{"id":127642,"date":"2025-02-11T15:07:41","date_gmt":"2025-02-11T21:07:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?p=127642"},"modified":"2025-02-11T16:22:50","modified_gmt":"2025-02-11T22:22:50","slug":"godzilla-raceworks-1978-datsun-280z","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?p=127642","title":{"rendered":"Godzilla Raceworks’ 1978 Datsun 280Z"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Godzilla<\/a><\/p>\n

This 1978 Datsun 280Z arrived at Godzilla Raceworks<\/a> (GRW) as a rolling shell. The company was tasked to rebuilt the classic with more power and better handling. Two years of work resulted in an amazing 280Z<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Godzilla<\/a><\/p>\n

In the engine bay GRW swapped a 5.3 L LSx V8 using Dirty Dingo conversion mounts<\/a>. The motor features a Summit Racing 8712R1 camshaft (0.50-inch lift & 262\/270 duration), LS7 hydraulic lifters, and Brian Tooley Racing trunnion upgrade. A FiTech 92 mm throttle body is mounted on a Fast LSXR short-runner intake manifold. On the front is a WARR Performance AC compressor bracket and alternator kit.<\/p>\n

\"Godzilla<\/a><\/p>\n

The exhaust is routed through Hawk Performance longtube headers through custom 3-inch oval tubing and HKS Hi-Power muffler. A DNA Motoring 2-Row aluminum radiator with GRW’s dual Spal fan kit<\/a> keeps the motor cool. Fuel is fed by a Walbro 255 lph external pump through Bosch EV6 440 cc injectors. A Holley Terminator X ECU and wiring harness controls the power plant.<\/p>\n

\"Godzilla<\/a><\/p>\n

GRW paired the V8 with a stronger drivetrain. Behind the motor is a Tremec Magnum F six-speed manual transmission supported by an Apex Engineered crossmember. From there power is transferred by GRW’s swap driveshaft to a Ford Explorer 8.8-inch rear end. The rear end features a limited-slip differential and 3.55 ratio.<\/p>\n

\"Godzilla<\/a><\/p>\n

The suspension received a set of BC Racing BR-series coilovers. GRW installed Apex Engineered front lower control arms and tension rods. There is also a ST Suspension front sway bar. The rear received an Apex Engineered Ford 8.8 rear crossmember kit<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Godzilla<\/a><\/p>\n

GRW upgraded the car’s braking with Techno Toy Tuning’s big brake kit<\/a> featuring four-piston calipers and 300 mm rotors. In the rear GRW installed a set of Nissan 370Z rear caliper and rotors. The braking system also received Stoptech SS braiding hoses and Wilwood adjustable proportioning valve.<\/p>\n

\"Godzilla<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Godzilla<\/a><\/p>\n

The 280Z rides on XXR 527 17×8-inch wheels with Toyo R888R tires (245\/40, 255\/40). The body features a grill from Skillard, 240Z-style bumpers, and a set of APR carbon fiber sideview mirrors.<\/p>\n

\"Godzilla<\/a><\/p>\n

On the inside there are two leather Recaro seats. Between them are a Skillard center console<\/a>. In front of them is a Vintage Dashes dashboard and Speedhut gauges with LunarLoox adapters. Rising out of the is a Momo Montecarlo steering wheel. A GRW Vintage Air Gen3 AC system and Killmat sound deadening helps the driver stay comfortable.<\/p>\n

