Need some direction here...

[Stormy]

Here's my issue. I got a lead on a sweet deal on a 03 SC'd VG33E with 10K on it including the ECM. I have been bouncing around the idea actually selling the truck and starting over with a new X (yikes!). My truck has about 110K on it now.

I've replaced the transmission in late May without any issues and I am fairly mechanically inclined... What do you guys think the difficulty factor is in swapping out motors????

I don't want to pay through the nose to have someone else do the work for me. I'd also like to have this experience under my belt.

This wasn't even a reality until this deal fell on my lap. Now I'm all confused

[PMan_S13]

I personnaly think swapping trannies is a lot more difficult with the motor in the car, so whenever I try it I always just pull the whole thing out first.

Pulling a motor is pretty easy. I think at least.

Now swapping a motor in that didn't belong there is a little more involving. I can't really understand what it is you are wanting to do, but I'll try to summurize major roadblocks in putting a different motor in that doesn't belong there. (If that is what you are proposing)

-Engine doesn't drop in. You need custom, or otherwise fabricated, mounts. Possible relocation of parts. (I.e. radiator, pumps, resevoirs, etc.)

-transmission is different. Might need some fabricated parts here too, unless you find swap kits. Driveshafts, and mounts probably.

-Secondary stuff is different. This is the annoying part. Unless the motors share these systems you are going to need to swap it all over. This includes ECU, Fuel pump, engine harness, any sensors that are not on the engine (MAFS, O2 sensors, MAP, etc), maybe even other stuff like power steering pumps and the radiator.

Again, this is only if the motor doesn't belong there at all. I don't know if you are talking about swapping like how an SR20det will swap into a s13 or s14.

[s13sr20chris]

swappin a sc motor into a regular x should not be hard. i dont think so anyway. is it 4wd? that would make it fairly difficult.

[Stormy]

Maybe I should have been more clear... Is it safe to assume that the motor mounts, electrical harnesses, transmission bolts, etc are the same as the VG33E? It was my understanding that they are... I know the SC sits higher in the engine compartment but I have a body lift installed and that should take care of that. Is there any other issues I should be looking for?

Thanks!
Modified by Stormy at 7:17 PM 10/10/2004

[s13sr20chris]

harness? i think that will be different. it should be close enough that you could easily modify it to fit.