1972 240Z WITH INFINITI VH45DE ENGINE
The plan is to initialy install a VH45DE V8 from a 92 Infiniti Q45 in a 240Z. In order to get the best performance from this engine I'm going to adapte a 6spd transmission. This 240Z will be both a street car and a track car. A mild engine of about 320hp and a weight of 2600lbs would give me about 8lbs/hp. With the proper suspension and brake system, this car should be quicker then my previous 300ZXTT project car without any turbo lag.
I have now weighted the VH45DE engine. It came in at about 460lbs! That's without the starter, A/C, P/S,alt, otherwise the complete engine. We weighted one of the 240Z engines I had around and it came in at 350lbs without the alt, dist. and smog pump. To compare we also found that a 1993 Ford lightening 351 engine in the same condition weighted about 430lbs. The weight gain will be furhter back as the entire engine will be behind the front axle. The extra power will make up for the 110lbs difference.
It will be a tight fit for the alternater but it should fit in. Custom headers may have to be made to clear the fram rails.
In order to drop the engine in where it belongs I will have to modify the oil pan and the engine support cross member. Here is the engine installed with the alternater, oil filter adapter and exhaust manifolds removed
To gauge things I also had to drop the engine cross member with the rack to get the engine down far enough.
I have now acquired a ConZult diagnostic software and adapter to be able to test the various sensors and systems on the engine. Very nice system from Eric at http://300zx-twinturbo.com/conzult/
Thanks to fellow 1 Lap Of America racer ( http://www.onelapofamerica.com/ , Glenn Dodd of the Carolina Rod Shop ( http://www.carolinarodshop.com/)made me an offer I could not refuse on a T56 6 speed transmission.
So now begins the adaptation of a T56 transmission to the Infiniti VH45DE. As you can see there are alot of differences between the 2 bell housing.
I am working using Solid Works CAD/CAM system to design the required adaptor.
I am now also designing a new larger more efficient brake system for the front of the 240Z. This sytem will use a Wilwood Dynalite forge caliper with the Wilwood GT 12.9" dia x 1.25" vented rotor. Here is a snap shot showing the latest design with a proper wheel spacer and my 17"x9" Cobra R wheel. Notice that I have converted to a 5 lug bolt pattern by using the spindle from a 1984 Anniversary Edition 300ZXT.
I finally have an adapter for the VH45DE and T56 transmission! I am just waiting for the socket hd cap screws to come in before I counter sink the holes.
Here is the layout to transfer the holes from the 6 spd to the adatpter. Note the holes for the engine block are already drilled.
There was some triming required to clear the starter, heater hose, right head and the idle air hose. Now to design the drive plate/flywheel adapter.
The final assembly of the VH45DE engine and the T56 6 speed trans. Custom adapter plate and dual flywheel with spacer make this all happen. Calculations show that I need a Wilwood .750" dia master cylinder for the AP style release bearing.
Here is a close up of the engine/trans support jig I made up to help in locating the engine assembly in the 240Z body.
Rough set up of my Cobra R wheels bolted to the front. These 17" x 9" wheels with 255/40-17 tires will clear the fender with some required neg camber and coil over springs.
The rears will require some triming of the fender lip and some outward spacing as well. Should prove to be a killer package leaving me with a vert stealth like stock body.
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/563982
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