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Images Source: Drew Langley
In the world of import vehicles, there are many vehicles from the late ’80s to late ’90s, and even into the ’00s that remain popular. Many enthusiasts praise these vehicles for their light weight and “ahead of it’s time” nostalgic feelings.
While not the most popular generation of the Nissan Z cars, Drew Langley is the owner of this ’88 Nissan 300ZX which was originally powered by the VG30E Nissan V6 engine. The car has gone through three separate stages, with the latest being its most powerful yet.
From 350 cubic-inch SBC to 4.8 Liter LS V8
The first V8 swap took place when Langley swapped the original Nissan six-cylinder for a carbureted 350 cubic-inch SBC. While Langley was happy with the initial performance, he was not a fan of the carbureted setup on the car. Seeking a more modern alternative, Langley did what we as enthusiasts know best, he sought a solution. He hit the junkyard, while there he pulled a 4.8 liter V8 from a ’05 Silverado, and found a transmission to make it all work.
Langley decided on a Tremec T-5 transmission from a ’85 IROC Camaro, using a ’60s-’70s GM truck bell-housing, and a custom-made Chevy S10 to Nissan Z31 driveshaft, to make the swap work properly. Keeping the tradition of the inexpensive junkyard treatment, Langley utilized factory GM ignition and fuel components for the swap from a ’00 Tahoe.
With all of the hype of the 5.3 liter V8 and above LS engines, these compact 4.8 liter V8s can be had for a bargain nowadays.
After recovering from a completely obliterated oil pan (due to the 4.8 liter truck pan hanging very low), Langley has plans to throw a big COMP Cams camshaft at the new little 4.8 liter and upgrade the pushrods and valve springs. The car is still a work in progress, but Langley also says there might even be a supercharger in the future.
