Wat problems are common to the VG30dett?

[V030211]

Spoke to the shop owner today of the shop that is to do my VG swap into my S13, he tells me that the VG engine is extreemly problematic and should be avoided at all costs. Is he simply afraid of the job or is there any truth to his words? what kind of problems do you guys run into often? (he mentioned over heating due to tight engine bay and twin turbos as well as oil leaking problems)Also, I would like to know, if i have a full uncut harness and ecu from a VG30dett, is it as simple as running the harness, bolting in the ecu and i'm good to run or would i be requires to splice any wiring from my S13 to the VG ecu to make the swap work? ~ tanx for taking the time to read and I am greatful for any and all helpfull comments ~

[tmeyer29]

Engine its self is bullet proof..The problems come with the old s***ty breaking apart and corroded connectors. Early engines had issues with fuel injectors also. 90-93 I believe is early style injectors. I have never had a oil leak problem or problems with heat.

[V030211]

Are you stock? and do you honestly have to raise or drop the engine each time you need to work on anything due to the tight engine bay?

[tmeyer29]

everything internal is stock. You really only have to pull motor if you putting big turbos in or wiring harness. It will be diff for you though.

[evildky]

they have lots of parts, and therefore more potential failure than most engines

I think mostly he knows it's an overengineered pita and he just doesn't want to drama, and I don't blame him, but the engine itself is very dependable if maintained, basic oil changes and timing belt changes will keep the vg going for 200k+ miles

[cjrboy14]

I agree they are extremely overengineered.

[Sgt]

Other revisions of the VG black had some issues such as the VG30E in the hardbody. The VG30DETT is a bullet proof engine. If this guy isn't confident, then shop around and see if anyone is. The torque this engine produces is much more then most other alternative swaps.

Plus having this swap is quite rare, so there is some bragging rights and pride to be had.