Swapping VQ30DE with VQ25DET

[Sentientbydesign]

I feel like a newb all over again.

I'm contemplating keeping my 96 I30. She has 270k on her and well, it's time for decisions.

I could just get another VQ30DE, but I thought it might be interesting to put something else under the hood.

I did wikipedia search on the VQ family and I was wondering how prohibitive it would be to swap the 30DE with another engine. If I was able to get the ECU for that engine, would that solve most of my problems, or would I be looking at lots of customization and a car in pieces for months?

My budget isn't great. I have about $3500 which would have to cover the engine, transmission, a door, windshield, bushings, and anything else I might find broken down after 11 years.

Any info is appreciated.

[DanCouga]

The VQ25DET is longitudinal mounted if I remember correctly. Your better option would be to building another VQ30 or to step up to a VQ35.