1990 nissan hardbody engine swap

[wutecht]

I have a 90 nissan d21 4cyl 5 speed 2wd, I want to swap the 4cyl for the 3.0 V6. What do i need? Can i use my same transmission? is it just a drop in plug and play? thanks.

[LEMHEAD16]

Not the same transmission, or electronics, or many other things.

You would be better off selling your truck and buying a V6 Model. It can be done but it will cost.

[wutecht]

Thats what i was afraid of. didnt want to sell it, it has some sentimental value to me. Motor thats in there now is going bad the timing chain chewed a hole in the timing chain housing cover now it wont stay timed.

[Rev_D21]

Timing chain and front cover are not too bad to replace. Way easier than swapping in a V6, though I am guilty of coveting a V6 for mine.

[wutecht]

We changed everything. I installed an aftermarket oil pressure gauge it reads 18 psi at 60 mph Way too low. And since oil pressure determines the tension on the timing chain it keeps jumping time. I run a 20w50 oil and that doesnt help.

[Rev_D21]

Why so low? Is the engine cooked? Is the pump damaged? A pump from Nissan is not expensive and the labor to slap it in is not bad either. I'd turn my attention there.

[wutecht]

I cant figure out why its so low. The engine only has 96523 miles on it, i replaced the pump the screen timing chain the tensioners the timing chain cover and it still runs bad then jumps time. I cant figure anything else out. thats why i wanted to drop the V6 in there. is there a better 4cyl i can put in there with a little more power and reliability?

[Rev_D21]

When you replaced the screen did you put a gasket on the pickup tube?

[longtooth]

I have seen the pick up tube plugged before also. Did you happen to make sure that it was clear.

[wutecht]

I did change the gasket and when i had the pump off i took an air compressor and blew that tube out.

[yankabilly72]

did you replace the two little round things(looks like a washer with an rubber o ring made on it) in the oil passages between the timing chain cover and the block . if there no good it will not make any oil press.