The VG30ET in my S13 - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

Zemus · 03-06-2002, 07:26 AM

After alot of thinking, I have choose the VG30ET. (86-89 300ZX Turbo Engine) My dad agreed to install it for me, and im going to help him.  I know i need custom mounts, and my dad said he can make mounts. (Note: My dad is a Machanic)

My dad said we could add preformance parts to the engine,(cams, pistons, injectors, ect,ect) which would be done before we install it in the car.  

Im just wondering what im going to need for the swap, I know i need a mounting kid, but what else do i need?  Help me out   <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='

'>

03-06-2002, 08:53 AM

Well first off the factory bottom end of the VG30ET is said to be good to over 500+hp, so there is no need for expensive rods and pistons, just a good rebuild if the engine you find is less than perfect. The heads on the other hand will need some work after about 350-400hp. The stock turbo is good to only about 12.5 psi without an intercooler and stock injectors, which translates to around 230hp-270hp.

Installation wise not only will you need new mounts, but also custom exhaust manifolds and crosspipe, a modified crossmember, and possibly a different intake manifold (Maxima or custom job) to clear the hood. The wiring has yet to be done between the two cars, so you also have that issue to deal with.

White240sx · 03-06-2002, 08:57 AM

Another thing I forgot; you will probably need is new tranny mounts and possibly a custom drive shaft.

Zemus · 03-06-2002, 09:28 AM

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Guest @ Mar. 04 2002,09:53)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Well first off the factory bottom end of the VG30ET is said to be good to over 500+hp, so there is no need for expensive rods and pistons, just a good rebuild if the engine you find is less than perfect. The heads on the other hand will need some work after about 350-400hp. The stock turbo is good to only about 12.5 psi without an intercooler and stock injectors, which translates to around 230hp-270hp.

Installation wise not only will you need new mounts, but also custom exhaust manifolds and crosspipe, a modified crossmember, and possibly a different intake manifold (Maxima or custom job) to clear the hood. The wiring has yet to be done between the two cars, so you also have that issue to deal with.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
I hear it has been done a few times, some ppl at fastalloy have done it, i dont know about the computer thing, i want to do a nice rebuild, but i would like racing pistons, and i will get new heads.  Also how hard is it to make those extra thingys?

*AceInHole* · 03-06-2002, 11:01 AM

I thought I had mentioned what would be needed for the swap??  
Anyways, since you aren't listening to me: the J30 mounts supposedly work (note how the J30 is supposed to be a stretched S14 chassis with a VG30DE) and you'll need the wiring harness and ecu and whatever other accessory components you'll want from the z31 (if you go with the VG30ET).  You'll also need custom radiator hoses and vacuum lines.....  really the biggest bitch is going to be wiring it all together though.

White240sx · 03-06-2002, 04:01 PM

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Oni @ Mar. 05 2002,10:28)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I hear it has been done a few times, some ppl at fastalloy have done it, i dont know about the computer thing, i want to do a nice rebuild, but i would like racing pistons, and i will get new heads. Also how hard is it to make those extra thingys?</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
No one on Fresh Alloy has done it, at least that I’m aware of. Unstable Hybrids was in the process, but since Joel is no longer co-owner, updates don't come in.

The things I posted were either directly paraphrased from Joel him self or from my observations from poking around a VG. And speaking of which i was reading some of Joel's old updates, and he said that with the transmission properly mounted there was no room between the firewall and engine block for the manifold cross over, so that means you will have to run the crossover around the front of the engine.

On paper the single cam VG probably has one of the best cost to power ratios of any motor you could swap in. But it's not very swap friendly, and the amount of modifications you have to make it fit really negates the whole "cheap horsepower" thing.

Zemus · 03-08-2002, 06:44 AM

I found a nother group of people who are doing the swap:

http://dave_240sx.tripod.com/240sxda...mance/id2.html

They are going to make and sell all the parts needed for the swap, which is way kewl, so im hoping to go though them.

