build a 280Z car with the chevy 3.5L inline 5 up front, using the 5-speed that is available with the Colorado/Canyon pickups.

It's really a cool little engine, very clean, simple looking design. Revs happily to 6500. 220hp stock. Although there isn't much aftermarket for it yet, from what I've seen it responds very well to modifications, particularly boost :D.

The entire thing could probably be built for less than $10k if you could do the fabrication work yourself (and particularly if you kept it NA), and you'd have something that would be a blast on the road course. You can get a 280Z with a bad engine for next to nothing, and an entire Colorado drivetrain out of a wrecked pickup for around $2500.

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**Rick Dorion** · 09-08-2005

Cool. I've been thinking of a Z with a ecotec.

**boodlefoof** · 09-08-2005

My 240-Z project is going to be getting an all-aluminum V8 at some point. Why have 4 or 5 cylinders... when you can have 8! ; )

I do think it is a cool idea though. Love Z cars. You can find some info on mine by checking out my website...

http://www.geocities.com/boodlefoof/...t_Racer-Z.html

Thus far I've just started bodywork... chopped the top and laid up the new fiberglass fenders, nose piece and quarters.

**69boo307** · 09-08-2005

Originally Posted by boodlefoof

My 240-Z project is going to be getting an all-aluminum V8 at some point. Why have 4 or 5 cylinders... when you can have 8! ; )

I dunno, I think there's some 'mystique' with the inline engine, and it's different. It would make for a really clean looking engine bay. In a lightweight car, I think it'd be plenty fast and get good gas mileage to boot.

**boodlefoof** · 09-08-2005

I didn't mean to sound as though I was down on your project. I think it is a great idea, and I always like to see something new!

I read an article a few months back about a guy in Austrailia who has done a 4-cylinder turbo in a 240-Z. Never an inline 5 though.

I say "go for it!"

**6'9"Witha69** · 09-08-2005

Sounds killer bro. Build it! That is something I would like to see!

**Damn True** · 09-08-2005

The ecotec would be a better move from the standpoint of hot-rod parts. I have know idea about packaging such a thing. Is there an ecotec that is not FWD?

A BMW I-6 or a Volvo I-5 twin turbo (particularly from a T-5) might be a lot of fun.

**boodlefoof** · 09-08-2005

If the Ecotec is only available in a front drive transaxle layout... just stick the engine in the rear! That'll probably give you about a 35/65 weight distribution!

**Fuelie Fan** · 09-08-2005

I think ECOTECs will bolt up to S10 4cyl rwd trannies, but of course you should research before buying. But, if you're doing a car that originally had a straight 6, why not go with the 4.2L? that seems like the most obvious choice to me!

**69boo307** · 09-09-2005

I don't have any money to do it anyway unless I sold my current car, which I doubt I would ever be able to do, so it's just a brainstorm right now.
Yeah, i think the 4.2L would be the obvious choice, but the 5 cylinder will be shorter, and if you mounted it right it would basically be like chopping off one cylinder on the front of the engine. That should improve your weight ratio and keep the center of gravity further back on the car. With a good intake and header setup and some tuning I think the 3.5L I-5 can make 300hp at the flywheel. That would be plenty for a little Z car. For a budget minded build where the suspension would remain mostly in the stock configuration (with some upgraded parts of course), I think much more power wouldn't really be usable in a road course situation anyway. You would need considerably more grip to handle the power of say a built LS1, otherwise you'd end up with a car that loves to put it's tail in front of it's head

I was picturing an almost stock looking 240 or 280Z with really good seats and some custom guages. Maybe A/C, but no stereo, and as little 'froo froo' stuff as possible. Upgraded brakes and suspension components, but retain the stock configuration. Go totally overkill on cooling components so that the car could run wide open all day without breaking a sweat. Basically a car that you could drive to work every day and get gas mileage in the high 20's, but that could also withstand being wrung out at the track on the weekends.

**CAMAROBOY69** · 09-09-2005

This project reminds me of one of the members that had an RX-7 and they put a 350 engine into it. I bet that car would be fun! Havent heard from him in a while. Mabey it was TOO fun.

**Camaro_Kyle** · 09-09-2005

Hey Boodlefoof, that reminds me, how the progress comin on your Z? Any new pics?
Thanks

**F70t/a** · 09-09-2005

It sounds like a cool plan. Something fast to drive, yet get good gas mileage.

**OHCbird** · 09-09-2005

If you can get the WHOLE driveline pkg (PCM+), you should be able to drop that sucker right in there, as it is a bit tall, but could be made to fit. I'd expect some front suspension mods to get it to fit.

I'm doing a 'bigger inch' (sleeved & stroked) 4.2 as my next engine. Something atune to the Self racing Nova wagon, but with more of a 'street' trim turbo. I'm also working with MM to make a cam controller, but that is going slow. these engines have LOTS of potential (but yes, an LSX would make more, mod for mod). So what- I want something different.

LMK if you get into this- I can put you in touch with a few guys who have done the Vortech swaps. I have pics of the older Chevy PU that GM put a 3.5 in.

**suh weet** · 09-10-2005

Last I heard, 505 Performance makes a turbo set-up for that motor. It is not listed on their website, but I saw it in a magazine ad once.

**boodlefoof** · 09-10-2005

No progress aside from what is on the website. I'm finishing up my last year of law school now and had to put it on the back burner for a few months...

**Kenova** · 09-10-2005

Originally Posted by 69boo307

Build a 280Z car with the chevy 3.5L inline 5 up front, using the 5-speed that is available with the Colorado/Canyon pickups.

I've been thinking about a 3.5 I5 for my Vega. I just haven't found a 5 cylinder to measure up. The Vega 4cyl. is quite tall, so I don't think that would be a problem untill you get up to the front of the 5cyl. As for length, I doubt that the 5cyl. would be much longer than a small block Chev.
Ken

**rallyrat427** · 09-11-2005

Originally Posted by CAMAROBOY69

This project reminds me of one of the members that had an RX-7 and they put a 350 engine into it. I bet that car would be fun! Havent heard from him in a while. Mabey it was TOO fun.

grannysspeedshop.com has swap kits for all years rx-7 for multiple v-8 and v-6 swaps ...from basic mounts and brackets all the way to a deluxe kit that includes everything you could possibly need ..... i plan on doin a 350 swap into my 90' gxl after i get my nova done .... i know a couple of ppl here in my town that have done the same swap .. including a guy with a third gen that has an ls1 in it

**TonyHuntimer** · 09-11-2005

Here's a pretty cool 240Z that ran hard at Leguna Seca last week.

Tony Huntimer
RaceHome.com

**boodlefoof** · 09-12-2005

Tony,

Couldn't have run too hard. He has still got the new tire sticker on that rear tire. ;)

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Random 'pro-touring' project brainstorm

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