Can it all work???

[EMK]

I have read several build threads and I have yet to see anyone swap USDM VH45DE into an S chasis and keep everything working. Why is this it seems as though it's possible if albeit a lot of work.

AC why has nobody got this functioning?

Alternator why must we notch the frame rail? KA alternator or maybe even the Quest alternator?

Power Steering Custom Lines maybe?

Would it be less trouble to just track down a JDM VH41DE and mate it to the VQ3xHR 6 speed? Would this not yeild a much more favorable accessory location and drivebelt routing?... Plus solve the adapter plate issue!

Please correct me if I've just been reading too long and have information running together, but this seems like the path of least resistance. The JDM VH41DE does retain all the potenecy of the USDM VH45DE if I'm not mistaken.

Let the war begin.

[Mettler]

I have read several build threads and I have yet to see anyone swap USDM VH45DE into an S chasis and keep everything working. Why is this it seems as though it's possible if albeit a lot of work.

Anything's possible with enough time/effort/money.

AC why has nobody got this functioning?

Because nobody cares enough... put the window down and accelerate, rather than run power robbing AC!

Alternator why must we notch the frame rail? KA alternator or maybe even the Quest alternator?

I agree that notching the chassis rail is a bad idea... but it is also the simplest fix for those who just want their VH thrash car running.

Power Steering Custom Lines maybe?

I have P/S running in my conversion... using the VH41DE P/S pump, R32 steering rack, and custom lines. It works well Mine's not an S chassis, but all the engine bay and strut tower measurements are identical to the S chassis (although in RHD format.)

Would it be less trouble to just track down a JDM VH41DE and mate it to the VQ3xHR 6 speed?

To my knowledge it won't just directly bolt up, it'll be an adaptor plate/modified bellhousing job like any other VH conversion. Unless you have some proof otherwise, I'm fairly confident that this is not the case. We went through this in another thread some months back, and sought out pictures of the late model 350Z 6 speed box, which showed a different bellhousing bolt pattern.

Would this not yeild a much more favorable accessory location and drivebelt routing?

This it would! Alternator at the top, oil filter closer to the block, and narrower front covers due to smaller cam gears, have proved to be extremely convenient!

Please correct me if I've just been reading too long and have information running together, but this seems like the path of least resistance. The JDM VH41DE does retain all the potenecy of the USDM VH45DE if I'm not mistaken.

Let the war begin.

You are and aren't mistaken. The JDM VH41DE is to me the most logical choice... not only because of the accessory placement and improved timing chain setup, but because in my part of the world they're a heck of a lot more common and affordable than the VH45DE. However should you want to use one, you'd still want to slap the VH45DE crank and pistons in to get the maximum benefit of the added displacement & piston acceleration.

As you can see, many of the guys here have just encountered problems and gone on to solve them in whatever way is necessary. Things like accessory placement are more of a minor inconvenience than a major hitch... and if it's going to save you money in the long run to get your hands on a VH45DE, then there's nothing wrong with going down that route. The 94-95 version of the engine would be the most desirable.

[craigztoyz]

EXACTLY!!

I have a z32, not an s, but still same logic applies. crossmember mods, are not good, unless strengthened correctly.

A/c, will be working in my car in a few weeks, but only for someone who buys it, I couldnt care less.

Everything in our swaps, are up to the builder, If a person wants something in their car, they just have to have a plan, and follow through with it. Or pay me to do it. Ha ha

[elwesso]

one of the major problems with the swap is that swaps in general, they dont try and get everything to work.

VH specific, the AC is a pain to make it work in the chassis because the AC compressor really sticks out and doesnt clear the frame..

What makes you think theres an MT that mates up to a VH41? There was rumor but nothing was confirmed, so i remain skeptical. Plus, I dont know how easy it would be to get a JDM VH41 in the US anyway, since theres really no reason for them to bring them here.

Still, the VH41 with VH45 bottom end is the ideal engine swap. Thats my word and im sticking to it!

[Carl H]

there is simply no way to retain ac due to frame rail and swaybar clearances...i've got some new undercar pictures of the engine in the car and mounted that may show why.one major reason is that the bolt for the ac belt tensioner fouls on the swaybar, another is again frame rail interference.ps should work with the fitment of the maxima pump, as far as lines go custom will be needed for sure...i'll be grabbing a pump this weekend to do so.

