Blown VG30DE, Swapping in JDM VG30DE, which upgrades on NA

[tellmarxis]

I bought my second 300zx and this one was a NA. The timing belt broke three days after I bought it. I am only going to swap in a JDM VG30DE; which upgrades should I do at the time? Clutch probably a must, should I just do stock? Budget would be $3000, the motor is $800-$1000, what else should I do with the remaining $2000? Ebay products are an OKAY, too. Plus, if you have anything for sale, too, then perfect. Let me know.
And this is my first posting.

[amiry36]

Jdm and usdm engine are the same. Get a good running usdm engine if you can. It should be cheaper.

As upgrades, I recommend lightweight flywheel, z1 motorsports clutch, and underdrive pulley.

Before those upgrades however, I say spend that 3000 on fresh parts for your engine such as new nissan water pump, timing belt, idler pulleys, idler stud, change the oil seals, pull out the oil pan (those engine sellers let the engine sit on the oil pan so it can dent the oil pan and make it difficult for the pump to suck oil. Just take the oil pan out, tap it out from inside with a hammer and you should be good). Change the gaskets on every place (except for head gasket. Leave it alone if They are not leaking). Because let's face it, these parts are easier to change when the engine is out of car and you have room to work on it. The last thing you want to happen is you drop the engine in the car and some old hasket decides to leak. Trust me, I have been there. .

[tellmarxis]

Thank you for the reply. All those ideas are actually a good idea, thanks on that. I will try and see if I could source a USDM motor, but all I can find online are JDMs. If you could spot me a great source for USDMs it would be great.

[nissanfreak12]

where do you live? That would be the best place to start. I agree, you should be able to get a good USDM engine cheaper. JDM, you could run into issues, rust in engine block, severley dented oil pan which will cause starvation if not fixed properly. Getting any engine, you will be spending almost another thousand just on maintenance stuff, timing belt, hoses, etc. If you do take the engine out, yes, get a new clutch, and all that stuff. Oem will be just fine for an NA, you are not going to get crazy HP out of it.

PLaces to look,

craigslist
local forum or even nissan forums, TT.net, NICO(this one), projectz32, all have great guys that will lead you to what you are looking for.