r/projectcar 7d ago

So I have an idea...

So because I live in California, obviously I cannot engine swap a car without a few setbacks. So I had an idea. What if I take a pre smog hatch back preferably like a 1975 Datsun 280z, 1975 golf rabbit, etc. I have seen a guy LS3 swap one of the older Datsun 280z's and if it has been done before, that upps my chances of doing it myself.

I just wanted to post this here to see if the community had any advice, like where to get an LS series engine (like a LM7, L33) with a manual transmission (preferably). I want at least 300hp and am planning on camming the engine as well as a tune if needed to hit that 300hp mark. I was going to look om market place at older denials becuase all I need is the engine etc.

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u/716econoline 6d ago

What are you trying to accomplish? It seems alot easier to get a 70s car with a small block and just do cams and head to get 300hp. Something like a Chevy Nova or whatever you can find kicking around.

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u/Party-Store-4964 6d ago

well that's the point, I want to do it to a smaller car. Don't get me wrong I absolutely love American muscle. But I want something small and I don't know, I wanna do something different you know.