More room... FTW!

[mtcookson]

Got a sudden urge last night to finally get my car in the garage and see how my setup would work... so far its look good with the spare VG30E I had laying around:















Stock Z32 motor mounts even work. Passenger's side is a direct bolt on, driver's side only needs two holes to be slightly filed to the rear and down ever so slightly





Will definitely need a custom intake manifold though...





Definitely going to need some coilovers as well, this thing barely dropped the front end at all.



Even taller intake... that's definitely not going to work





As a comparison:













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Now to start getting to work and actually making it run. Need to make a custom intake manifold, custom exhaust manifolds, all that fun stuff.

[Zwicked]

What sort of power numbers will the new engine put out? Is it turbo'd or NA? What transmission are you using? Looks like it fit's well. A nice low profile cowl induction type hood to clear the intake would look awesome if it were designed just right =)

[mtcookson]

It will definitely have a turbo, looking at the 500+ whp area. I'll also be using the Z32 5-speed. I've found the perfect combination of random parts that lets me bolt it up (89-91 Maxima flywheel, 84-87 300ZX Turbo clutch, Z32 throwout bearing, Z32 starter).

I've been thinking about hood mods... can't decide yet though since I love the stock look of the car. What bites is the clearance issues are near the front instead of the back where a cowl hood would benefit most. I know that first intake would probably need a good 3 inches of extra hood clearance, which would probably look pretty goofy.

I have another manifold idea, other than custom, that would definitely work but I'm not too fond of the design (3rd gen Maxima manifold).

Oh yeah, just in case any doesn't know... that's the VG30E(T) out of the old 300ZX. Though I am planning on eventually going with the VG33 with a potential bore to maybe 3.5 liters... or full out to 3.8 liters.

[Zwicked]

I think I'd be inclined to fabricate an intake for it, something concept-wise like the new LT1 engines use that is low profile with a single large TB.Looks like a fun project you have on the go.

[JDMZ32]

well that's definitely different/unique/interesting. good luck with it all.

[evildky]

awesome project, why not use the Z31 plenum? it might seem a bit goofy bit I think it'll clear your hood issue, and I see you are running the drivers side mount int he n/a configutration, you plan or running the satan manifold or fabbing your own? gotta lovethe VG30ET, mine is running super sweet right noew, turbo isn't having a good life but still running like a beast

and if you do the VG33 you can retain the Z32 clutch and flywheel, i believe they got the 8 bolt flywheel patern?

[mtcookson]

I was thinking about the Z manifold... just can't decide. I have a few laying around so will definitely try it to see if it clears. I have a feeling the 3rd gen Maxima manifold might actually flow a tiny bit better than the Z31 manifold but I'm not positive... though, the Z31 manifold would be better suited for higher range power as the runners are a bit shorter than the Maxima's manifold.

Exhaust manifold wise I'll definitely be going custom. I've been debating between going twin turbo and single turbo and am currently leaning towards the single setup. Instead of doing the rear crossover pipe though I want to bring both manifolds forward to join at the turbo in front of the engine, if there's enough room. I'll be using electric fans on the radiator so that will definitely free up a lot of space but I'm going to need a relatively big turbo for my power goals so I'm unsure. One reason I want to keep it single turbo is due to the VG30ET "theme" but also if I set it up right I should be able to get a large single turbo to spool quicker than the twins and provide plenty of power.

I'm 99% sure the VG33 retained the 6-bolt pattern on the crank but did get a crank snout the same size as the DE(TT). I have a VG33 crank in the garage so I can double check but I'm almost positive its a 6-bolt. Either way works for me though since I can use the Z32 5-speed with either setup using the combo mentioned above (Maxima flywheel, Z31 clutch, etc.).

