LS-1 INFOQUEST 240-260-280 Z

Rocket fueled zip for your first generation ZCAR, the 240, 260, 280 Z (not ZX). John's Cars ZCar components matched with the all aluminum GM LS V8 and overdrive transmission define AWESOME! This 100% bolt-in kit does not rely on the stock Datsun cross-member motor mount towers alone for strength. There is no welding required or recommended. Everything is totally bolt-in. Suspension modifications are not needed. LS-2, LS-6 Z Cars will use these parts as well. Details:

Braking/handling are not impacted due to the minor weight change (30 pounds more on the rear). Fact is that an LS-1 ZCar has a lower center of gravity than the original inline Nissan 6. You will, however, want to upgrade both the braking and suspension if you are planning on "competing" with the car. We don't offer those items and I don't have any preferences or suggestions who to use - there are many excellent vendors for you to choose from for those items. Check online Z groups, like www.HybridZ.org.

I hope you will read this information carefully. The good information here should cover 99% of your questions - If it misses one please send an email to zcar@johnscars.com. Three decades of V8 conversions have guided this project and the information you need to make good decisions. I do conversions in house on local vehicles only, not hot rods - full smog, emission legal in Dallas. You can make an appointment to visit JCI - Monday-Friday 8-6. You may note that I repeat some things - I don't have an LS kit for the 280ZX (small block kit is available - go to www.johnscars.com). I don't have anything (nada) for a 300ZX. WHY? - the cars are different - takes different parts - parts I have not designed. If I do build parts I will send out info to those who send an email, please do not call - I do not have anything to tell you and I can't design stuff being a parrot on the phone. I don't need any guinea pigs - I have cars that maybe I'll get to someday, sorry if that does not fit your instant gratification society, the customer is always right and more power to the consumer. I'll be happy to refer all posers to you as soon as you have your ZX fire breather rattling windows. This dog runs 12s on street tires, so if someone beats an LS heartbeat ZCar I’ll wager it is not a daily 20 mpg driver that idles ripple free. There are production line vehicles that are worthy foes - and they are in the 6 figure category. It all depends on how you want to spend the money or if a sleeper is better than flash.

The LS is GM's state-of-the-art all Aluminum, Hi-Po motor, coil-on-plug, fuel injected and fully computer controlled. You even maintain the OBD2 driveline diagnostics. Convert your Z to the technology that GM spent years and hundreds of thousands of dollars to develop for their factory high performance vehicles. Best of all, you don't have to reinvent the wheel to do it. You should "edit" the GM computer to your rear axle ratio, EGR update and maybe some horsepower tweaks! ChipsbyAl@aol.com did the ECM for the prototype, I also use and recommend Street & Performance and Howell Engineering.

John's Cars (JCI) built the LS-1 ZCar prototype in 2002 using a stock 1998 Camaro pullout. Summer of 2003 I took it apart to analyze the effort and the thousands of miles of road and track experience. What did we change? A synchro in 5th gear! JCI now offers proven, no excuse components to you.

Building blocks are what you buy for your Z from JCI. This is not a kit and it is not "blacksmith plans". It is a group of critical components, designed to work together, that will allow the experienced do-it-your selfer to successfully complete this installation. It eliminates "do-overs", second guesses and 50-50 hindsight decisions BUT "most of all" the basket case results of budget and cheaper way projects. Don't call to pump us for free info on your "Just one problem". 30 years plus of hands on experience designed this V8 installation. I have no desire nor need to explain what is proven works. This same experience is why I am very specific in telling you: If you want to design your wheel, be my guest - without my input. You can go online for all the free commiseration you could ever want.

Building blocks I offer are listed here:

I strongly recommended that you find a complete Camaro or Firebird (CFB) donor vehicle. Usually you can buy an entire donor cheaper than the boneyard will charge you for the pullout. You need the engine, transmission, full wiring harness, ECM, accessories and brackets, radiator fans, etc. (this A/C comp is not used). Get it all at once and save time and money in the long run. The stock GM alternator is retained. The Datsun unit would not be up to the task of electric fans. Use the stock CFB dual electric fans - they directly plug in to the engine wiring harness and therefore are computer controlled - strongly recommended, very easy to mount.

18" Electric Fan – If you have a crate motor or did not get CFB fans, I do have the 18" heavy duty single fan with pigtail for $225.00.

Transmission choices are the 6-speed (overdriven) T56 manual trans or the computer controlled 4L60E overdrive automatic. Automatics are a slightly easier swap and with the mountains of torque the LS generates it makes for a more driveable car. You can "light-em up" whenever you want and the 30% overdrive reduces noise, improves mileage, and lengthens engine life. The ZCAR factory automatic shifter is okay and there are aftermarket units if you prefer. The T56 Shifter does fit in Z shifter hole.

EGR is the ugly thing at the front of 1998 models. It was eliminated on 99 models and your computer guru should be able to update your ECU to the newer specifications so you can just plug the hole! You will have to verify what is required for local emissions - I can not know what your locale requires, please do not call me.

Side notes: These components are for the first generation ZCars only. The first generation is 240 - 260 and 280 Z - not 280ZX. We do not have anything LS-1 for the ZX, we do offer a small block V8 kit for any of the Z cars before the 300ZX. ZX to LS-1 models may be offered later - send email to zcar@johnscars.com and request ZX info - please do not call, it is a waste of time. Repeating myself again.

These components will allow you to mechanically install the drive train and cooling system in approximately 20 hours. It does not include any super detailing of the engine bay, paint repairs, or electrical connections work. Class takes time - what you see on TV mechanic is fantasy time.

If your Z is rusty, don't even start. Find another body shell that is rust free. The torque developed by this drive train pushes the limits of the Z unibody. The stock Z differential and half-shafts have proven adequate for this application.

To get yourself started toward the ride of your dreams fill out the order sheet, sign it, and send it in along with certified funds. Remember, freight costs included within the continental USA. Hawaii and Alaska will be slightly higher due to higher shipping costs. Tax is due on any sale in Texas. Headers, an exhaust component, can not be sold/shipped to California.

If you have questions I did not address please send an email to zcar@johnscars.com. Thanks for making it to the end - they'll be seeing your tail lights adios with the JCI LS ZCar. More John’s Cars history and V8 kits for XJ and EType Jaguars plus V6 conversions for TR7, Marks and more at www.johnscars.com.

JCI LS1 ZCar Order Sheet Link