Hello, I joined this site to gain some insight about GM RWD stuff, because I plan to put a GM 3800sc engine and Camaro T-5 into my Datsun 260z.

My biggest question off the bat is what to do about the bellhousing/starter situation. I've been told that using a Camaro bellhousing with the FWD engine puts the starter "on the wrong side" relative to the engine. If anyone has experience with this serup, what exactly does the starter interfere with in that arrangement, and what solutions have been used to either make it fit or relocate it to the "right" side (alternative bellhousings, etc.)?

Any pertinent info is appreciated!

 

This is the meet and great area. Your not going to get a lot of tech support here. IMO the 3800 5 speed is an very solid drive line. Even stock with a good breathing exhaust the car would be fun to drive and get 30+ MPG on the highway. I always thought a opel GT swap would be great.

FYI you are getting bad info. The FWD and RWD long blocks are the same, back when GM sold the 3800 long block there was only 1 part number. It is common to swap newer low miles FWD 3800's into our 4th gens, that would not be possible if the starter was on the wrong side. Even the SIII 3800 made in 2008 are direct bolt in long blocks. The only funny thing about the Camaro bell housing is that it turns the trans at a 15 degs to fit the tunnel better. This means you need a shifter designed for a Camaro or it will be sitting at a angle.

 

Thanks for the info. Maybe the FWD headers interfere? Oh well, I'll figure it out... not opposed to some fab work where necessary.

 

Cross over pipe is above the bell house so nothing off the FWD exhaust is going to work. The FWD intake will be completely different also as the throttle body is next to the bell housing. The long block is the heads and engine block, I would think you would want everything else of a 96-02 Camaro.

You should be able to find a donor car pretty cheap. A wrecked V6 don't tend to bring much money