91 VG30 swap to 94 VE30

[peaksja]

I wanted to ask this question in other posts by didn't want to fall under highjacker status.

I just bought a 91 Max SE Auto that has a damaged crank pulley (damaged will driving). Initially I figured, I would fix the pulley and keep the engine (279,000 miles). After realizing that it will be just as cheap to buy a VE30DE (114,000) for $250.00 and swap. Coming from the 240sx world, I could find info. for days on engines swaps. What I am not finding is adequate info. that gives me high confidence that it will be worth it.

Can some one please give a clear direction on what it will take!

So far I know I need...Engine: VE30DEHarness: from 94ECU: 94Cluster: 94

Thx, in advance

[audtatious]

I believe most recent swap information to find would be putting in a VQ. If you are already going to go through all the trouble of harness and ECU, how about at least a VQ30 (222hp) from a '00-01?

[peaksja]

Good question... Currently I am only looking to fix the max as a daily driver for me and the family. The only modification that were planned in the future was basic bolt-ons. Once it is complete then I can buy another 240 and go crazy. With all that from your experience is it just a involved and expensive to do a VQ sawp? (keep in mind that I have the VE for 250at the shop)

I am easily excited about having project cars, but do not want to regret putting too much money in the Max and having to re-save up for the SX.

Thx

[audtatious]

Not sure what differences would be required for a variable-intake VQ30 ('00-01) vs. VG/VE variants. I know the VE has 30-degree angle heads vs. 46-degree in the VG (due to hood clearance issues in the '92-94 models) and there are hp increases.

Are you looking at going from the VG30E to the VE30DE (SOHC to DOHC)?

[peaksja]

Yes, I want to go from VG30E to VE30DE solely because I am getting the engine for less than dirt. I was initially expecting very little parts involved and don't want to get half way through the swap and realize suutle differences that will add up in cost. For example if the heads are 16 degrees higher then I will have to buy a new hood. If I had the time I would say what the heck...do it and do a complete write-up. I just need a quick turn around on this one.

[peaksja]

Just found out that the 94 is a GXE, no worries because it has a VG unlike the 94 SE models are equipped with a VE. Now I have no reason to be concerned about swap time. This can be done in 1 day.

Thx

[mtcookson]

Actually the swap is quite difficult from what I understand. I've heard of someone attempting it but giving up on it not long after. I never got the whole story on it but it definitely wouldn't be a very quick swap. I'm sure it can be done but it will likely take quite a bit of time due to the differences between the two engines.

A one day swap would definitely be putting another VG back in but from a performance standpoint the VE would definitely be more fun, stock for stock.

As far as swapping goes, I'm not 100% sure but these are the differences you might encounter.

The motor mounts and/or the cross member could be different.

You'll definitely need the ecu and wiring harness but the gauges shouldn't be completely necessary. A lot of VG guys put the VE gauges in without issues so it wouldn't be a necessity.

The transmissions were different between the two. Bell housing pattern is the same but the VE got a VLSD and I know for sure on the 5-speed models they had larger axles with different hubs. I'm not sure if the auto is the same, but I'd say its possible. I don't know of anyone swapping a VE auto to a VG and vise versa so I'm not sure if the VG transmission will work on it or not. I'd say it probably could but the VE will definitely have a different flex plate and I'm pretty sure a different torque converter. You'd definitely want to double check that while everything is apart as well.

Those are the things I can think of off hand that might give you some issues. If you're looking for the quickest possible swap to get it back on the road I'd definitely just get another VG. They can be purchased for just as cheap or even less as there are many VG's out there.

If you do end up going the VE route and everything goes wel definitely let us know as that would be some very good info as there's very little documentation except for that attempt that I know of. Good luck!

[peaksja]

Thanks for the response. After much debate I am going to go with the VG, keeping in mind that I am repairing my daily driver. The last thing that I want to do is create another project car... oh and did I mention it was an automatic. Not my idea of being fun to drive.

You have a lot of valid points. Immediately it proves that it will be cheaper to buy a 94 SE than to drop a VE in a 91 SE. sometimes minor differences can become very costly.

Thx, again

[NosKid_13]

I have a 94 SE with the DOHC engine for sale on nico.