Subject: Z 231 Cu.In. Engine Conversion

Ray Hughes wrote:

> Dear Doc,
> I have access to a Buick 231c.i.V6 and THM 350. Thinking about swapping
> into my 72 240Z. I've glanced thru the manual that covers a swap to the
> GM 350 c.u.... I'd like to know if you have heard of the 231 mod and if
> the motor mounts made for the 350 swap would also work for the 231, and
> any other info you could provide willbe appreciated. Please advise if
> you know of any other sources to go to...
> Tnx and Ciao..
>
> Ray H. Carmichael, Ca

Hi Ray, Doc here, I personally have not heard of the engine swap that you have contemplated. More than likely the motor mounts are not correct and you will end up fabricating all the necessary parts, or at least most of them with the exception of the drive train that they should have the kit for with the 350 Chevy swap.

I personally do not see an advantage to this setup. There is much more torque in the 350 with nearly stock engine components, and the dependability factor is to be carefully considered.
The stock 3.36:1 ratio of the 240Z should be OK for the initial set-up. A friend that has a 350 conversion has all the suspension and engine set-up, autocrosses his 71 240Z with great success.

What are the real HP specifications? How dependable are the engines? How much do the speed parts cost vs. the 350 ones? These are some important questions that you must ask yourself in a reality check. Just because you have the engine for free even, you need to count the costs! If you are going into unchartered waters you will be paying the price to "Go where no man has gone".

Just some thoughts for you to consider, and I hope that you will take them seriously. I hope that this can shed some light on the subject for you.........

ZDOC OUT