Yet Another VQ30/35 Swap interest thread

[irax]

Originally Posted by KansaiDrifter

Well, the part that says
"* The engine must be from the same type of vehicle (passenger car, light-duty truck, heavy-duty truck, etc.) based on gross vehicle weight."

That says based on vehicle gross weight

I think you misunderstand it.

Those listings are based off of gross vehicle weight.
IE a light-duty truck is lighter than a heavy-duty truck
you can not put a heavy duty truck engine into a turck
or a truck engine into a car
there are mini trucks that are as light as some luxury sedans but the luxury sedans are still classified as passenger vehicles and the mini trucks are considered light duty trucks(along with vans and mini vans)

[S13 Charlie]

What's the latest and greatest? There was so much good info in this thread, I just read through the entire thing in one shot. Well, apart from the arguing in the middle, this thread is all win. It reminds me of the stuff I've read about LSX swaps. I read a lot of "it can be made carb legal" but no one seems to have actually done it yet. I applaud your drive to do it the right way. Good luck, I'm looking forward to the results!

-C

[irax]

Thanks man. I really wish that I was not the only one with a work in progress so the info isn't as one sided as it is now. I know there are more than 2 hands full of people doing this swap in all sorts of different ways but majority of them are not in cali., and the rest are not sharing info AND doing it for a track car anyways. I really wish I was not the Kubara-ya of this community.

[Mark IVDX]

I've been giving this swap a lot of thought recently instead of going KA-T.

If I were to buy a donor Z with all mechanical parts in working order what else would I need to buy besides a solution for mounting, headers, shifter plate, and driveshaft? I would like to retain OEM ECU and their cluster as well as the plethora of smog equipment.

[irax]

A radiator would be the only additional to buy, or modify KA koyo radiator.

[Mark IVDX]

Is there any dimension differences between the VQ35 and 37? (350/370Z models) From looking at the pictures the hood clearance looked too close for comfort and I currently have a vented hood I would rather not part ways with and it taps my KA every now and then near the front of the vent. Or would you say I'm SOL about the hood clearance?

Edit: Pic of said vent for referance

[irax]

you are going to have to put spacers on the hood and or cut out some of the bracing under the hood depending. the vq37hr have a little more hood clearance because of the intake manifold design.



VS

[Drift N Dragg]

Originally Posted by irax

Thanks man. I really wish that I was not the only one with a work in progress so the info isn't as one sided as it is now. I know there are more than 2 hands full of people doing this swap in all sorts of different ways but majority of them are not in cali., and the rest are not sharing info AND doing it for a track car anyways. I really wish I was not the Kubara-ya of this community.

I am working on Finishing Mine...

and getting Pictures ... Wiring will be done soon... All Stock OG stuff .. No Aftermarket ECU ...

I got a List from the Local BAR/REF and am tring to comply with it...

the only problem I am running into, based off limited information, is Fuel Pump Wiring/Routing/In-tank or Out of Tank setup..

But IIRC you said something about a Maxima Fuel Pump..

[97240TB]

My swap has gone rather smoothly for me, again as mentioned hood clearance for the HR or VQ37 motors is an issue. hood spacers would be necessary or a cutout or removing all hood support to get the ideal fit... I haven't had any issues though I'm just waiting on parts I've ordered to get here. Defi Gauges, Mishimoto KA radiator and fan shroud with fans, FPR, and a bunch of other little things. GL to anyone attempting this swap!

[ManoNegra]

Waiting on that CARB update.

[Drift N Dragg]

( Not Sure if this was Covered with a definite Answer )

Ok Here is the Update on Ref, B.A.R., and Smog

Talked to the CHP V.I.N. Officer: As Long as the Vehicle Retains ALL OG SMOG/EVAP Systems and Senors and is NOT older then the Car you are putting it in and a LEGAL CALIFORNIA Motor, Then the Answer is " YES it is a LEGAL Swap! "

Talked to the B.A.R. Officer: Exact Same as the V.I.N. Officer w/ the exception that, The REF Officer WILL conduct a OBDII Reading with a Mobile Dianostic reader. ALL SMOG/EVAP Systems have to Test Normal .. You will also be Given a Smog Test on the Spot. Must Pass within the OG Factory Specs, Also you will need to Use the OG Transmission, Can not be a Different Motors Transmission ( Didn't Understand that one, But OK ). Answer for Can I do this Swap " YES, as Long as the Motor is not a JDM or Non California Emission Complaient Motor )

Talked to the REF Officer: Said the Exact Same as Both. BUT do NOT got there SLammed OUT or HUGE Nasty Exhaust. You must have a Stock Vehicle Or else you are Walking away with something you didn't show up With " A Ticket " ... Answer for Can I do this Swap " Yes! "

So .. after doing alot of talking.. Meeting people Face to Face, explaining the Motor and where it comes from.

This Swap is 100% Legal as long as you Follow the Rules... The V.I.N. Officer will Issue you a New V.I.N. Plate and you will now Smog as, example, 2004 Nissan 350Z

[DreamN]

When you specify "OG" are you talking about the previous engine's SMOG/EVAP Systems and Senors or the newer motor's?

