Has anyone put a vk56de into a z32?

[Fearspect]

Kind of considering swapping to NA power for a number of reasons.

I've been poking around the internet trying to see if it's been done, but haven't come up with anything other than idle chatter about how cool it would be three years ago.

Anyone know of a vk56 getting put into a 300zx?

[300ZXttZMAN]

I know its been attempted but I'm not sure if it has been completed.

[DCaff300ZX]

I had this dream myself and even had a VK56 longblock lined up, but my dream kinda fizzled when my swap guy said it would be very difficult (read expensive) to do unless I was able to do a LOT of custom fabricating, and then deal with/pay for a standalone management system most likely to make it work correctly with the car.
I hope someone has done it though, I'd love to see the process!

[Fearspect]

I don't see why it would be that different to any other v8 swap. Fitment could be an issue; I can't find dimensions.

Most of the work will be done with a couple friends. The only paid work would be a trans adaptor plate, and maybe an oil pan (if I don't go dry sump).

[nissanfreak12]

Pretty much what dcaff said, expensive.

There was a guy in AZ that had the VK56 mated to a 350Z 6 speed. Never got it going because of clutch issues, driveline issues, electrical problems. The engine fit, needed to massaged the whole engine bay for it to fit, had to relocate the radiator to in front of the cross member due to length. It having DOHC, the hood will not close, i guess it stuck above it close to 6".

That being said, I know it has been done, why not do the VH45 or even the VK45de, has more hp(so it says rated) and less torque. Will fit in the engine bay with a stock hood, uses the same type of harness as the VG, and there is a company that makes a plate so you can bolt the TT transmission to it.

Both engines do not have a huge aftermarket support, so the HP you have with the engines is what you are basically stuck with. I put a lot of hours on a V8 swap before I did a TT swap. VK will take a lot of fabrication, mainly electrical. VH, will take some mainly for mounts and oil pan(if you ant to make it fit under the stock hood) and its lighter than the VG, also obdI, which makes it a lot easier to adapt to our cars. VK45 is only obdII, and can be quite expensive just for the engine.

[DCaff300ZX]

As Nissanfreak said the engine height was too tall to fit without extensive suspension and engine bay mods, then there's the electrical/ECU/management and trans/driveline and such...basically you will be making a custom race vehicle which can be done, but is very expensive and time consuming even if you do much/most/all of it yourself.
Then as also mentioned there isn't a large aftermarket, so you'll be sourcing hard to find parts to do any engine improvements.
Shannon Ferguson's 454 Z thread shows many of the obstacles to shoving any old engine into any old vehicle, and unfortunately I do not possess most of Shannon's skills...

[Fearspect]

That's a shame. There's something to be said for na power, and being able to have access for quick repairs at the track. The vk56 shows impressive torque and I was kind of hoping to match a stout Nissan engine to a Nissan frame; would have loved to beat those hemi guys at their own game.

It's a shame the aftermarket isn't there for vh and vk engines.

[300ZXttZMAN]

VH45 + rearmount turbo + 7psi of boost = tits

[TTkickedin]

VH45 is an upcoming platform, it responds well to boost. It uses our injectors. and it's got a s*** of potential.

VH45/1uzfe are the best japanese v8 options we have at this time to work with. The best being the VH since it's a Nissan engine

If you're looking to pioneer the unbeaten path and be the one to do the first VK swap in a z32 chassis, by all means i'd support the idea 100%, but i'd assume its not a task for the ones who ask if it's possible. I've contempated the idea, but I've also gave up when realizing my skill level, collectively, with buddies skills in mind as well as money and other resources. Wasn't feasible.

I'd say try your hand at the VH swap first, and make it fit your needs.. the Q45 forums may be able to point you in a direction where you can find the aftermarket there is for VH engines. They've regrinded stock cams to mroe aggressive profiles. JWT has looked into manufacturing upgraded cams for the engine as well. Something may also be possible for upgraded crankshaft, rods and pistons, maybe something can be retrofitted or interchangeable if you're looking to bore it out. As for engine management, I can imagine megasquirt or Aem EMS4 being used, havent personally seen it happen. Aaand itb's, well you're on your own.


It's easy to say 'lack of aftermarket support' but it's hard to say that there isn't a work around...if you get what I mean. Get a parts list going on what you'd need to do the VH swap, (it's been done as you know,) and what you'd want to do to a VH. Then you take that list, and you search. You then search for advice on searching. Then you search with the search advice you recieved on how to search for VH parts.. and search again to find out how to get it done. then you plan and implement it, then people will search for your build threads if they're well written, and everyone will be happy..

I know Nissan's used VH45 engines in racing applications, so it has reached close to it's potential...I've even seen a twin turbo outboard VH engine on youtube. Anything is possible if you have money.

[Fearspect]

So, thought I might update this with some info that I have gathered around the internets (though I am still waiting for a bit more thorough responses from emails soliciting info):

1) From what I can tell, the aftermarket is steadily growing for the VK56. JWT has developed cams, there are now several superchargers on the market, stroker kits exist and even a customized kit for 8x individual throttle bodies. I strongly believe that this, combined with the number of silvia and 350z already running this that the future is bright for this huge torque engine.

2) Adapter plates are out there for the vk56 - z32 transmission, a guy from v8nissans regularly posts them on ebay for about $350.

