ChampCar Tech Desk

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2020-01-17 - Engine Casting Number - L28

Q. 
Nissan 280z 1977
Hi, this is Rod, team captain for the Flyin' Hawaiians & 2 White Guys Car #82. We damaged our motor at Auto Club in November and I've replaced the motor with another L28. This motor has different casting numbers on it. I can tell from those numbers that this motor is from a 1980 280zx. I'm just using the block and head. Do I now have to claim a motor swap?

A.
The difference between the 1977 L28 engine and the 1980 L28E engine was in fuel injection and flat vs dished pistons. The different pistons (Both) produce a compression ratio of 8.3:1. Net HP in 1977 was 136 while net HP in 1980 was 135. In 1981-1983 the cylinder head was changed to increase compression to 8.8:1 and power moved up slightly (145hp).

So long as you use the 1977 induction system on the 1980 long block, there will be no points for its use.

Michael Chisek
CEO
ChampCar Endurance Series

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