Asking a little help for a VH41DE swap into a Nissan WD22 based Paladin

[BOC]

Just like everyone else here, I want to get some more horsepower for the vehicle. I have a Nissan Paladin (based on the 2001 Xterra - WD22). It is a 4x4 with VG33E engine.

If I build the VG33E, I basically have it done in the US and have it shipped to me here. I don't have access to quality machine shops nor anyone to re-tune the ECU. Also, building the VG33E will take some $$ just to increase the HP to the 250-300 range. It would have to be a build, ship and drop in.

I can get the JDM VH41DE here. It is already in the HP range that I want, so it seems that it would be the cheaper option. There are not many online resources for swapping this engine into a D22 Nissan. I have only found two links for WD21 Pathfinders (which are similar to my Paladin) but not too many details.

One problem they had was clearing the steering column because of the VH41DE width. The one fellow solved it by switching to hydraulic steering, which is not an option for me.

Does anyone have any links or suggestions how to solve the steering column issue?

[Mettler]

Spend money. The engine is physically large, as will be the exhaust system. Unless you have around 700mm or more width between your chassis rails to build around your steering column, you won't have choice but to modify.

[BOC]

It would be a tight squeeze. I think I will save the V8 project for my next vehicle, the Nissan Patrol. Larger chassis, less problems.

Less headaches to just build out the VG33E and ship it over. Then I don't have to worry about someone over here modifying my Paladin to the point that it won't drive anymore.

[darinz]

My last truck was a Patrol with a turboed Vh45 and the current project is a D21 with a turbed VH45. Yes you are right, the steering column is a real problem but I have got it working. I've shifted the column sideways to clear the cam cover and it still lines up nice with the steering box. In both a Y60 Patrol or a d21 you will need custom manifolds so it makes sense to turbo!!! I'm pretty sure you will fit a VH into D21 engine bay but it willbe a tight squeeze lengthwise. Width is easy apart from the steering.I've mounted mine 150mm through the firewall to get better weight distrubution etc and it also means I can fit a huge radiator and fans with plenty of room to spare.If you are getting a VG built, why don't you just turbo it as well?

[Geoffs89Pathy]

im attempting to put a VH45 in my 89 pathy, any help is appreciated as well. i think i am going to try to reroute the steering column around the manifold using steering u-joints. just a thought i had. we will see how it fits. i haven't tried putting it in there yet. also will be needing to make some engine mounts, and any advice would help with that as well.
it is my DD and trying to keep everything a simple as possible.
keeping it NA...
my truck is already SASed with long arm 3 link in the front with coils. its jacked up enough to clear 37s pretty easy. so the sump shouldnt be a big deal.... i hope... the only thing i may have to do is put a bend in my track bar so it clears during articulation. other than that, i was hoping it was going to be a pretty easy swap...
if we could get all the 4wd VH45 guys together and talk about the issues that we run into and solve them that would be cool.