3) An individual that was partway through the swap talked about the issues with mating the starter; basically it being out of position. However, he did develop a workaround to potentially allow the transmission to be mounted in the stock location, a development which, if true, will significantly reduce the amount of custom parts required. With some modifications to the VK starter location and welding the adapter to a machined bellhousing, a stock flywheel and clutch can even be used (meaning I can go to specialtyz for those parts).

4) Another individual who completed this swap on a silvia with a 350z transmission mentioned that if he were doing it again, he would have used the transmission off a z32. He mentioned that this would have reduced his costs significantly because the bolt pattern on the vk56 crank matches a vg30. As the above point, I won't just take that comment on a forum at face value, but it will be followed up with my own investigation.

Long story short: this looks achievable, and the cost (after getting your hands on a vk56) might even be significantly lower than what you would expect from a v8 swap.

The largest cost from the entire project, from what I can gather, will be the (current) requirement for a full standalone engine management system. I hear this is also being worked on, but it happens to be one of those costs that I wouldn't mind anyway (feeling that I would get what I'm paying for). This might even be offset by some of the information stated above.

[nissanfreak12]

If you do go ahead with this project, you have to post progress with pictures. Otherwise, BAN!!!!!

[DCaff300ZX]

So, thought I might update this with some info that I have gathered around the internets (though I am still waiting for a bit more thorough responses from emails soliciting info):

1) From what I can tell, the aftermarket is steadily growing for the VK56. JWT has developed cams, there are now several superchargers on the market, stroker kits exist and even a customized kit for 8x individual throttle bodies. I strongly believe that this, combined with the number of silvia and 350z already running this that the future is bright for this huge torque engine.

2) Adapter plates are out there for the vk56 - z32 transmission, a guy from v8nissans regularly posts them on ebay for about $350.

3) An individual that was partway through the swap talked about the issues with mating the starter; basically it being out of position. However, he did develop a workaround to potentially allow the transmission to be mounted in the stock location, a development which, if true, will significantly reduce the amount of custom parts required. With some modifications to the VK starter location and welding the adapter to a machined bellhousing, a stock flywheel and clutch can even be used (meaning I can go to specialtyz for those parts).

4) Another individual who completed this swap on a silvia with a 350z transmission mentioned that if he were doing it again, he would have used the transmission off a z32. He mentioned that this would have reduced his costs significantly because the bolt pattern on the vk56 crank matches a vg30. As the above point, I won't just take that comment on a forum at face value, but it will be followed up with my own investigation.

Long story short: this looks achievable, and the cost (after getting your hands on a vk56) might even be significantly lower than what you would expect from a v8 swap.

The largest cost from the entire project, from what I can gather, will be the (current) requirement for a full standalone engine management system. I hear this is also being worked on, but it happens to be one of those costs that I wouldn't mind anyway (feeling that I would get what I'm paying for). This might even be offset by some of the information stated above.

You sound serious, I hope you do this!
Interesting about the starter problem, news to me and good at that. Also with the standalone...although that will be bucks to be sure. My biggest drawback is the fact the hood most likely will not close on it with stock intake like a VH, similar deck heights I was told, perhaps the ITB's will "add" clearance?

[TTkickedin]

Interested to see progress if you pull the trigger on this. Dont let this be one of the many idea threads that end up like:

"Will get started this weekend on this swap and will post progress." that everyone reads years after with no updates, not even a followup thread.

I know i've done a few of those before. Good luck!

[XJared]

It's doable! and you have email.

[DCaff300ZX]

It's doable! and you have email.

I want e-mail or PM too!

[Fearspect]

Having a really hard time weighting the pros and cons of vk56de vs rb26dett for now.

VK56DE:
-Individual Throttle Bodies still cost around $6k... That's a bit much.
-Suspect it wouldn't need forged internals to get 500-600hp. Not sure if that's wise though.
-Hooking up a transmission is going to be... complex.
-Amazing torque throughout the entire power band.
-430 lbs
-Will need standalone engine management, unless I'm mistaken
-No one has done this that I can find, lots of new ground to break
-Oil pan issues
-Will stay NA, so some obvious benefits when a breakdown occurs at the track

RB26:
-Plan to throw a single huge turbo on.
-Engine parts, if replacements are needed, will cost more.
-600+ lbs
-Torque will not come in at lower RPMs, will need nos to get power until turbo spools up.
-Can use a stock ECU
-Easily mates with z32 5 speed transmission
-Can comfortable handle huge HP with forged internals, but will require them no matter what

Both:
-Engine core about the same cost (~$3.5k unless I can find a deal)
-Internals close to the same cost
-Both could benefit from dry sump setup
-Both will need fabricated manifold/headers and downpipe(s) to mate with 3" test pipes

[DCaff300ZX]

The above leaves out hood clearance issues as well that would have to be dealt with somehow and may not be possible for an under-hood application (hood scoop), and this all will determine the difficulties of the trans implant which will also as noted will be intense.
I had a 10K VK longblock lined up for $800 and know of most of the other bolt-ons and such, it's the install of the engine/trans/ECU that are the real issues and holdup for this swap unless you have a race shop to custom do it ($$$$$$$$$$$).
Here's a local link for some of these goodies
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/pts/3694656544.html