HAVING A MOTOR BUILT FOR MY CAR IS A BIG STEP

Often we get customers seeking our input on ensuring the rest of their vehicle is equipped to handle – and make best use of – their new motor. We’ve assembled this section to provide a baseline for customers when considering modifications on the rest of the vehicle. These are are our opinions on what constitutes a solid starter platform for Street L28. These are by no means the right answers for everyone, but should help inform your build. The information below may not apply to our STD or SPL setup.

 

CAN I USE MY SU CARBS ON YOUR STR2.8 ENGINE?

Our STR2.8 engines are not race engines, so they don’t require anything special. Assuming you have healthy carburetors and other peripheral parts, you can simply use them. Triple carburetor setup is certainly an option for individuals who are looking for more explosive engine response, acceleration, and a sports car feel. Our STR2.8 can be used with the 280Z fuel injection system as well, or if you are technically savvy, you may use fuel injection with a stand alone ECU, but the bottom line is, you don’t have to, or you don’t have to do everything at once.


 

WHAT DISTRIBUTORS WILL SUPPORT YOUR STR2.8 ENGINE?

The short answer is, any functional distributor will do. You may use stock L24 point distributor, or L28 distributor or aftermarket performance distributor. This is totally up to your purpose, usage, budget.


 

I CURRENTLY HAVE WORKING AC IN MY CAR, WILL THIS BE A PROBLEM WITH MY NEW ENGINE?

You have nothing to worry about, as a matter of fact, we love A/C!


 

I HAVE A 240Z EXHAUST MANIFOLD, WILL THIS HAVE TO BE SWAPPED FOR A HEADER & A LARGER DIAMETER EXHAUST?

You may certainly use your L24 exhaust manifold and your existing exhaust system, if you so choose. Again, STR2.8 engine is not a race engine. But, just as many people use header & exhaust on their stock L24 engines, you may gain more with the use of header & bigger exhaust. Again, it really depends on where you drive and how, what you are looking for in your car, your budget, etc.


 

HOW LONG FROM ORDER TO DELIVERY ON MY NEW MOTOR?

This depends on your specific engine needs and our workload, and what time of the year it is. A baseline for a STR2.8 build is approximately 2 months.


 

I’M NOWHERE NEAR VIRGINA. HOW DOES MY NEW ENGINE GET DELIVERED?

We ship engines not only across the US but also globally. We crate our engines and can ship door to door, or dock to dock. Alternatively, you may send us your car, and we can install the engine and set it up for you as well. Basically, we are at your service—tell us what you want accomplished and how we can help you.


 

WHAT FLYWHEEL, CLUTCH, & PRESSURE COVER DO I NEED WITH MY NEW MOTOR?

It all depends on what you are looking to accomplish, but there is nothing mechanically wrong with using a stock L24/L28 flywheel. But we find our 9lbs chromoly flywheel go very well with the STR engine setups, but you don’t have to have it.

As for the clutch and pressure cove, you can use the stock L28 ones. It is probably a good idea to install a new clutch and a new pressure cover, at the time of engine swap. For those who will be driving very aggressively, you may benefit from a clutch & pressure cover upgrade.


 

WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND REGARDING TRANSMISSION AND DIFFERENTIAL PAIRINGS?

We can not answer that without knowing your clear objective, purpose, usage, where and how you drive most often, tire size, etc. We’re happy to help you decide though.


 

CAN YOU SUPPLY A TRANSMISSION AND/OR A DIFFERENTIAL FOR MY PROJECT?

We can, as much as our inventory allows, but remember, we are not a junkyard and we may not always have what you are looking for. Alternatively, you can send your transmission or differential for rebuild, if you want the best and can afford them.


 

NEW MOTOR, NEW SUSPENSION, RIGHT? WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND?

Not necessarily. It all depends on what kind of driving you do, what you are looking to accomplish, what kind of ride quality you are looking for, and most importantly, what you can afford. Just because you are upgrading your L24 with our STR2.8, for example, doesn’t mean you need to upgrade the suspension. You upgrade the suspension because you want to accomplish specific needs/objectives that relates to suspension performance.


 

SO, I HEAR THAT ONE OF YOUR DEMO CARS HAS A STR2.8 SETUP. TELL US HOW EIJI PUT THE WHITE Z TOGETHER?

• Car: 1973 240Z

• Engine: STR2.8

• Carburetors: Solex 40s

• Exhaust: TRUST Header + Z432 style Vertical Dual Exhaust

• Distributor: Mallory Unilite

• Coil: Mallory Coil

• Ignition Box: No Ignition Box. Eiji doesn’t like it.

• Transmission: 5spd from 1982 280ZX

• Flywheel: Datsun Spirit, Inc 9lbs light weight chromoley flywheel

• Clutch: Nismo clutch, Nismo pressure cover

• Differential: R200 3.9 from 1982 280ZX

• Radiator: Stock 240Z radiator out of a friend’s parts car. Nothing special

• Alternator: 60A Internally Regulated

• Brake: Front: Skyline GT-R (R32) Rotors & Calipers, Rear: 240SX Disk brake setup

• Suspension: Datsun Spirit coilovers. Tokiko HTS shocks (Infinitely adjustable)

 

HOW DO I BUY PARTS OR MOTOR PACKAGES?

It’s simple, for motors, contact us, and for parts, simply place an order: We will calculate the shipping and tell you the availability. Let us know how we can be of help.

 

DOES DSI OFFER A WARRANTY ON THEIR ENGINES?

We specialize in, and have been building L-engines for a long time. We’re confident with our abilities to satisfy your engine needs and that our engine looks and performs new. But we also know that sometimes, people get carried away (we understand that) and do less-than-intelligent things with engines (showing off by reving unnecessarily or abusing the engine, forgetting to put oil in, or you name it), so we do not openly offer warrantees. However, if the engine is defective, broken, or anything happens at the time of delivery, then we honor our commitment and will take care of you. That’s a promise.