Z32 Nissan 300ZX Engine Swap Questions

[amit_b82]

I have a couple of questions regarding an engine swap. I have a 1990 Nissan 300ZX NA with 5-speed transmission that needs the engine replaced. I have access to an engine out of a 1994 Nissan 300ZX NA with automatic transmission. The difference between the two is the year and the transmission.

I plan on using the existing 5-speed transmission with the replacement engine. Will this be a straight old-engine-out and new-engine-in with nothing else to worry about? I want to get everything clear before I start the whole process. Please advise. Thanks in advance!

[NolimitZ32]

Off the top of my head yes, check out the Z32 wikipages, it should have the differences listed.

[itsa300zx]

Here are a couple I can think of:

1)You need to swap over the Clutch and flywheel assemblies. Pull out Auto bushing and replace with new MT bushing.

2)Injectors and CAS from the 94 will be new style, new pig tails are required. IMHO purchase a new 94 harness, as the your original 90 EFI wiring is prob done for once you try to remove the connectors.

3) While the 94 engine is out, replace as many rubber seals and hoses as you can.

[amit_b82]

Thanks for the response!

1) What exactly are the auto and manual bushings?
2) Will the injectors and CAS have the same number of pins? And will the wires be leading to the same points in the ECU?

I have had this car sit around for several years now. Just haven't had the time to work on it. My plan is to invest as little as possible and sell if off in decent running condition, which is why I don't want to put in more $$$ for a harness. Those things are exactly cheap.

[itsa300zx]

1) the pilot bushings inside the rear of the crank shaft are different sizes between auto and manual. They support the input shaft of the transmission.

2)Should be the same, just the connectors shapes are different.

You are correct, they run about $450 bucks. If you want it to run decently, the old harness may have gremlins in it that will hold it back from " running properly"

[NolimitZ32]

Man, I need to remind myself that not everyone is talking big builds when they ask questions like this. OP, if you want to spend as little as possible and still not do some backwoods shady isht then I would say be very careful unplugging things when the 90 comes out, if you have access to the harness off the 94 then chop and splice all the required 94 connectors onto your 90 harness and be done (do it properly if you go this rout, solder and shrinkwrap everything). If you cant use the old ones you can always buy some off ebay fairly cheap. The pilot bushing will need to be purchased new but its like $7 so no biggie, everything else will swap straight over from your 90.

[amit_b82]

My plan was exactly that, which is why I wanted to make sure that all the connectors had the same wires etc. I am going to take sensors and other parts that I know work for sure off of one or the other and solder (and shrink wrap) the wiring to make the connections. I don't want to be dealing with issues myself after the countless hours that I will be spending. I will definitely not be passing on my problems to others.

[Ace2cool]

CAS is different, and PTU could very well be different. 94 also did have different injector clips, but that's an easy and cheap fix, and TBH, they probably need to be replaced anyways. Mine on my '91 are just biding time till I swap the whole harness.