*AceInHole* · 03-08-2002, 08:54 AM

daperformance claimed he had the car running a while ago... although the pictures he promised never seemed to surface.  I'm pretty sure they're working on a new website (something like www.daperformance.com) so that could be the reason why (if he was saving the pics for some sort of grand opening or something).  Even with the custom peices already fabricated, my bet is that it still won't be worth it, but since you seem pretty set on it, go for it and tell us how it goes.

sspikey · 03-08-2002, 09:31 AM

i have some pictures of a S13 with a vg30dett. this was covered a while back by some guy named calleb.

Zemus · 03-08-2002, 02:16 PM

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (sspikey @ Mar. 06 2002,11:31)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">i have some pictures of a S13 with a vg30dett. this was covered a while back by some guy named calleb.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
send m some of those pics, or post them or somthing

White240sx · 03-09-2002, 05:02 PM

Here's another thing to consider, as it seems you have the financial backing:

Find a VG33E block and have it cleaned up; it has a larger bore than the VG30ET (91.5mm vs. 87mm), and as you know displacement is your friend. Have some custom Arias/JE/Ross pistons made and attach them to treated VG30DETT rods and a VG30DETT crank. Send the heads out for work and buy some turbo profiled cams. Assemble and figure out how to get it in the car. With this set up you should probably be good for 500hp+ depending on your turbo choice.

*Grant* · 03-10-2002, 01:29 AM

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (AceInHole @ Mar. 04 2002,1:01)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I thought I had mentioned what would be needed for the swap??
Anyways, since you aren't listening to me: the J30 mounts supposedly work (note how the J30 is supposed to be a stretched S14 chassis with a VG30DE) and you'll need the wiring harness and ecu and whatever other accessory components you'll want from the z31 (if you go with the VG30ET). You'll also need custom radiator hoses and vacuum lines..... really the biggest bitch is going to be wiring it all together though.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
hey Ace, I thought the J30 was a stretched z32 chassis? anyways, is the VG30e DOHC or sohc?

White240sx · 03-10-2002, 01:56 AM

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Grant @ Mar. 08 2002,03:29)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">is the VG30e DOHC or sohc?</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
12v SOHC

BadMoJo · 03-10-2002, 02:31 AM

sounds like it will be nice if you pull it off. Whats the weight gain with this engine over the KA?

jdm togue · 03-10-2002, 05:08 AM

I don't know about you guys, but I couldn't afford the beer for my friend's help on that kind of project...shit I would go broke, and still left scratching my head, going "Where is that supposed to go, you must be f##king kidding me"
[img]C:\My Documents\smiles\smileysex5.gif[/img]

*AceInHole* · 03-10-2002, 09:56 AM

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (jdm togue @ Mar. 08 2002,07:08)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I don't know about you guys, but I couldn't afford the beer for my friend's help on that kind of project...shit I would go broke, and still left scratching my head, going "Where is that supposed to go, you must be f##king kidding me"
[img]C:\My Documents\smiles\smileysex5.gif[/img]</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
the trick is to buy beer your friend's don't like.  that way they buy their own beer and you have more for yourself <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='

'>

White240sx · 03-10-2002, 11:32 AM

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (BadMoJo @ Mar. 08 2002,04:31)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Whats the weight gain with this engine over the KA?</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
I believe it's somewhere between 100lbs. and 150lbs.

03-06-2002, 07:26 AM	#1
Zemus Nissanaholic! Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Minneapols Age: 40 Posts: 2,268 Trader Rating: (0) Rides Gallery: Zemus Feedback Score: 0 reviews	After alot of thinking, I have choose the VG30ET. (86-89 300ZX Turbo Engine) My dad agreed to install it for me, and im going to help him.  I know i need custom mounts, and my dad said he can make mounts. (Note: My dad is a Machanic) My dad said we could add preformance parts to the engine,(cams, pistons, injectors, ect,ect) which would be done before we install it in the car.   Im just wondering what im going to need for the swap, I know i need a mounting kid, but what else do i need?  Help me out   <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> __________________ \|Ziptied.com\|Hybrid Z\|D-Town Forum\|Clubfr.net\|

03-06-2002, 08:57 AM	#3
White240sx Zilvia Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 219 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Another thing I forgot; you will probably need is new tranny mounts and possibly a custom drive shaft. __________________ -Mason

