chimmike

I've got the chance to pick up basically an entire complete VG30ET from a buddy after adding gaskets and what not. I'm not sure if he has an engine harness or not though.

I'm thinking throwing this in my runner might be a much better drivetrain choice than my 3vze.........

I'm figuring all that will reallly be necessary is a trans adapter to my automatic, and probably fabbing some motor mounts and of course the typical exhaust fabbing.

Figure it could make a solid 200whp and 180-200ft-lbs with stock turbo, which is plenty for the rig while still getting decent mileage.

Any other concerns I should think about?

Possibly 9:1 compression on motor, and it's from the late 80's Nissan 300zx.

gilby4runner

Interesting swap.. first of that nature that i have seen. I am sure there will be the Nissan haters but it will definitely be different. Keep us posted.

Elvota

Might want to verify it will physically fit. Being form a Nissan, it's probably pretty small, but...

Consider frame rail width
Engine bay height and depth
Exhaust routing
Radiator requirements

Even if it does fit, how easy or hard will it be to get to sparkplugs and general accessories? Example: Engine fits between frame rails, but you'll never have access again to "Bolt B" for the starter unless you pull the motor.

At what RPM's do you get your torque and HP? If up high, that might not be so good for the trails. How will a turbo act on the trails?

I wonder if you'd have to do some calculations on tire size and gearing for both the diffs and tranny. You'd want this motor to stay where it is designed.

What is your source for the tranny adapter? Does one exist? That might be the hardest part for such an unconventional swap.

Not saying it won't work... just throwing out some things to look for.

chimmike

well, these things I do know:
1) An adapter will have to be custom made.
2) The 3vze auto trans should be able to handle upwards of 250hp. I won't be pushing that much, but it should handle that.
3) When on the trail, the auto trans+turbo will shine. I can kick it down to low or 2 and limit the gearing, keeping the load high which will keep the turbo spooled. I wouldn't run an aftermarket turbo, and the stock turbo on the vg30et is small enough to be very responsive but large enough to maintain power to redline....which is something like 6000rpm or so...not significantly higher than the 3vze.
4) The entire car, including frame rails, is narrower than the 2nd gen runner, besides the fact that the vg30et naturally sits lower alongside the rails/on top in the 300zx than the 3vze in the 4runner. Exhaust routing can be modified fairly easily. The turbo sits on the driver's side of the motor.

other stuff I have to take a look at the cars.

yotasavg

nice. sounds like an interesting swap.....i'll be following.

seems like we haven't heard a lot from you since the swap...any updates on the runner?

Turbo4Runner

That would be a great combo! Turbo's on trails are awesome! Especially if its loose dirt/mud/snow..

I know you are getting the motor for free but just as a comparison you might want to see what it would cost/take to get the 7MGTE swap done as that has been done and would yield similar advantages.. Unless you are doing it because you want something different.. In which case I'd say its a great option..

If you do it, keep us posted!

chimmike

well, a lot has happened since I finished the SAS.

Had to finish it as I had a deadline...........I got married.

Then, a month later, we closed on the house we built. So money has been tight. I haven't driven it much because gas is expensive, and tried to sell it to no avail because everyone around here muds. So I decided to keep it because it's been so reliable to me, so I'm trying to make it a little more street friendly, i.e.: swap my 5.29's for 4.88s, swap out front 4" springs for 3" springs, and now I'm considering this engine swap for more useable power and better economy.......then again I could rework the 3vze to help that cause too. I'd say my motor could use an entirely new engine harness, haha.

Ricer-X

my VG33E(same motor diff displaccement) barely fits in my xterra from front to back, and its factory, lol

chimmike

Ricer-X.....do I know you from b15sentra.net?