1999 Motor Swap.

[Wiggler]

Hey, I'm new to this forum, but I'm about to own a 1999 Q45, and I was wondering if anyone has tried to stuff a VK45DE into the engine bay. Steve Millen Motorsports said it is pretty easy as far as the hardware is concerned. I know engine management is the foremost issue to deal with, and if anyone knows if harnesses are compatible with an ECU in a car with the new motor please speak up. Thanks for your help.

[qship96]

Seems like a whole lot of work for not that much more power?

[Wiggler]

266hp vs 340hp from the newer powerplant??? It's WELL WORTH a little bump and grind.

[maxnix]

Changing out the ECU would be foreboding.

Newer is not always better. VH series is long lived.

[Wiggler]

So it's not even worth thinking about? What other engine upgrades could one use in the stock motor to get it up to at least the first generation numbers???

[qship96]

easier to just buy a 2002 if you really want more power?

[Wiggler]

I never really cared for the 2002 bug eyed headlamps or the new bulbous design, and forget about installing an aftermarket stereo in that dashboard...I'd rather shed blood, tears and sweat trying to figure out the ECU wiring harness issue. Clearly I'm not from the same planet as everyone else on this forum....

[paranoidjack]

Crazier swaps are done everyday. Thing is, the technology in the two is so vastly different, you're going to need an intricate understanding of the entire electrical system (I'd be hard pressed to know a Honda Civic, much less a Q45!), or have 10k to pay someone who does.

That's it.

Is it a good idea?

Well, to have a 3k car with 266HP go to 320HP for 10k? Not really ideal for a "project" car, those are based on dollar efficiency or sentimental attachment at best.

If you're looking to add 60hp with 10k, buy a different car. If you're looking to make THIS Q a badass VK45 for a reason other than the almighty dollar, then do it. Fact is you're going to have some serious electrical stuff to work out for the CPU and all harnesess. Way above my paygrade. I can think of better ways to spend 10k. These guys are just more familiar with this car (why did you come here of all places, because we know these cars), and are being honest that it isn't worth the dollars. If you can prove me wrong I would LOVE to see a VK45 y33 - I have one, and dream of it. Key word - dream

[maxnix]

I think a better swap would be a VH45DE, but then you would have to integrate the G50 ECU and TCU. OBD II would be out the door without the 96 motor and controls.

Life is short, think of something else to do.

[oldmako]

..... Clearly I'm not from the same planet as everyone else on this forum....

Before you blaspheme the entire board, may I suggest that you come and hang at my abode for a week or so and partake of the herb....

IOW, it's your car. Wail as you see fit.