Are VH heads interchangeable? I know that the early JDM VH41 uses 2-row timing chains so it may only work with the matching heads. What about everything else? For example, USDM VH45 heads on USDM VH41 block.

Which VH blocks are compatible with the Z33 350Z FS6R31A 6-speed manual transmission with no adapter plate? All VH41 blocks?

Which VH blocks will take the main bearing girdle? All of them?

Which accessories are compatible with which blocks? For example, is it possible to put a USDM VH45 alternator on a USDM VH41 block, even though they are mounted in different locations? What is required to do this -- different pulleys and belts? If so, where can you get them?
Modified by koukimatt at 1:05 AM 4/29/2009

koukimatt wrote:Are VH heads interchangeable? I know that the early JDM VH41 uses 2-row timing chains so it may only work with the matching heads. What about everything else? For example, USDM VH45 heads on USDM VH41 block.

VH45 & VH41 heads are not interchangeable. To my knowledge, the Y33 JDM VH41 is the same as the USDM VH41.

All VH41s run the smaller cam sprockets by way of intermediate sprockets partway up the timing chain assembly, and because of this, the castings are different between VH41 and VH45 engines. So no, can't interchange.

koukimatt wrote:Which VH blocks are compatible with the Z33 350Z FS6R31A 6-speed manual transmission with no adapter plate? All VH41 blocks?

We pretty much established that none are, because the Z33 350Z gearbox pattern is actually quite different to the VH one. Where do you get your information from?

The only factory manual nissan box that I know bolts straight to the VH41 is the big clunky 4wd gearbox from the safari/patrol range.

koukimatt wrote:Which VH blocks will take the main bearing girdle? All of them?

The main bearing beam actually bolts up under the main caps (i.e. is separate to the caps), and the Y33/USDM VH41 is the one missing it... the rest have it. It may be possible to bolt one up to this engine, but then you'd really want to be asking yourself why you're bothering with this inferior version of the engine in the first place.

Mettler wrote:We pretty much established that none are, because the Z33 350Z gearbox pattern is actually quite different to the VH one. Where do you get your information from?

Here on Nico actually; I lost the link to the thread, but you guys were discussing VK/VQ transmissions and someone observed that the (JDM?) VH41 bellhousing pattern appears to be identical to the VK's.

Mettler wrote:The main bearing beam actually bolts up under the main caps (i.e. is separate to the caps), and the Y33/USDM VH41 is the one missing it... the rest have it. It may be possible to bolt one up to this engine, but then you'd really want to be asking yourself why you're bothering with this inferior version of the engine in the first place.

My idea was: If there is a VH block that shares the 350Z 6-speed bellhousing bolt pattern, then get the 6-speed, get a compatible block, put a 4.5 L rotating assembly in it, and come up with a twin turbo setup for my S14. I would prefer to use the better heads and the main bearing beam if available; I knew that some of these parts were interchangeable but I didn't know exactly which or how.

If the VH isn't directly compatible with any manual transmissions, I can live with that. I would prefer to get an early JDM VH41 as you have done, but since getting one to the USA will be painful, most likely I will source a 1994-1995 VH45 locally -- the timing chain guides were upgraded to metal for 1994, so that reduces the chance that I'll get stuck with a trashed motor. For the transmission, I'll just get an adapter plate or hack the auto bellhousing like everyone else.
Modified by koukimatt at 12:03 PM 4/29/2009

If you're really set on a VQ stick shift, then just get an adapter plate made.

koukimatt wrote:Here on Nico actually; I lost the link to the thread, but you guys were discussing VK/VQ transmissions and someone observed that the (JDM?) VH41 bellhousing pattern appears to be identical to the VK's.

I remember the thread. Yeah it was discussed that the VH & VK have the same bellhousing bolt pattern... but we also established that the VQ 6spd transmission is not compatible with the VH or VK by finding one for sale on ebay and analysing the pictures which clearly showed a different pattern.

Here have a look at this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...ories

koukimatt wrote:My idea was: If there is a VH block that shares the 350Z 6-speed bellhousing bolt pattern, then get the 6-speed, get a compatible block, put a 4.5 L rotating assembly in it, and come up with a twin turbo setup for my S14. I would prefer to use the better heads and the main bearing beam if available; I knew that some of these parts were interchangeable but I didn't know exactly which or how.

If the VH isn't directly compatible with any manual transmissions, I can live with that. I would prefer to get an early JDM VH41 as you have done, but since getting one to the USA will be painful, most likely I will source a 1994-1995 VH45 locally -- the timing chain guides were upgraded to metal for 1994, so that reduces the chance that I'll get stuck with a trashed motor. For the transmission, I'll just get an adapter plate or hack the auto bellhousing like everyone else.

Yeah it'd be nice to be able to slap a 6spd box on the back of the VH!

If I chose to use a z33 with a vh41 will the flywheel and clutch bolt up or will I have to make an adapter plate for that also thanks

I think using a VH45 is going to save you a lot of pain and agony, especially when it comes time to tune the thing....

VH45 already has 90% of the goodies except for the duplex timing chain, which no one has ever reported any issues on a VH45 timing chain setup... VH41 setup is certainly superior, but VH45 is proven to work, so why bother?

also the Z33 6 speed is kind of a weak tranny, why wouldnt you just go with the 5 speed?

I dont think I'd want 6 gears on a VH45 especially if it had 150-200HP more than the stock one.. I think the 5 gears on the Z32 box is perfect, and I drive it in a Q45.

because i can get one for about 600 right now just wondering what would be better and easier

I paid 275 for my Z32 tranny. Why would you want to pay $600

LEMHEAD16 wrote:I paid 275 for my Z32 tranny. Why would you want to pay $600

word, i paid $200, its a little noisy and 4th is a little grindy when you're power shifting but other than that its solid...

I paid 300. I have learned to let it fall into 4th. I should have done the syncro upgrade when Mazworx had it but lack of funds prevented it. I just shift slower and it's ok. 5th does it too if I am chugging along about 1500 or so.

hi new to the forum. have a jdm y33 cima. was wondering if the 5 speed tiptronic from the F50 will bolt up to the y33 vh41de? and not sure if this is correct area to ask this or not but been reading Mettler's posts on his R31 build up on a couple of other forums and all the info on the strength of the vh41 is based on the y32 version. how does the y33 jdm version compare? has different inlet manifold for a start. is this newer manifold more efficient and able to produce more/less power in a motor with breathing improvements? are there aftermarket manifolds, cams, headers available off the shelf? if based on US LHD cars will the headers fit on a RHD car? any help appreciated before i start to pull the motor apart.

I'm running a vh with a 370z 6speed. Adapter plate made it possible.
And these are a lot steonger then the 350z 6speeds

cjmirabal1 wrote:I'm running a vh with a 370z 6speed. Adapter plate made it possible.
And these are a lot steonger then the 350z 6speeds

What flywheel/clutch combination do you run? I've got a Z33 with a VH45 on its way and im a bit confused with all the Z32/Z32TT flywheel, clutch/flywheel spacers/starter ring combinations there is