The reason I ask is because the 350Z does not have an EVAP system, but the 240SX does. That's where I've been a little confused on the issue.

[Drift N Dragg]

Originally Posted by DreamN

When you specify "OG" are you talking about the previous engine's SMOG/EVAP Systems and Senors or the newer motor's?

The reason I ask is because the 350Z does not have an EVAP system, but the 240SX does. That's where I've been a little confused on the issue.

EVAP or Emissions... Whatever Sensors Monitor The Emissions is what I am refffering too ... ONLY from the 350Z Motorset, Not the 240SX

To SUm it up, Anying OBDII Emissions has to cross over.

[Mark IVDX]

Essentially it needs to work exactly how it did from said donor car? Be in "stock form" and have the OBDII port accessable and not throwing any codes? Or are the engine codes the only ones that matter, not a matter of electronics?

[irax]

Originally Posted by Drift N Dragg

I am working on Finishing Mine...

and getting Pictures ... Wiring will be done soon... All Stock OG stuff .. No Aftermarket ECU ...

I got a List from the Local BAR/REF and am tring to comply with it...

the only problem I am running into, based off limited information, is Fuel Pump Wiring/Routing/In-tank or Out of Tank setup..

But IIRC you said something about a Maxima Fuel Pump..

Pics or lies! maxima fuel rail dampener for fuel return conversion using factory parts.

[Drift N Dragg]

Originally Posted by Mark IVDX

Essentially it needs to work exactly how it did from said donor car? Be in "stock form" and have the OBDII port accessable and not throwing any codes? Or are the engine codes the only ones that matter, not a matter of electronics?

OBDII Port Under Dash in a Easy to Access Location.

Motor has to Be in " Stock Form "

Not Throwing Any Codes. ( as long as OG Engine Harness is Used, you shouldn't throw an Engine Code.. But if it does throw a Code, I think If it has nothing to do with the Motor itself, then it shouldn't be a Problem.. But I dont remember the Engine Check Engine Light Coming on for Seat Beats or Window Reg not working... They Just Honestly care about Emissions and that its hook up Factory. I can call them back tomorrow to Verify.. NO Aftermarket ECU )

[Drift N Dragg]

Originally Posted by irax

Pics or lies! maxima fuel rail dampener for fuel return conversion using factory parts.

I will get you Pics... you Crazy MAN!!!

Also Fuel Return? The 350z motor Doesnt have a Fuel return, does it?

[hOngsterr]

DAMN SUPER INTERESTED IN VQ INSTEAD OF KA-T now lol.

[97240TB]

Well I'm going to add my two cents here, So far I have the engine in my car and engine mounts fabbed. We're basically using the OEM motor mounts with a one off tranny cross member.

Engine- 08' 350Z VQ35HR... Engine and tranny only have 800 miles on them.

All lines are being run this coming week for fuel, and the ECU harness is in the process of being torn down and redone.

I bought the Engine, Tranny, ECM, Harness, and rear diff for 4,100. (this includes tax.)


I'm using a Mishimoto Radiator and fans with aluminum shroud for the KA engine, Aeromotive Fuel pressure regulator, Defi Gauges. For obvious reasons redoing all fuel lines and relocating battery to the trunk.

I'd say the car is about 80% complete as of today. I feel lucky that i dont have to go through all the headaches with all the emissions b.s.

P.S. VQ Engines don't have a fuel return system.

[irax]

You are right! engines do not have fuel return systems, chassis do!

My car is done but I am ditching the Maxima ECU because it is super mega faulty. I am switching over to a 350z ecu that is going to be edited.

[unlegendary]

daamn TE37s or VQ swap? hahaha, can i come by to check it out?

[irax]

sure you can! i sent you my number so fucking call me

anyone else in diego want to check it out is more than welcome to pm me about it

[Drift N Dragg]

I wannnnnnnaaaaaaaa seeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[DreamN]

irax, what is left to do on your car for it to be CARB ready?

[irax]

An exhaust, a carb approved intake piping, a working speedo...

those are the only 3 things i need... and I already have a factory intake pipe

then i take it to the ref for inspection, then to vin cert, then registration


though there is a slight chance that i'm going to turn this into a track car since registration fees have gone up.... i MIGHT just say fuck it

[DreamN]

Speedo I'm guessing you're going the Dakota Digital route correct?

Glad that you're pretty much at the finishing point. Hope to see this car with a new Vin plate stamped very soon.

[irax]

yeah i'm going with the dakota digital setup

[ManoNegra]

Anything on this? irax, barbade? anyone?

[turtle m3th]

Send me your number i.b. I wanna see this thing run!

[bardabe]

Irax had a talk with the ref, me and a friend discovered how to unlock the Z33 ECM of the BCM and all the bullshit that makes the wiring a pain in the ass. switching the car over to Z33 ECU, Stock S14 cluster, with the Dakora Digital converter for the speedo. more updates when we make progress.