[npez]

there is simply no way to retain ac due to frame rail and swaybar clearances...i've got some new undercar pictures of the engine in the car and mounted that may show why.one major reason is that the bolt for the ac belt tensioner fouls on the swaybar, another is again frame rail interference.ps should work with the fitment of the maxima pump, as far as lines go custom will be needed for sure...i'll be grabbing a pump this weekend to do so.

I second all the responses. It's really up to the owner/builder. Can you make all the things you mention work? absolutely. Will it take a toll on resources (financial/time/effort,etc.) - most definitely. Everything in building a car from an enthusiast to a manufacturer has trade offs.

The VH was never engineered to be in my Z but with enough time/effort/money I am making everything work. I imagine the same applies to an S chassis - throw enough of those 3 ingredients and you'll have a recipe for success. If you are short in any of those 3 ingredients (unless you're a checkbook enthusiast and then #3 has you covered) you will have to make compromises. Others ditch A/C others P/S - it all depends on people's individual tastes and priorities.

Just my $.02.

Thanks,Nick.

[SuperHatch]

I too agree with everyone else's responses here. If JDM VH41's were more easily accessible in the states, I'd snatch them up in a heartbeat over a VH45... however it's just not that easy.

I have a pair of 45's that literally cost me $50 for both engines, with ECU's and looms, as well as a host of other parts that I've since sold off. You just can't get that kind of value with any other swap out there.

I havn't kept any accessories on my S14 because it's a dedicated drag car, however on my Z I will be keeping everything... to each their own.

[EMK]

I'll check your build thread for the new pictures but I hope that this problem can be solved because unlike most of you I hate not having ac.

As for the Power steering thing I didn't know you guys where switching pumps. Learn something new everyday.

Thanks for the feedback all

[gs14racer]

Alternator and power steering are no problem, you can notch the tension rod bracket for the power steering then notch the frame for the alternator, or you can do what i did on my s14, get a 240sx alternator and mount it where the a/c compressor was and then get a 240sx power steering pump and put it where the VH45 alternator used to be. Ofcourse in order to do this you have to make brackets, but its much better than cutting the frame imo.

Now the a/c would be fairly difficult from what i remember when i did my swap, lots of fabwork there iirc, but if your smart enough you should be able to figure it out

Heres my thread lots of info for swapping into an s chassis

zerothread/231283

[EMK]

Thanks for the explanation I think I've read you swap thread at least 12 times since I first found it. I didn't really know what you had done with your accessories just that you had moved things around and where only power steering, the water pump, and the alternator. I'll have to get some things in front of me before I can try to draw up a method to make brackets to hold everything. I was always curious about leaving things where they were but just using the 240's accessories. I haven't had the chance to lay a quest alternator next to the 240's so I'm not sure if that would be a viable method. I may need to brush up on my solid works if I have to design a couple of things but it shouldn't be that hard. (Still have the book) If I may ask though why did you relocate the oil filter was it necessary or did you do that for another reason?

[gs14racer]

The oil filter was hitting the frame rail, i could have just banged the rail in a bit, it was only a couple of mm that it needed to go in, but i had the oil filter kit already and though it was a more elegant solution.

[slamdbusa]

I followed GS14racer's build, well for the most part, and used the parts I had laying around from the various swaps and build I have done in the past.

My engine is as low as his also, but apparently the S14 and S13 engine bays are different, I had to use a way smaller brake booster,, and I had to curve my hood out farther so that I didn't cut a hole in it.

I would like to have a/c on it in the future, but unless I use a universal kit and mount it on extension brackets like they do on Chevy's with Vintage Air, I most likely wont. I notice that the Zs have better clearance for having not to do modifications to the accessory drive.

My oil filter is close to frame but doesn't hit it, and I was going to use the Q45 alt, but the KA one fit better.

I also did a LS1 swap for a buddy, almost the same amount of work but the pluses for creature comforts far out weigh the VH option. It's all about the preferences, money, and time.

[Panther in a Q45a]

The MR2 has an electric PS pump that can be mounted in a remote location. I see them on ebay ocasionally.

[nat0Z]

stuff the hydralic p/swhat about a mazda electric assist?? like off my 2007 mazda 2 im fixing for my miss'looks like a starter motor mounted to the rack, you turn it helps, only upto above parking speeds, the the real feel of manual steer once moveing, great for the feedback but without having a heavy parking steering ratio!!!!nat0