87 300zx NA turbo conversion

[jimmg333]

Need to know what size turbocharger to run with the vg30....looking to run maybe a ts/t4 or gt30 turbocharger but will be running on stock internals and the most 12psi of boost...also need to know what and who can I obtain aftermarket performannce engine internals from for this motor....looks like a lot of customization for the most partwhich I dont mind just want to be set in the right direction...looking to push low 300s mid 300s horsepower and torque to the wheels...just for now till I build the other engine...ANY ADVICE IS USEFUL FEEL FREE TO COMMENT...THANKS

[evildky]

You can make 400 whp with stock internals. The rods are fine the pistons are cast and will let go around 400 whp. You can order custom pistons form just about any manufacturer, JE, Wiesco, Ross etc. The stock T3 on the 84-86 is good for around 300 whp, the stock T25 found on the 87.5-89 cars is only good for 250-275. If you want 300 hp with only 12 psi then you'll need a larger turbo to move more lbs/min at the same psi to achieve your goal but is wholly unnecessary as it will simply add lag. If you want a 300 whp Z31 just swap in the turbo, free flowing intake and exhaust, add a boost controller and intercooler, you might not hit 300 but you'll be close. to go further that's when you need larger injectors, fuel pump, engine managment, MLS head gaskets and a larger turbo.

[jimmg333]

Cool....guess my next question is...whats the best way to customize for turbo setup for a NA Z....I kinda dont want to go thru the whole process of dropping the front crossmember and changing the motor mounts all so I can fit the the stock turbo assembly on the drivers side...know of any other ways???

[G-E]

You can:

1. pickup a turbo crossmember and engine mount
2. modify the crossmember and fabricate your own mount
3. fabricate a new turbo manifold and relocate the turbo

[jimmg333]

Not having any luck finding the front cross members and mounts for the turbo version...on a budget so buying a new one from Nissan is not a option at this time....any other avenues

[evildky]

Junkyards, Craigslist, Ebay. buy a complete donor car, possible even find a decent turbo car to build from. If you're hellbent on doing a custom install unbolt the exhaust pipe from the exhaust manifold, decide where you want the turbo and start welding. If you have to ask then this is likely not the right choice for you. Sounds like what you really want is a bolt on solution that involves as little work as possible. The front crossmember swap might sound daunting but it's easier than anything else unless you find a satan manifold someone is selling.

[jimmg333]

No im not looking for a easy bolt on route...im looking for the most effecient way to go about this...Whatever I cant obtain and stuff as far as parts Im just looking for other advice, setups, etc...just trying to get a understanding of whats the most efficient way to go with boosting the stock NA that I have and imprevising options....appreciate the advice...

[G-E]

Efficient = using factory parts

We do realize that it's rather uncommon for a car not to need extensive work to add a turbo to... but that's how it is... get the turbo parts, slap them on, at worst you may have to move a few wires on the ecu harness

[evildky]

most efficient use of time, stock swap
most efficient use of money, stock swap
Unless you happen to have the satan relocation manifold, some custom headers with turbo flanges or a pile of metal and mad fab skills, the stock conversion is the most efficient way of adding a turbo to an n/a. I bought my 87 n/a auto for $200, I then bought a parts car turbo manual with a bad motor for $400, I did take it one step further as I found a fresh engine with an aftermarket bov, hybrid turbo, oversized injectors, mls head gaskets for $500. In 30 days I stripped the builder, swapped the passenger door, sanded and painted the whole car including engine bay, converted to manual and turbo and even installed a megasquirt and took it to florida for a race in 30 days. So while you seem averse to the crossmember swap it really is the shortest distance from A to B.