Whoa! Poor old ruredi's going to go into hiding after all this internet war over somthing as simple as a head choice. Both the z and sr ca ect all have there good and bad points its up to the individual on what they like and what suits them. Keep up with the combo youv'e chosen ruredi if thats whats going to make you happy with YOUR car then go for it

Well...I was not expecting ANY of that.

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Mate I was originally planning on converting my A15 to EFI and adding boost but I'm not sure that I would be happy with the end result. I'm looking to achive 230-280 kw atw. Doubt I can achieve that with my worked EFI trbo A15?

Then started looking at other options. Don't like the CA or SR as I would like to fit an older engine to keep with the era plus they are pretty heavy.

The reason I am here is becaue I don't actually know much about these engines and what makes what power. You people have all had your own experiences and know better than me at this point.

The combo suggested appeals so far for several reasons.

1. Weight - very light when comparing to others
2. Cost and availablity - have bounced around a few figures and appears relatively cheap even when including machining and some mods.
3. Z18 head is factory efi and turbo so simplicity of efi turbo conversion
4. From what I'm told and from other members cars (Stu's 120Y) it appears that the power I am after is achieveable???

I am looking at building something from scratch so the options are all open to me at this stage. If someone can come up with a counter or different combo which trumps the above main mentioned points...then I'm all ears.

230-280kw at the wheel's is alot of power to be expecting out of a Z/L combo im sure its achieveable but not without investing a lot of time and cash which it sounds like you may not want to do? Mine's making around 160kw at the moment so with a new turbo im hoping for around 200 with a few tweaks in the tune.

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Oh ok. I thought you were already making over 200? Must have misread.

What do you reckon your car would pull on the 1/4? If I could get mine to pull a consistent 12 sec pass, I would be happy. How much power would be required to get it there, I do not know. 230-280 was my estimate.

Ruredi, you do realise that 230 - 280 is HUGE power (for a lightweight, older road car)? That's drag territory or eccentric, fast moving coffin territory.

Don't forget drive train and roll-cage costs - many more thousands there.

Looking forward to seeing what you come up with, good luck.

For a 1200:

14.0 sec. quarter mile: 155 NET HP
13.0 sec. quarter mile: 190 NET HP
12.0 sec. quarter mile: 245 NET HP

However, if you increase the weight of the car you'll need more power. Z18ET will add about 250 lbs to a 1200.

1200 + 250 extra pounds
12.0 sec. quarter mile: 280 NET HP or 235 RWHP

The most critical part of getting a low ET is the rear suspension. The tires should not slip much.

Ive done a 13.6 at 105mph over the 1/4 if id got a perfect launch traction ect then it should be capable of a high 12 at the moment. But like ddgonzal mentioned suspension plays an very important part in drag racing. As my car is mainly set up for circut work it's never going to cut a great time down the strip.

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I'm not planning on using the complete Z18ET. Only from the head an up. So I don't think it's 250 pounds.

What does HP equal in KW?

235hp is 173kw so if you bank on making 200 at the tyres you should be in the 12's easy. Leighs old 1200 wagon made 180rwkw and that ran a 12.6 from memory

Leigh I was peed off at your opinions and biased rants because that is all you had presented and they mean squat.
The past is not just on the net for me and you werent around or knew why the Zet has got some of its rep with the L crowd. To hear you say its a dud motor/head especially when others are using it with good results, not to mention Nissan chose it is simply lame.
You havent been the other side of the coin by just stabbing with your opinions. Opinions are great but not just plain biased criticism with no reason or experience and total disregard from the start to the requirements or criteria of Ruredis quest.

The Zet comments didnt come from your experience and the "age" was to let you know I and family have been doing it for longer before you knew what a nappy Z head was.
As for reading the internet daily I dont even have a facebook account or my own mobile phone (i sometimes use the wifes as I hate the things) or a thread as long as your project threads. My focus now is on the Quacka head CA for Ive invested too much time on CA bits and will try and make time for it but so many things get in the way when you are 40+ and had bigger projects 20 years ago where time was available.

Belittle the Z head without your own experience splash crap at the Z18et owner(s) and expect the same from me thats who I am intolerant of crap or disrespect.

Do you remember skipping work to pick up the weber manifold from me in 2003 from 7/11 on bell street? Mate you asked me more questions than LA Law yet I was happy to help even though it was me me me from your side. My memory is pretty good and my collection of car and motorbike books articles, attendance at all kinds of modern and classic motoring events with the family and friends has made me open minded and knowledgeable in all areas/brands of motoring.

Ruredi doesnt have to go the z head on the L block but his requirement where to be as lightweight as possible, engineer easy (room for more capacity), old looks and affordable bolt on accessories without too much clutter or wiring which an L head would create with inlet and outlet on the same side.
If the height of the L head was shorter Id recommend it with manifold runners sitting over it with inlet on other side.

If there was another nissan combo that met so "many areas"
Im sure Ruredi will be happy to hear about it.

As for A12 weight vs Z18et weight...
A12 fully dressed no liquids is about 108kg from the ones Ive freight and had freighted to me. Thats about 10kg lighter than Z18et supposedly at 118kg. Heavier box by 20-25kg and heavier h165 diff another 10kg? theres almost 40-50kg yet lightweight fly/clutch -6kg, better manifolds -3kg? and lighter L16 block -15kg with 3kg heavier crank makes the total around 20kg heavier than stock +/- 10kg.

Diff is going to be an issue as LSDs are not easy to find unless you get a Top Gear one but I think the power will suffice as long its a cast iron carrier centre.

There is one other engine that could be used but made by Prince and sitting at Ferals place a g18 or even better a G20 but dont expect to find one in Oz easily :(