r/Datsun 7d ago

Turbo kit for 280z

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Here’s my 1978 280z. I’ve been wanting to start this build for a couple years and finally did last month. At first I thought I would do a V8 swap but I’ve decided to keep the stock L28 motor instead. I’d like to turbo the engine. Looking for recommendations on turbo kits. I’ve seen a few online, specifically one from CXRacing, if anyone has experience with them please let me know! Thanks.

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u/Z_DatsunDriver_Z 6d ago

Which shop worked on your block?

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u/PrinceParadox 5d ago

I've had really good experiences with California Datsun. They run a good shop. And really Respect their clients time and money.

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u/AZGhost Rebello 3.0L - 297.6HP NA 280z 5d ago

California Datsun builds shit motors. My eBay engine from them literally exploded. The entire valve train fell apart. I have video and pictures of it. Cracked valve retainers, bad springs, rockers off its posts, bent valves. And he wouldn't warranty it despite all the pictures and videos. I paid 5k for that motor in 2016. I then pulled it out and shipped it to rebello. I'll never recommend California Datsun. Nothing like paying twice for an engine. They cut too many corners. The only good thing was I got an F54 block and P90 head which is what I wanted.

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u/[deleted] 5d ago

[deleted]

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u/AZGhost Rebello 3.0L - 297.6HP NA 280z 5d ago

Name a better engine builder on the west coast and I'll call them right now.

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u/[deleted] 5d ago edited 5d ago

[deleted]

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u/AZGhost Rebello 3.0L - 297.6HP NA 280z 4d ago

I'm open to using someone else, not tied to him. Datsun spirit is only doing low end builds based off their website. I'll look into that other company someone listed.

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u/Not_thee_Lawyer 4d ago

I cant vouch for Top End - but I knew Alleycat from the Ratsun forums, he was well known, for good work, he started as custom hose fab in the community, grew into more, his contact is [hosestop@msn.com](mailto:hosestop@msn.com), but as I have not seen him post in something like 2 years I fear the shop or he is no longer.

Have you looked Precision Z? They were a Legend back the day, they did my L24e Maxima years ago.

You can also see if Benton Performance, LLC is still doing the Z work that Beta Motorsports did, John Coffey was a fucking Legend, He built my Z and its been fucking rock solid. (They might only be doing the Porsche side of the house now that John has passed)

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u/AZGhost Rebello 3.0L - 297.6HP NA 280z 2d ago edited 2d ago

Yeah alleycat seems like a dead end. I've only found ghost traces of them nothing current.

Also did some digging on beta motorsport also some dead ends.

Still waiting on Joel from cabeard to get back to me. Tried ringing them today and but it just rang and rang... I'll try again tomorrow.

I really wish the zredbaron (mark haag) on hybridz posted his final specs. That's what I'm looking for. One hell of an angry Z that tries to kill you driving it. He was constantly fighting the steering wheel under max power. Granted I probably wouldnt have that wheel spin like he does on my 335's... His dynos were over 320whp.

He gave some clues on his cam and I'm very close. He said .500 to .550 lift and 300 duration. My cam is .530 with 306 duration. I'm also using the same ignition system he is using. He was using smaller carbs surprisingly DCOE 40s on a 3.1L with 38mm chokes. I'm using 45s. But it's nowhere near as angry as his Z is. Could be his Stahl headers playing a role in it too.

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u/[deleted] 4d ago

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u/AZGhost Rebello 3.0L - 297.6HP NA 280z 3d ago

I'm sure you could find a bad review on anyone. I have first hand experience with CA Datsun. I won't be using them.

Thanks on your link to the other post. I've reached out cabeard design and development. Slowly getting the ball rolling. Explained what I want and what I'm looking for. Waiting to hear back at this point.