performance difference z32 tt and VH45DE, wrx?

[ellover009]

I've recently started looking at some 300zx, different variations of it, wanted something fun to drive that hauls. I found a nice 300zx tt that needed some work but it got snatched up pretty quickly, I also saw VH45DE 1994 engine.
Besides more potential on the TT how does the HP compare on the VH45DE? is it faster or slower than a stock or low moded tt?

I live in a norther state, I've also looked at more affordable wrx, but most of those are extremely high mileage and it's hard finding an unmolested, well taken care off at a reasonable price. If I was to go wrx it would have to be a wagon probably 2002-2003 within my price range.

I also looked at a all-trac but I've given up due to its hard to find one that's not rusted out, extremely expensive to get reasonable performance unless you sink too much money in it.

I have a 1997 3.5rl as my daily driver, not bad, but I need more leg room 6'2, It would also be my first manual car.

[CaleJDMZ32]

From what I want out of my 300, I would rather spend the extra money and go all out on my TT rather than swap a different engine in it, in all honesty
I love my V6 Twin Turbo, the setup is amazing and yea.. we get a little turbo lag, but when it hits boost, its that throw you in the seat acceleration that just makes you feel like a kid again.

do whatever makes you happy man! to be honest tho.. the stock engine wont be cheap to mod out, but it all depends on what you want right?
Im keeping mine and going crazy, I love these cars and I love the setup, if I wanted a V8 I would of bought an overpriced camaro or firebird lol

[ellover009]

No I meant like there is a swapped v8 300zx in my area for sale, he mentioned he was a member here.
Things I am considering are.
TT sick vehicle, cost more than than the swapped v8 one.
V8 no lag or turbos to break, less mod support, most mechanics don't know what it is.
wrx, Good performer with back seats and trunk space, but it's the ugliest, won't be as nice of a cruiser.

I really seen threads comparing how the v8 is an step up from the n/a version, but I haven't seen any comparison of someone who's driven both. Is it as fast as the TT? handling characteristics change due to weight difference? mechanical reliability?

Almost got the TT this week, unfortunately my car's wheel speed sensor went bad, it's been raining and I didn't want to do the 80 mile drive to see it on a car with no ABS/TCS that was designed to have it. Someone snatched it up.

[nissanfreak12]

The VH45de is a monster in the 300zx, the charts say it has 287, but realistically it has closer to 320. Compared to the TT stock, it will be a fairly close in comparison with the V8 possibly edging out the TT. This is with a stock TT mind you, but you have to remember, the VH will be pretty much tapped out power wise cause you already have to put an aftermarket exhaust and an intake for the swap. The TT has not even been started to be upgraded.

My opinion, if you have deep pockets, go with the TT, they are extremely fun and VERY fast with little mods. They are also VERY expensive to mod, take care of......

If you want reliability and good power with an awsome sound, stick the VH. Provided the previous owner didn't butcher anything while he did the swap. Let him show you what he did for the mounts, how does it feel when you drive it. Open it up on the highway, how does it feel? The VH is a bullet proof motor but has zero aftermarket support. Handling, you wont notice the difference, still handles the same, but it is a little lighter than the TT, aluminum block(vh) vs cast iron(VG). Timing chain(vh) vs timing belt(VG).

I was going to do this swap but I had a TT/5 Speed swap land in my lap for a great price. Do I wish I would have done the V8 swap, some days just cause the TT is expensive to maintain. Just go drive both of them, pick which one you like the most. If properly maintained, you will not be disappointed in either one powerwise.

[NolimitZ32]

Cant help you with the VH45 Z, Never drove one, I did used to have a WRX that I bought as a virgin and sold after 3 years with a full drive-train swap, STI engine, bigger turbo, and a whole lot of other mods. As a daily the WRX if in good condition cannot be beat, as a northern car the WRX is light-years ahead of the Z (My Z would get squirly on dry roads on stock turbos). Also I think the bugeye is one of the best looking cars produced in the last 15 years (beauty, beholder, eye, you know) The one thing to remeber, if you do go with a TT or a WRX BUY A VIRGIN! if you go with the VH swapped z DON'T buy someone else s headache, if the car isn't 100% walk away.

[300ZXttZMAN]

+1 at Nolimit's post.

If the car is not turn key I don't suggest you buy it unless its just non engine related things.

Or if your mechanically inclined enough buy an NA Z32 shell and VH swap it.

[ellover009]

Yeah, don't see too many unmolested wrx, ever since the fast and the furious came out you got all kinds of people who didn't care about certain cars buying them. and they all seem to throw around the same words, turbo, brembo brakes, sparco.
V8 is starting to sound better as long as it wasn't a butchered job, wouldn't have to worry about turbos going bad, or extra maintenance.

Makes it hard to compare them all since you see the VH45DE swap compare them to their old lethargic n/a engines but never to a tt. Google mostly yields results to youtube videos, and ppl asking for help with their build but nothing about I did the swap and this is my review.

All the wrx I see are mostly High mileage with questionable history, riced ones on their last legs due to negligence, or decent mileage but rusting through, lol. Only advantage I have right now is patience and time to find the right toy.

[300ZXttZMAN]

The reason why you don't see any reviews about the VH45 is because the owners are to busy roasting tires. If you want reviews look at the video's on YouTube. That's plenty of "review". The VH is just a bad a** very well balanced V8 engine that can sustain a high rev all day long.