Lm4 300zx z32 5 speed ls1 5.3 Ford 8.8 budget swap
 

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New paint!
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Hello. I’m just finishing up a low budget ls swap into a 1991. I have not seen any info on z32 transmissions any where and want to share the info. I’ll post pictures soon. Basic build is:

aluminum lm4 with 160k
z32 trans with 120k (gforce adapter)
ford 8.8 (monster Miata)

I now have it running and driving. I have around $4000 in the whole car. It does need paint but the body is not bad. I did use the stock subframe. The main problem with the z32 trans is the adapter and the starter. The adapter forced me to mount the engine maybe 3/4” more forward because the adapter bolts hit the firewall. The lower trans tunnel had to be beat in to fit the starter. Also the starter gets in the way of the exhaust on the right side.
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I was able to get the shifter very close to stock position. Basically have to fab it as far forward as possible.
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I was able to save the stock motor mount holes. Perhaps it’s a little stronger
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Interesting project! I like it. Would love to hear more on details/specifics/photos etc.

A couple questions off the top. Did your engine have AFM (active fuel management) if not what did come out of. Care to share what the engine and tranny cost?

Good Luck, RR

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Engine was a 2004 trailblazer. No AFM. I bought it with all wiring and accessories for $700. I sold all the intake wiring etc for $250. It’s bone stock. I’m running microsquirt. I got that on sale for $350 from EFI source. I made my own harness. It runs great. The trans is a 1992 z32 300zx I got for $150. The adapter was $600. I’m running a oem twin turbo clutch system. I’ll get some more pictures up ASAP

Thanks for the info, looking forward to more! Your path is the one many of us followed back in the days before all the high dollar kits and help were available. Of course that was pretty much all centered around the Ford 5.0 engine/drivetrain. I really like the LS engines and the modern efficiencies they bring to the conversion crowd. Horsepower, light weight (for a v8) long life, high mpg and now a ground breaking diy car. Good Work Sir!

Very cool swap, looking forward to more info

Rear end ratio
 

I used a thunderbird 8.8 trac loc with 3.27. The tires are 205 50 15. At 70mph, it runs 2500 rpm. I like the gears. First gear is usable too. Please message me with questions if you’re attempting something similar. I’m very happy with the car. Once I get all the kinks worked out, I will start thinking rear mount turbo.

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