[evildky]

maybe I'm thinking about the minivans that had the 8 bolt crankshaft

and yeah I'm sure the max intake flows a bit better but fit has a place in the equation

I contemplated a similar turbo relocation, the exhaust manifolds and be swapped side to side and front to back, you can run 2 passanger side manifolds, inverted to put their outlets to the front, then just use the flanges form the stock crossover tube to fab up a front crossover tube with turbo flange

[movin_up]

this blows my mind.... i'm not going to state my feelings on this.

really interested to see how it turns out though, hope you prove me wrong. could be a cool swap.

[mtcookson]

Now that's the type of reaction I've been expecting.

My reasons for this swap, on top of the VG30E(T) being one of my favorite engines:LighterMore compactJust as much potential as the DETT (even more so with the VG33 option) - blocks are nearly identical, the DE(TT) does have the forged crank benefit but no one has broke a VG30E(T) crank from too much power yet, and finally the 13 head bolts per head makes for a very boost friendly engineWay cheaper - I just picked up three (that's right, 3) VG30's for $200 the other day and can easily find VG33's for around $500 - mods are relatively cheap as well, especially if I go with the single turbo setupSlightly more reliable from what I've witnessed so farA lot easier to work on (as you can tell from the pictures)

maybe I'm thinking about the minivans that had the 8 bolt crankshaft

and yeah I'm sure the max intake flows a bit better but fit has a place in the equation

I contemplated a similar turbo relocation, the exhaust manifolds and be swapped side to side and front to back, you can run 2 passanger side manifolds, inverted to put their outlets to the front, then just use the flanges form the stock crossover tube to fab up a front crossover tube with turbo flange

I'm pretty sure all SOHC VG's came with 6-bolt cranks but I'll double check my VG33 crank tonight.

I was thinking about using the stock manifolds like that, maybe cut off the ends so that I can angle them more forward basically. I may just end up doing a full weld-el manifold setup though. I have a few laying around to get some ideas, just need to do it some time.

---------------------------

I just realized... this is going into my 91 NA Z32... not the TTZ pictured above. That's my fiance's Z and I'll be keeping the DETT in it...... unless this swap works out like I'm planning, then I might just consider doing the swap to hers too.

[movin_up]

I definitely feel you on wanting some more space to work with, I just don't know enough about those engines to know what kind of power they're capable of I guess. How much do you expect to get out of it?

I'm seriously considering going RB26 or even 2JZ for the same reasons.

[mtcookson]

Power potential is really just how much money you want to throw at it. Electramotive built a Nissan GTP race car powered with the VG30ET. Using the stock block and head castings (custom internals of course) that thing was making over 1,000 hp in qualifying trim. I've actually seen claims of number approaching 1,200 hp for qualifying trim but it was definitely in the 900 hp range in race trim. They can definitely be built to make some power.

In normal street car setups, there are quite a few guys running 400+ whp on stock internals. One I know of is making nearly 500 whp on stock internals and drives it daily last I heard (also got 30 mpg on the interstate as well ). They are definitely some potent engines yet are very simple and inexpensive.

[evildky]

it seems most Z32 guys think the Z32 was the first turbo Z built, the truth is that the VG30ET ws bruising ego's long before the birth of the Z32 and the L28ET was bruising ego's before the VG30ET, all very capable engines, all over built and able to take a beating and make lots of power, ti might lack the ricer appeal of the rb but thats a good thing

[movin_up]

it seems most Z32 guys think the Z32 was the first turbo Z built, the truth is that the VG30ET ws bruising ego's long before the birth of the Z32 and the L28ET was bruising ego's before the VG30ET, all very capable engines, all over built and able to take a beating and make lots of power, ti might lack the ricer appeal of the rb but thats a good thing

I hope you're not referring to me. Like I said, I have considered going with a 2JZ or an RB for the same purposes. I'm really not a big fan of the VG30DE. I wouldn't expect a VG in single cam form to be any better, but I'm interested to see what happens.

