Putting a VE30DE into my S12 200sx (PICS!)

[Garrett76zt]

Thought you maxima guys might appreciate this swap I'm doing . . . Please let me know if you've ever heard of anyone doing this before . . .

Its an '87 200sx XE with a CA20e in it. That will soon change.

Here is the car when I bought it.



Then I cleaned it up a bit and threw some gunmetal wheels on it.



Then i went scouting and brought home the VE





This motor was obviously in a FWD format and I'll be using it in a RWD platform so there are some obstacles that I will have to overcome, but I'm well on my way. Heres a pic or two without the intake manifold on it, as that will be one problem.



Took the intake manifold off to explore options.

So my thoughts are to get this motor bolted in with a Z32 trans and clutch, custom driveshaft (1310 spicer stuff), a good standalone (perhaps Megasquirt) and spray it with about 100 shot. I'd like to have a nice clean 300hp daily driver out of it.

But then i discovered this . . .



Z31 turbo manifolds bolt to this motor, not perfectly, there are a few issues with them but as you can see it could work. So im not sure what to do now, haha. Turbo is definitely more expensive and this motor is 10:1 comp ratio and I'm dumping more money into my Z so . . . prolly NA for now. Anyways Im trying to finish this swap with all Factory Nissan parts and i just got ahold of a VG crossmember and mounts to work with this motor. To my knowledge no one has ever done a FWD --> RWD VE swap into a different car.

Well I never intended for this to be a strict BUDGET build but I just cant help it.

the Car: $400

The VE30DE (complete) $172

NX wet kit $350

and NOW . . .

Z32 5-speed transmission,Flywheel,Starter,Pressure Plate and Clutch disk = $71.26!

So i got the stuff home and got busy . . .heres the results . . .

Z32 flywheel and clutch bolted to the VE





and the z32 transmission and starter bolted right up!





What do you guys think?

[MinisterofDOOM]

Wow. Very cool project! Keep us updated.

[Beancooker]

Sick, Filthy and Ill, all at once. Looks like a great build, especially for less than $1k. Maybe I should have had you help me with my brakes.

[internetautomart]

there was discussion a bit back on the org about using the VGs intake manifold on the VE. you may want to look into that as an option (just the upper plenum part)um and those exhaust manifolds won't work, unless you plan on tunning without coolant.Which brings up another logistical problem. the Coolant hose locations aren't setup for RWD so one is on the rear of the motor.

[Garrett76zt]

there was discussion a bit back on the org about using the VGs intake manifold on the VE. you may want to look into that as an option (just the upper plenum part)um and those exhaust manifolds won't work, unless you plan on tunning without coolant.Which brings up another logistical problem. the Coolant hose locations aren't setup for RWD so one is on the rear of the motor.

yes im aware that the thermostat is located on the back. It will be moved. More than likely i will cut the pipe up front before it runs back under the lower intake manifold.

Really a VG upper plenum? According to my research the runner pattern is totally different. I know for sure the VG30e wont work. and even if the DE would fit im not really interested in the dual TB setup.

[Chris92SE]

that's a pretty serious undertaking. I have never seen anyone try to do anything at all with this motor except put it in a 92-94 Maxima.

You got a screaming deal on the VE, but you have a lot of issues to tackle. I am not going to say anything, because it's not my place to put down someone else's work.

Do you happen to know how many miles are on it? This could be important, as you might have ticking VTCs and it would suck to have to replace those after all the work you are putting in. Actually, you might want to do that (and put in a new knock sensor) while you already have the upper plenum off. The VTC rebuild kits aren't that expensive, but the labor is pretty intense. Three timing chains and four cams, everything has to be lined up correctly, marked, etc.

If I were you, I would also change out the manifold studs while you have the engine out of the car. Those tend to break.

Good luck and keep us updated.

If you are looking for any VE related parts, check the for sale section (3rd gen) of http://www.maxima.org

[Garrett76zt]

Is there a specific place i can buy the VTC rebuild kit? would a local parts store have it or do i need to go to Nissan?

