Unique question about Q45

[venturous]

First of all, I am very impressed with this site and have been a longtime fan of Nissans/Datsuns. My first was a 72 240Z I bought in 77 and in 79 put a 350 Chevy engine with a 350 Turbo trans. I started to have a knock in the L24 engine. I put 156,000 miles on the car with the 350 and later a 327 engine. It was initially yellow, but I painted it blue, almost identical to the 240Z restoration article on this forum. Since then, I have had three Maximas and now an 03 Infinity I35.
At the present time I have a couple Miatas and am considering an engine change on one. I have found a 97 Q45 for a good price and was wondering about this particular V-8 engine. In my research I have found that the 97 version was a step down in HP from the 96, but that is still probably 150% more than I currently have and my Miata is an automatic.
The big considerations for this swap is size and weight. I understand this is an aluminum block engine and given this, it is probably not much heaver that the 4 cylinder Miata engine, which has a cast iron block. Size is also a consideration, but the most common swap is the LS series GM engines from the GTO's and Corvettes, so I doubt size would be too much of a problem.
What I am asking for is any comments on the Q45 engine/trans/differential that might help me.
Thanks,
Randy

[BadQ45t]

The 97' was a small step down in HP due to reduction in overall displacement from 4.5 to 4.1. The 90-92 engines were the strongest rated at 278 hp but it was way higher. By 1996 the 278 number was correct with VVT taken out due to smog issues. The 97-01 4.1 liter engine was rated at 266 HP and got the car out of the gas guzzler territory, but the car was reduced in weight by 300 pounds for 97. I drove a 96' and 97' back to back in 2000 with 2 good used examples on the Infiniti lot and took the newer 97' design due to reduced gremlins and I liked the body style better and it felt just a little bit faster. My dad had a 1992 which was for sure faster than my 97' but not nearly as refined.

The engine is rock solid, sounds great and is very reliable. The issues you hit with it around 125k are knock sensors and coil packs with some people having to redo the value cover gaskets, but that is it if the engine was well cared for during its life. Overall it puts out nice HP and mates to the 4 speed transmission that was very reliable as well.

[94Q45Beast]

my comment is only 2 words.........Absolutely Impressive

[qship96]

I would go with the Chevy V8 for the miata conversion over the nissan VH- much more power and go fast parts are much more available in the aftermarket.

[jrw1621]

I commend your spirit. I like the less conventional approach.
I'll also invite you over to the forums section of www.grassrootsmotorsports.com. In the builds and project car section of that forum you may find cars of a similar spirit. That's not to say that you will find a miata/Q45 build but I do know of a MGB/V12 Jag combo.
You will also find very good Miata mod info.

[venturous]

Thanks for the responses.
The main reason I was looking at this option is the car is supposed to run good and it would have the trans, ECU, and wiring harness for about $800. But if the numbers I am looking at are correct, it is 70 to 100 pounds heavier than the LS series GM engines. But, I am not sure if these numbers are for the 4.5 or 4.1 Q45 engines.
The usual cost of a full LS conversion can run about $20,000 before it is finished.
Randy

[sheikhnbake]

All I know is, the '97 I had, offered 266 hp when new. My '03 went back to a 4.5l engine with 340 hp. With 79K miles it still feels like it too.