[evildky]

I hope you're not referring to me. Like I said, I have considered going with a 2JZ or an RB for the same purposes. I'm really not a big fan of the VG30DE. I wouldn't expect a VG in single cam form to be any better, but I'm interested to see what happens.

lol, no not about you, just Z32 guys tend to think that the vg30dett is the end all, and fail to recognize the potential of the less famous vg30et

the 2jz is a bargain compared to the rb and without the loss of displacement, but in these cahssis I still gotta faveor a v6 over an inline, the inlines are better suited to the s30 and s130

[mtcookson]

I'd definitely take the 2JZ over the RB, though an RB30 setup would probably be pretty cool.

Personally, I don't much like I6's all that much. Sure, they're smooth and those options above can make a ton of power but they're too long, tall, and heavy for my tastes. They would definitely make for an awesome car but I'd like to keep my compact V6 for great power and better handling characteristics (weight distribution).

[chrishamm]

not to hijack but whats up with the honda odyssey in the background. doesit run and do you want to sell it??

[perana]

Hey mtcookson you look very busy there bro.I have secretively test fitted the same set up one weekend and could see lots of good points when using this set up . But never mentioned it to anyone cause people my flame the idea.I totally support this swap.What i did learn was that a VG30DETT crank fits in the 30ET block then the z32 flywheel and clutch can be used.The VG33E crank is 6 bolt and not 100% the same as the VG30DETT so i dont think it can be swaped straight in but surely it can be made to work.A mate of mine had a look at the engine loom and said it can easily be made to work with the 30ET or the 30ET loom made to work with the z32.Keep the pics comming. cheers

[Frankensteinz31]

I have always wondered about the vg30e(t) into a z32. I own a z31 with the basic bolt on stuff people usually do. Benz 420cc injectors, hx35w holset turbo, nistune z32 maf and so on. I know the vg30dett weights so much more than the vg30et.. 600lbs plus vs 390? Im assuming that's right if I am wrong correct me. The only thing I didn't like about the z32 was the weight. And putting that lighter motor in it would be perfect. So many pros to the vg30e but so little people use it. Anyways keep posting and let me know how it goes. I would love to later down the road buy a z32 roller and swap my stuff into one It's amazing how 2 more cams can add so much weight :P

[Honad]

What were your motivations for doing that engine over say the VG30DETT? Was it cost? Trying to be different? Is the aftermarket support better? Cheaper? Or just because you can?

[evildky]

I certainly can't answer for him but as someone who has built both engines, the VG30ET is way cheaper to build, and modify, you have half as many turbo's to buy, more room for custom manifolts etc, half the oil lines, half the intercoolers, half the intake piping, half the exhaust, you can fit standard O ring top feed injectors in, it's a much easier engine to work on

[Frankensteinz31]

any more on this? I wanna know

[SATAN]

The VG30E(T) has got to be the worst engine ever built. Only idiots try and dump money into those piles.

[fyneyoungstunna]

Any updates on this?Z32 na crank work in the vg30e?

[DCaff300ZX]

it seems most Z32 guys think the Z32 was the first turbo Z built, the truth is that the VG30ET ws bruising ego's long before the birth of the Z32 and the L28ET was bruising ego's before the VG30ET, all very capable engines, all over built and able to take a beating and make lots of power, ti might lack the ricer appeal of the rb but thats a good thing

I'm with ya Evil, I came to the Z32 via the Z31, and first a 260Z with a hopped 280 motor I got to drive when a kid.ALL Z motors and cars were and are top-end pieces at their times, and I LOVED my Z31 and would still own it if it hadn't been stolen.I am really interested to see the final result of this definitely different swap/build, as it is a LOT closer to my experiences building fast cars in the past and he obviously knows exactly what he is doing...

[Project z32]

I know it's a somewhat older thread, but I'm planning to do this exact swap. I was trying to find as much info as possible so this can go rather smooth. How far did u end up getting with this z32 vg30et swap? Did it ever work out? If anyone could give me a direction of a thread like this plz let me know. I'm new to NICCOCLUB btw, so yeah, thank u guys.

P.S I'll post my own thread and update it frequently throughout the whole z32 vg30et build.