Could this be considered blasphemy?

G

Guinn

Zorg Addict
American Zeds
Joined
Jan 31, 2022
Points
63
Location
Texas
Model of Z
Z3
My granddaughter's husband yold me about a Z3 like mine by his workplace that has a dead motor, and has been sitting there for months. He thinks it could be had for a pittance, and thought I might want it for parts...but I have a better idea.
I suggested if we could get it cheap, we could pull the dead motor and drop in a nice Chevy or Buick V6. A neighbor of mine in California did it with a Datsun 280Z and it was a screamer. I figure if we could figure the logistics of fitting one in the Z3 it could be a fun track car. I hope we can swing a deal for that Z...
 
There was a chap from the US on here who put in a V8 I think, it will be in the threads somewhere. was last year I think
 
I don't think I'd want to try shoehorning a big V8 in one. I think a V6 with some tuning woul becall the power needed, having had a small car with Buick 238 cu in v6 that lit up the tires if you hit the gas too hard. It would probably be an easier fit than a big v8. Just a project that might be fun to try. It probably won't happen unless HE buys the car. I have enough drains on my limited income.
 
Guinn said:
I don't think I'd want to try shoehorning a big V8 in one. I think a V6 with some tuning woul becall the power needed, having had a small car with Buick 238 cu in v6 that lit up the tires if you hit the gas too hard. It would probably be an easier fit than a big v8. Just a project that might be fun to try. It probably won't happen unless HE buys the car. I have enough drains on my limited income.
Click to expand...

A standard z3 straight 6 is a big engine. Likely as long as a v8. So lengthwise a v8 will fit. The problem is width of a V engine. So fitting a v6 will have the same width and height issues as a v8 meaning a v6 won't shoehorn in any easier. Steering column, cross members etc will have the same problems.

The LS engines and the buick (rover) v8 is quite small and people have done it so they do fit.

But if you just want 6 cylinders then at least consider a standard z3 straight 6 engine. It'll fit without fiddling with steering columns, cross members, manifolds.

But if you're determined to go for the V then no point in doing the v6
 
V8 conversions are not that uncommon and there are engine mounts and parts about if you Google it up.

Most common is V8s the comparable E36. If you look this up you will find a lot.
 
I'd be checking the differential mount area of the floor pan in the boot (trunk) though. Reinforcing kits were available.
 
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