03-06-2002, 09:28 AM	#4
Zemus Nissanaholic! Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Minneapols Age: 40 Posts: 2,268 Trader Rating: (0) Rides Gallery: Zemus Feedback Score: 0 reviews	</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Guest @ Mar. 04 2002,09:53)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Well first off the factory bottom end of the VG30ET is said to be good to over 500+hp, so there is no need for expensive rods and pistons, just a good rebuild if the engine you find is less than perfect. The heads on the other hand will need some work after about 350-400hp. The stock turbo is good to only about 12.5 psi without an intercooler and stock injectors, which translates to around 230hp-270hp. Installation wise not only will you need new mounts, but also custom exhaust manifolds and crosspipe, a modified crossmember, and possibly a different intake manifold (Maxima or custom job) to clear the hood. The wiring has yet to be done between the two cars, so you also have that issue to deal with.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'> I hear it has been done a few times, some ppl at fastalloy have done it, i dont know about the computer thing, i want to do a nice rebuild, but i would like racing pistons, and i will get new heads.  Also how hard is it to make those extra thingys? __________________ \|Ziptied.com\|Hybrid Z\|D-Town Forum\|Clubfr.net\|

03-06-2002, 11:01 AM	#5
AceInHole Autox Technician Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: New Haven, CT Age: 44 Posts: 3,961 Trader Rating: (0) Rides Gallery: AceInHole Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I thought I had mentioned what would be needed for the swap??   Anyways, since you aren't listening to me: the J30 mounts supposedly work (note how the J30 is supposed to be a stretched S14 chassis with a VG30DE) and you'll need the wiring harness and ecu and whatever other accessory components you'll want from the z31 (if you go with the VG30ET).  You'll also need custom radiator hoses and vacuum lines.....  really the biggest bitch is going to be wiring it all together though. __________________

03-06-2002, 04:01 PM	#6
White240sx Zilvia Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 219 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Oni @ Mar. 05 2002,10:28)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I hear it has been done a few times, some ppl at fastalloy have done it, i dont know about the computer thing, i want to do a nice rebuild, but i would like racing pistons, and i will get new heads. Also how hard is it to make those extra thingys?</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'> No one on Fresh Alloy has done it, at least that I’m aware of. Unstable Hybrids was in the process, but since Joel is no longer co-owner, updates don't come in. The things I posted were either directly paraphrased from Joel him self or from my observations from poking around a VG. And speaking of which i was reading some of Joel's old updates, and he said that with the transmission properly mounted there was no room between the firewall and engine block for the manifold cross over, so that means you will have to run the crossover around the front of the engine. On paper the single cam VG probably has one of the best cost to power ratios of any motor you could swap in. But it's not very swap friendly, and the amount of modifications you have to make it fit really negates the whole "cheap horsepower" thing. __________________ -Mason

03-06-2002, 08:53 AM	#2
Guest Posts: n/a	Well first off the factory bottom end of the VG30ET is said to be good to over 500+hp, so there is no need for expensive rods and pistons, just a good rebuild if the engine you find is less than perfect. The heads on the other hand will need some work after about 350-400hp. The stock turbo is good to only about 12.5 psi without an intercooler and stock injectors, which translates to around 230hp-270hp. Installation wise not only will you need new mounts, but also custom exhaust manifolds and crosspipe, a modified crossmember, and possibly a different intake manifold (Maxima or custom job) to clear the hood. The wiring has yet to be done between the two cars, so you also have that issue to deal with.

03-08-2002, 06:44 AM	#7
Zemus Nissanaholic! Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Minneapols Age: 40 Posts: 2,268 Trader Rating: (0) Rides Gallery: Zemus Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I found a nother group of people who are doing the swap: http://dave_240sx.tripod.com/240sxda...mance/id2.html They are going to make and sell all the parts needed for the swap, which is way kewl, so im hoping to go though them. __________________ \|Ziptied.com\|Hybrid Z\|D-Town Forum\|Clubfr.net\|

03-08-2002, 08:54 AM	#8
AceInHole Autox Technician Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: New Haven, CT Age: 44 Posts: 3,961 Trader Rating: (0) Rides Gallery: AceInHole Feedback Score: 0 reviews	daperformance claimed he had the car running a while ago... although the pictures he promised never seemed to surface.  I'm pretty sure they're working on a new website (something like www.daperformance.com) so that could be the reason why (if he was saving the pics for some sort of grand opening or something).  Even with the custom peices already fabricated, my bet is that it still won't be worth it, but since you seem pretty set on it, go for it and tell us how it goes. __________________

03-08-2002, 09:31 AM	#9
sspikey Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 394 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	i have some pictures of a S13 with a vg30dett. this was covered a while back by some guy named calleb. __________________ keeping it sideways cuz im too fast to drive straight.

