1986 300zx, plans for boost, rebuild or swap??

[ihickok0403]

So I have the option to do one of 3 things. I have a 2+2 1986 300zx that I am looking to run 350hp for now. The motor that I have now does have high miles and also needs a timing belt. So since I have all this work to do anyway...and I have the funds available...what to do? I either do a full rebuild, or I swap in an 87-89 motor,or I do the vg33 swap. But because my car is a 2+2, dont I run into a driveshaft-length issue? But anyway, if I swap in a "w" series VG from the late 80s, is there such a noticeable difference between my 86 motor and the late 80s to warrant all that work? And the only thing I really care about is a if there is a difference in the motors handling high amounts of boost. With any of the motors would I have to lower the compression at all? By swapping that makes it easier to also swap in a better transmission to handle the extra power so I'm not stuck with an automatic...I am leaning towards the "w" series motor, just because I don't think the price difference between that and the vg33 warrants the price for power. 
BUT IDK LOL
Obviously they are all very similar, almost identical. But this car is getting boosted...it's just a matter of which engine.
So if anyone has any input I would appreciate it. I've done my research and I'm just looking for a 3rd party input.
Thanks
Ian

[evildky]

your power goals can be rached wiht the stock motor....and a turbo, the "late 80's", "W sereis", 87-89" whatever you want to call it offer only a few benefits, the floating wristpins being the most obvious, it's the popular choice but not the only choice, same deal with the 3.3, if you can find a deal on a donor go for it if not work with what you've got

as for driveshaft thats a different issue all together and is to be deal with when you swap your transmissions, if you stick with any of the vg's they will bolt to your stock trans, if you decide to upgrade to a manaual you'll need the driveshaft to match the trans and the chassis, or you can have a custom shaft made either from your pieces or scrathc prices will rane from $100 -$500 depsnding on what you replace, the 87.5-89 turbo trans is thought to be the strongest and also rare and didn't come in the 2+2 this side fo the drink, and I believe the slipyoke is different so would need a custom shaft, the n/a trans is thought to be stronger than the T5 found in the 84-86 turbo cars, and the good news is plenty of 2+2's came wiht a manual trans so finding the trans and shaft shouldn't be too hard

[AZ-ZBum]

So I have the option to do one of 3 things. I have a 2+2 1986 300zx that I am looking to run 350hp for now. The motor that I have now does have high miles and also needs a timing belt. So since I have all this work to do anyway...and I have the funds available...what to do? I either do a full rebuild, or I swap in an 87-89 motor,or I do the vg33 swap. But because my car is a 2+2, dont I run into a driveshaft-length issue? But anyway, if I swap in a "w" series VG from the late 80s, is there such a noticeable difference between my 86 motor and the late 80s to warrant all that work? And the only thing I really care about is a if there is a difference in the motors handling high amounts of boost. With any of the motors would I have to lower the compression at all? By swapping that makes it easier to also swap in a better transmission to handle the extra power so I'm not stuck with an automatic...I am leaning towards the "w" series motor, just because I don't think the price difference between that and the vg33 warrants the price for power. 
BUT IDK LOL
Obviously they are all very similar, almost identical. But this car is getting boosted...it's just a matter of which engine.
So if anyone has any input I would appreciate it. I've done my research and I'm just looking for a 3rd party input.
Thanks
Ian

Do a compression test on the motor first. No sense rebuilding or swapping if the old motor is still good.

Then read:
http://www.redz31.net

[ihickok0403]

Thanks for the advice. The last time I have actually had more than just my wife and dog in my car was a few years ago. However when the rare occasion does arrise to have several extra people in the car I want to drove mine, not my friends stupid Honda. I guess in the end it's all about whether or not I'm patient enough to wait to do all the work, or just go an get a turbo Z.
Also, AZ-ZBum, thank you for all your info on your website. The bodykits especially, however I am having trouble getting through to a few places. Nonetheless, thank you! If you do know of any US bodykits that fit the z31 please let me know.
Will keep all posted on the build info with

Thanks,
Ian