I guess this is pretty major, i havn't seen another one. I finished up a while ago, engines got about 4000k's on it now. Its been rebuilt by myself to standard specs and currently running a slightly tweaked tune on 16psi. Seat of the pants dyno reckons about 230, 240 rwkw and a crap load of torque. Thats the old VG30, reason for the build was blown ring landings from number 1 and 2 pistons. The new engine is a VG33 from an 02 Pathfinder, had to do a couple minor things to make it work with a turbo but nothing too bad. Looks exactly the same as it did before, you can't tell its 10% better .. I've also put in a Z32 5 speed and an R33 VLSD which believe it or not was pretty simple. Also has 550cc injectors and nistune. Thats how she stands today, tall and proud...haha...
Very unusual choice for an engine ...... can I ask WHY ?? dont get me wrong.... think it looks almost "factory" in the enginebay.... its just an odd choice when there are so many other engines to pick from and certainly there must be a far more common conversion engine .... 02 Pathfinder engine.... add a turbo.... any wonder it has huge amounts of torque was this the reason for the choice ?? and .... pics of the radiator / intercooler setup please pipes going to ????
Very sweet work looks fantastic :thumbup: any pics of the diff conversion?? im in the middle off of a 84 z31 5 litre V8 build with 88 frontend and interior update
I guess not many people realise that the VG33 block is pretty much identical to a VG30 block. Only difference is the cylinder walls are alot thicker, you can bore it out to 3.6 if you want. Some blocks are missing the oil feed for the turbo so i had to T off the oil pressure sender line. So basically a VG33 bolts into a Z31. Haha, pipes just do a loop...lol Nah, ill get some pictures today if i can. There's a Treadstone intercooler tucked up the front. Finally going to install a turbo timer so i don't have to sit in the bastard and do nothing for a minute. I also gotta weld up the cooler pipes where they are joined with rubber couplings so i can get a propper tune done. Hoping for 260 atleast at the rears.
VG33 is a good choice, light and a much simpler motor to work on than the twin cammers. Plenty of aftermarket stuff still available f or them in the US, cams, fuel rails, oversize valves, etc. So where is your build topic Crzboy?
will post a build page very soon A big Zed week coming up so I will take pics as I go. I hope to kick the thing in the guts this week
Probably get flamed for this... But would it be much fabrication regarding engine mounts, transmission, loom etc. to fit a VG33 into a NA Z32?
You wouldn't want to. My opinion and I may get flamed is that it ain't the motors that are technical, a VG30E is no more technical than a VG30DE, but what both motors have in common is crappy electrics and accessories to run them, they're not crap but if something goes wrong it can be a PITA. Totally different ECU system, you'ld have to go standalone ecu for what the wiring would be worth. Your Z32 engine mounts will bolt up with little hassle. You would need a manual gearbox z32 one bolts up as shown with Timbos Vg33et. The exhaust manifold has a crossover pipe and not the typical single exhaust per manifold as with the vg30de's. It can be done to a z32 if you really really really wanted to.:bash:
Thanks Swampman that's a great response, very much appreciated. I might consider doing the conversion in a Z31 maybe later this year if I can budget for it. Sounds like there's not a great deal of Macgyver'ing needed Get a cheapie with a blown motor. Should have more room in the garage too, got motivated and have been rationalising a lot. 3.6 Litre with a GT35 would be bloody awesome!! TORQUE!!
Nah but i've been around to know the vg30 motors are much better than the electrical systems that run them. But if you trust 25 year old electrical connectors that's cool!
I don't even know if my Z31 has a clutch diff, supposedly it has fins, but all I can see is a long nose something a rather with no fins
Oh the connectors, that's easy then! As for the diff all 88s-89s will have a CLSD, jack it up and check. Aslong as it's not worn out when you jack it up and rotate one wheel the opposite wheel should also turn in the same direction (trans in neutral). If it doesn't then you have a open diff. The CLSD in the Z31 is a hot item for drifters in their Silvias etc, and are stupid rare to find and very expensive when you do! Super strong... Timbo what did you do for a driveshaft?
Mine had an open diff in it, 3.45:1 piece of shit... Ratio is still the same but now it spins both the rears up. I dunno whats going on there, maybe it got replaced at some point in its life.
Ah yeah, that sucks... Quite possibly got robbed out of it, I've seen it happen before! You can get upwards of $2,000 for em! I suppose a VLSD is about as good as you'll get with the rarity of the CLSD for our cars. Did you go custom driveshaft?
The only thing against the VG33 for big turbo power is its cast crank, although the yanks reckon its not a problem unless you want insane power. I came close to building a bored out VG33 race motor with a GT35R, rather than the present VG30DET motor. The thing that stopped me was I could not find out if the Z32's forged crank would fit. May still build one, what is a good VG33 worth second hand? Never see them advertised for sale.
You can pick them up for around $1,000 if you can spot a bargain but typically closer to $2,000 ish is around normal. My advice would be to call the wreckers, dont mention ANYTHING regarding a Z and say you want it for a Pathfinder, and the price will be considerably lower... Stupid I know, but it will make a difference! I dont think anyone has ever reported breaking the crank in any series VG30E motor, if they have nobody knows about it.