03-08-2002, 02:16 PM	#10
Zemus Nissanaholic! Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Minneapols Age: 40 Posts: 2,268 Trader Rating: (0) Rides Gallery: Zemus Feedback Score: 0 reviews	</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (sspikey @ Mar. 06 2002,11:31)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">i have some pictures of a S13 with a vg30dett. this was covered a while back by some guy named calleb.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'> send m some of those pics, or post them or somthing __________________ \|Ziptied.com\|Hybrid Z\|D-Town Forum\|Clubfr.net\|

03-09-2002, 05:02 PM	#11
White240sx Zilvia Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 219 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Here's another thing to consider, as it seems you have the financial backing: Find a VG33E block and have it cleaned up; it has a larger bore than the VG30ET (91.5mm vs. 87mm), and as you know displacement is your friend. Have some custom Arias/JE/Ross pistons made and attach them to treated VG30DETT rods and a VG30DETT crank. Send the heads out for work and buy some turbo profiled cams. Assemble and figure out how to get it in the car. With this set up you should probably be good for 500hp+ depending on your turbo choice. __________________ -Mason

03-10-2002, 01:29 AM	#12
Grant Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: 聖地牙哥 Posts: 2,647 Trader Rating: (0) Rides Gallery: Grant Feedback Score: 0 reviews	</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (AceInHole @ Mar. 04 2002,1:01)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I thought I had mentioned what would be needed for the swap?? Anyways, since you aren't listening to me: the J30 mounts supposedly work (note how the J30 is supposed to be a stretched S14 chassis with a VG30DE) and you'll need the wiring harness and ecu and whatever other accessory components you'll want from the z31 (if you go with the VG30ET). You'll also need custom radiator hoses and vacuum lines..... really the biggest bitch is going to be wiring it all together though.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'> hey Ace, I thought the J30 was a stretched z32 chassis? anyways, is the VG30e DOHC or sohc?

03-10-2002, 01:56 AM	#13
White240sx Zilvia Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 219 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Grant @ Mar. 08 2002,03:29)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">is the VG30e DOHC or sohc?</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'> 12v SOHC __________________ -Mason

03-10-2002, 02:31 AM	#14
BadMoJo Nissanaholic! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: San Luis Obispo, Ca Age: 43 Posts: 1,931 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	sounds like it will be nice if you pull it off. Whats the weight gain with this engine over the KA? __________________ ----Gone----

03-10-2002, 05:08 AM	#15
jdm togue Leaky Injector Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 68 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I don't know about you guys, but I couldn't afford the beer for my friend's help on that kind of project...shit I would go broke, and still left scratching my head, going "Where is that supposed to go, you must be f##king kidding me" [img]C:\My Documents\smiles\smileysex5.gif[/img] __________________ [img]C:\My Documents\My Pictures\poorplan.jpg[/img] Damn baby, I swear this is where I live

03-10-2002, 09:56 AM	#16
AceInHole Autox Technician Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: New Haven, CT Age: 44 Posts: 3,961 Trader Rating: (0) Rides Gallery: AceInHole Feedback Score: 0 reviews	</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (jdm togue @ Mar. 08 2002,07:08)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I don't know about you guys, but I couldn't afford the beer for my friend's help on that kind of project...shit I would go broke, and still left scratching my head, going "Where is that supposed to go, you must be f##king kidding me" [img]C:\My Documents\smiles\smileysex5.gif[/img]</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'> the trick is to buy beer your friend's don't like.  that way they buy their own beer and you have more for yourself <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> __________________

03-10-2002, 11:32 AM	#17
White240sx Zilvia Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 219 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (BadMoJo @ Mar. 08 2002,04:31)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Whats the weight gain with this engine over the KA?</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'> I believe it's somewhere between 100lbs. and 150lbs. __________________ -Mason