[whiterps13]

Awesome. What a freaking sleeper that thing will be.

[Chris92SE]

Is there a specific place i can buy the VTC rebuild kit? would a local parts store have it or do i need to go to Nissan?

I am pretty sure it's a dealership only thing, usually have to order it, too and it can take a few days to get it in.

You can do a search on VTC rebuild or VTC TSB

Here is a link to the TSB:

http://www.mattblehm.com/faq/VTC_tsb.pdf

I bought one a couple years ago, then a buddy and I had problems installing them (off by one f'ing tooth) so I put in a JDM engine instead, since my engine had 150k of hard miles.

I sold the rebuilt VTCs and all the engine parts to help pay for that. Now the VTCs in the JDM are clacking!

[kanecain]

I am pretty sure it's a dealership only thing, usually have to order it, too and it can take a few days to get it in.

You can do a search on VTC rebuild or VTC TSB

Here is a link to the TSB:

http://www.mattblehm.com/faq/VTC_tsb.pdf

I bought one a couple years ago, then a buddy and I had problems installing them (off by one f'ing tooth) so I put in a JDM engine instead, since my engine had 150k of hard miles.

I sold the rebuilt VTCs and all the engine parts to help pay for that. Now the VTCs in the JDM are clacking!

I owned a '92 Maxima SE, and it suffered ticking VTCs. I talked to a Nissan tech, and he said you can only get it repaired at the dealership. Mainly because of the required tools (a press if I remember correctly). But he could've told me that for the sake of the dealership.

[Chris92SE]

I owned a '92 Maxima SE, and it suffered ticking VTCs. I talked to a Nissan tech, and he said you can only get it repaired at the dealership. Mainly because of the required tools (a press if I remember correctly). But he could've told me that for the sake of the dealership.

You don't need a press (though dealerships aren't the only places on earth that have a press).

It is a big job at the dealership, I think something like 6-7 book (labor) hours. Taking off the plenum and stuff adds up at their tremendous shop rates.

There have been a lot of guys that have rebuilt theirs themselves or even bought the brand new VTC assemblies (I think those are more like $500) and installed them.

[wonS14aero]

Real cool looks great so far. Nice to see the S12 hasn't been forgotten. You should post your pix in the 240SX/Silvia forum too I'm sure other S car owners will like to check out your work.

[Garrett76zt]

thanks for the help guys . . . I'm finishing up my Turbo 280z at the moment and once im driving that around i can go ahead and make my first test fit of this drivetrain.

[internetautomart]

Is there a specific place i can buy the VTC rebuild kit? would a local parts store have it or do i need to go to Nissan?

Dealer only (believe me I looked)but the kits are only like $30 ea (2 required)

oh, Hi chris :

[internetautomart]

yes im aware that the thermostat is located on the back. It will be moved. More than likely i will cut the pipe up front before it runs back under the lower intake manifold.

Really a VG upper plenum? According to my research the runner pattern is totally different. I know for sure the VG30e wont work. and even if the DE would fit im not really interested in the dual TB setup.

removing that pipe will also help the knock sensors lifespan.

Dam I can't find the info now on it on the org we had a discussion with pics about how close 2 plenums were

[Garrett76zt]

removing that pipe will also help the knock sensors lifespan.

Dam I can't find the info now on it on the org we had a discussion with pics about how close 2 plenums were

I test fitted a VG30dett lower intake on it last night, it is cery close. Except one water passage is like 1" off. I dont see that working out. I'll prolly use the VE lower and then cut the flange and get something made for the upper.

[Chris92SE]

H

Dealer only (believe me I looked)but the kits are only like $30 ea (2 required)

oh, Hi chris :

Hey Brian -- do you happen to the know the part number for the rebuild kit?

I was in the dealership and was contemplating getting them and the morons couldn't find the part. I am being lazy and just asking you. haha

[internetautomart]

I just called my "local" dealer and they had them in stock of course I don't need them yet. no clue on the part # I'm too lazy to find my FAST cdsthough phatg20 does have iso files available