candidate suggestion for engine swap

[Datsun411SSS]

I'm contemplating an engine/drivetrain swap into a '67 RL411 wagon. My intent is to make it a mid-engined car. I've been told the SR20 is good (they said DET, but I don't want turbo). However, I'd like to go V6 with around 175 hp (give or take, say, 30 hp) in stock trim, and a very reliable drivetrain. 4 or 5 speed manual transmission. Ideally out of a very narrow car as the track on the rear of a 411 wagon is about 48", with overall width of the car 58.7". I understand the VQ engine was voted "one of the ten best".

Suggestions? Thanks in advance,Carl

[s13sr20chris]

vq30de would be good. downside would be weight and size.

another possibility would the the sr20ve. has high compression and nissans vvl system so it has very responsive bottom end and a screaming top end. it is smaller and would prob be easier to swap.

either way you are looking at strut type front suspensions so you could use the suspension as well if you are able to fab up some kind of upper strut mount.

[Datsun411SSS]

Can I assume the SR20ve would be a 4-banger? What's the diff in weight?

The only size limitation I have is width of engine compartment and track.

As I said in my first post, I'm planning to plant this as a mid-engine system, so the strut-type suspension is semi-irrelevant, though it'd be trick to plant more modern suspension both front AND rear.

Another consideration is repair and replacement parts cost. Any word on this for either the VQ or your VE suggestion?

Thanks,Carl

P.S. attaching a pic of 'Suzie', the likely candidate for the swap.

[s13sr20chris]

vq parts are available here in the us but they will cost more due to having more parts in the motor

sr20de parts are also available here but there are certain parts that must come from japan if you get the sr20ve.

[Datsun411SSS]

Thanks. I'll keep all that in mind. Sounds like the VE is the way to go (again, this is a 4-banger?), unless the VQ size and weight don't pose a problem, which I won't know until I start getting some specific specs.

Take Care & Enjoy,Carl