\"Godzilla<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Godzilla<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Godzilla<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This 1978 Datsun 280Z arrived at Godzilla Raceworks (GRW) as a rolling shell. The company was tasked to rebuilt the classic with more power and better handling. Two years of work resulted in an amazing 280Z. In the engine bay GRW swapped a 5.3 L LSx V8 using Dirty Dingo conversion mounts. The motor features… Read More »Godzilla Raceworks’ 1978 Datsun 280Z<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":127646,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"neve_meta_sidebar":"","neve_meta_container":"","neve_meta_enable_content_width":"off","neve_meta_content_width":100,"neve_meta_title_alignment":"","neve_meta_author_avatar":"","neve_post_elements_order":"","neve_meta_disable_header":"","neve_meta_disable_footer":"","neve_meta_disable_title":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_wpcom_ai_launchpad_first_post":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[95],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-127642","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-280z"],"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":137159,"url":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?p=137159","url_meta":{"origin":127642,"position":0},"title":"Godzilla Raceworks’ V8-Powered Datsun 280Z","author":"swaptastic","date":"August 27, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"The owner of this 1977 Datsun 280Z wanted more power so they sent it to Godzilla Raceworks in Fort Worth, Texas. The company swapped a 5.3 L LSx V8 from ATK Engines using Dirty Dingo mounts. The motor features a Summit camshaft (.550 lift, 222\/232 duration), Melling high-flow oil pump,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "280Z"","block_context":{"text":"280Z","link":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?cat=95"},"img":{"alt_text":"1977 Datsun 280Z with a 5.3 L LSx V8","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1977-Datsun-280Z-with-a-5.3-L-LSx-V8-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1977-Datsun-280Z-with-a-5.3-L-LSx-V8-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1977-Datsun-280Z-with-a-5.3-L-LSx-V8-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1977-Datsun-280Z-with-a-5.3-L-LSx-V8-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1977-Datsun-280Z-with-a-5.3-L-LSx-V8-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":151739,"url":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?p=151739","url_meta":{"origin":127642,"position":1},"title":"Ford Ranger with a 5.0 L V8","author":"swaptastic","date":"August 6, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Godzilla Raceworks (GRW) typically works on Datsun 240Z, 260Z, and 280Z cars. But occasionally they will take on different projects. Take for example this third-generation Ford Ranger GRM was tasked with upgrading the powertrain. In the engine bay they swapped a 5.0 L V8 from a Ford Explorer. Exhaust is\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Ranger"","block_context":{"text":"Ranger","link":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?cat=62"},"img":{"alt_text":"front-side view of a white Ford Ranger","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Ford-Ranger-with-a-302-ci-V8-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C801&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Ford-Ranger-with-a-302-ci-V8-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C801&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Ford-Ranger-with-a-302-ci-V8-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C801&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Ford-Ranger-with-a-302-ci-V8-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C801&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Ford-Ranger-with-a-302-ci-V8-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C801&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":125214,"url":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?p=125214","url_meta":{"origin":127642,"position":2},"title":"Datsun 240Z with a L28ET","author":"swaptastic","date":"December 18, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Godzilla Raceworks (GRW) is a company in Fort Worth, Texas specializing in Datsun Z Car parts and performance. So when the owner of this 1972 Datsun 240Z wanted the powertrain from a 280ZX Turbo, they turned to GRW. The company started by rebuilding the turbocharged 2.8 L L28ET inline-six. GRW\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "240Z"","block_context":{"text":"240Z","link":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?cat=93"},"img":{"alt_text":"1972 Datsun 240Z with a L28ET inline-six","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/1972-Datsun-240Z-with-a-L28ET-inline-six-01.jpg?fit=1000%2C750&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/1972-Datsun-240Z-with-a-L28ET-inline-six-01.jpg?fit=1000%2C750&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/1972-Datsun-240Z-with-a-L28ET-inline-six-01.jpg?fit=1000%2C750&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/1972-Datsun-240Z-with-a-L28ET-inline-six-01.jpg?fit=1000%2C750&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":123028,"url":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?p=123028","url_meta":{"origin":127642,"position":3},"title":"1977 Datsun 280Z with a Turbo VG33 V6","author":"swaptastic","date":"November 7, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"This 1977 Datsun 280Z originally came with 2.8 L L28 inline-six. It is now powered by a turbocharged 3.3 L VG33E V6 featuring ported heads, custom intake, 3-inch exhaust, and Megasquirt ECU. The motor is paired to a FS5W71C five-speed manual transmission. From there power is sent to a R200\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "280Z"","block_context":{"text":"280Z","link":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?cat=95"},"img":{"alt_text":"1977 Datsun 280Z with a Turbo VG33 V6","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/1977-Datsun-280Z-with-a-Turbo-VG33-V6-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/1977-Datsun-280Z-with-a-Turbo-VG33-V6-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/1977-Datsun-280Z-with-a-Turbo-VG33-V6-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/1977-Datsun-280Z-with-a-Turbo-VG33-V6-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/1977-Datsun-280Z-with-a-Turbo-VG33-V6-01.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":146065,"url":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?p=146065","url_meta":{"origin":127642,"position":4},"title":"Datsun 280Z with a Mercedes V12","author":"swaptastic","date":"March 10, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Jordan Easter built a unique Datsun 280Z to race in hill climb with help from Michael Tung. Jordan swapped a 6.0 L M120 V12 from a Mercedes S-class paired with a T56 Magnum six-speed manual transmission. During the race the engine overheated. So Jordan purchased and installed another M120. The\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "280Z"","block_context":{"text":"280Z","link":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?cat=95"},"img":{"alt_text":"Datsun 280Z with a Mercedes V12","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Datsun-280Z-with-a-Mercedes-V12-02.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Datsun-280Z-with-a-Mercedes-V12-02.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Datsun-280Z-with-a-Mercedes-V12-02.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Datsun-280Z-with-a-Mercedes-V12-02.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Datsun-280Z-with-a-Mercedes-V12-02.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":95810,"url":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?p=95810","url_meta":{"origin":127642,"position":5},"title":"1978 Datsun 280Z with a Turbo RB25","author":"swaptastic","date":"February 10, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"This 1978 Datsun 280Z originally came with a 2.8 L L28 inline-six. The engine bay now holds a turbocharged 2.5 L RB25 NEO inline-six from a Nissan R34 Skyline. They installed the RB25 using a McKinney Motorsport swap kit and Wiring Specialties wiring harness. A R34 Skyline five-speed manual transmission\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "280Z"","block_context":{"text":"280Z","link":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/?cat=95"},"img":{"alt_text":"1978 Datsun 280Z with a turbo RB25 inline-six","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/1978-Datsun-280Z-with-a-Turbo-RB25-01.jpg?fit=1080%2C717&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/1978-Datsun-280Z-with-a-Turbo-RB25-01.jpg?fit=1080%2C717&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/1978-Datsun-280Z-with-a-Turbo-RB25-01.jpg?fit=1080%2C717&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/1978-Datsun-280Z-with-a-Turbo-RB25-01.jpg?fit=1080%2C717&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/1978-Datsun-280Z-with-a-Turbo-RB25-01.jpg?fit=1080%2C717&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/engineswapdepot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Godzilla-Raceworks-1978-Datsun-280Z-with-a-LSx-V8-01.jpg?fit=2500%2C1669&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/127642","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=127642"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/127642\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":127663,"href":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/127642\/revisions\/127663"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/127646"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=127642"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=127642"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engineswapdepot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=127642"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}