whats involved in swapping out the VQ35DE in a 350z and putting in an RB26

[350z101]

I have a 2005 350z and I was thinking about swapping out the stock motor and installing a RB26dett. About how much money would it cost? How long would it take to complete, and would be different "if anything" as far as power is concerned?

[Sil240]

WOW.....Thats a question and a half.

I have no idea, how much$, how long, or how hard.

But I do know that it would cost less and you would make more power buying a twin turbo kit for your Z. Installing the TT kit is not easy at all.

I've spoken to someone who's done it.They said its easier to drop the motor and install it outside of the car.

If you are gonna go ahead with the swap, Good luck.I'm sure its gonna be bad@ss.

Your gonna need a Complete Motorset (Engine, Harness, ECU)A RB25DET transmission or a bellhousing adapter to make your transmission fit or I think you can use a Z32 transmission with your RB26 Bellhousing (not sure).

Custom down pipes, IC piping.Fuel return line.

Water pump, T-belt, tensioner, idler.Oil pump, Maybe crank collar.RB25 Oil Pan and pick-up or Custom setup.Custom Mounts, maybe Drive shaft.Clutch kit.Maybe Fuel pump most S chassis guys use a Walbro 255LPH but the stock pump for your 3.5 probably will be enough.

I can't really think of anything else.

Good luckPost pics!!!

[Yellow4g63]

Money and Time is what you need.

[240z4u]

Personally? I wouldn't do it. The motor you have has LOTS of potential and your going to lose low end torque I suspect.

If your going for shock factor thats one thing, but for HP? I don't think thats a great idea (unless your motor is blown, then why not?)

[Shocker]

Sound Performance just made over 1000hp with their 350z TT. You might want to check it out, the VQ is a good motor with plenty of potential. The added displacement surely helps street ability the RB lacks with a large turbo.

[l0nestar]

get a blower or snail. Don't do a motor swap.. unless you are completely set on it.

[Sil240]

I would def just go with a turbo kit.

But the room on the sides in the engine bay would be nice. But its also gonna be really close to your rad.

Plus parts availability for the VQ is soo much easier. Wouldn't say cheaper too much other than the JDM FU tax.

If your motor is wiped then its more of a reason to rebuild it. Forged pistons, rods etc all the goodies.

Plus you have the CVTCS and the extra liter and the VQ is all aluminum. And NO WIRING nightmares. lol

[raremotive]

Over-hyped...



RB just another motor...



If the VQ/VG/VH were stock for the skyline gtr they would be worshipped too.



See where I am going...



It is so much cheaper to TT the VQ and go further...

Because you buy RB26, swap it you get under 400 hp...which makes it no different than getting the RB25...(a cheaper option)... then.... if you want over 400.. you going to need to spend additional money to upgrade the internals.

Where as...

Take that same money and buy your VQ some turbos, forged pistons, rods, and other goodies... And you are set for over 400 hp...

No brainer.

[SullivanRacing06]

im gonna go the other direction with this one, baller, if he has a z that he wants to drop a 26 into let him, if hes got the time n money i say hell yea! were here if you need answers bro.

but.............

the stock z motor would retain factory air n pwr steering, u goin to have this as a dd or as a hey look at me and what i did sorta deal? nice thought tho