I'm not knocking the VQ, I don't know enough about em. But I do know the other engines very well. And from what I've seen, personally, The inline motors are better. I would take a in line 6 over a v 6 anyday. Even our 6g72's can't hold the power of a big single turbo 2jz, or the power of a rb. I do think the VG's are getting very good #'s, and the VQ's should get up there as well, but for proven #'s, durability, I think the VQ is still too new, The after market needs more time to sort out the bugs.

 

See thats the thing. The VQ isn't new. Nissans already proven it in racing with it's super GT cars. It's just that street tuners haven't quite figured it all out yet. I agree that the older engines have had a lot more time for people to adapt to and to figure out how to pull big power from them. The only thing is that it's the VQ30 that sees all it's time in racing, not the VQ35 thats in the 350Z. And those cars are putting out 500HP (class limit so who knows if they can handle more). For some reason people just keep blowing up the 3.5. I'm guessing it has somehting to do with not properly building the bottom end. Most of it's bad rep came from when it was brand spanking new and people were trying to take it too far and were blowing motors. It's also from people trying to boost the stock motor with the stock compression ratio which it has been shown to not like. Whatever the case I have no doubt that the RB's and 2JZ's can put out butt loads more power than the VQ, but for a street car the VQ will put out plenty.Plus 4 liters will spool up a turbo a lot quicker than 2.6 or 3

Rod another thing I was thinking was mating an older skyline (or similar) tranny to the VQ but I'm not sure if input shaft length, diameter, and spline count match up or not. If they do though then that would definitely fix that problem. So is Nissan planning on correcting the problem with a whole new transmission or just fixing the problems in the current one? Either way, it IS smooth shifting while it's still hanging on Like I said just an option I'm tossing around in my head. Whatever I come up with for project Zspec, it's going to be extreme But I really like the sound of a Nissan 400Z. If I dont do it then Nissan probably will with their next Z car. It's the next logical step: 240, 260, 280, 300, 350... 400. We'll see. I was also thinking a stroked VQ30 to 3.2 liters. Those have been shown to handle the abuse in turbo form The Z's running that motor have crushed the competition in Super GT (JGTC) in recent years.

 

as someone who drives a V8 280ZX everyday, I can tell you, it's been a great swap! The power is great, loads of torque. I have a few things that still need to be done, but overall it's perfectly able to drive everyday. I paid 3k for my ZX, and spent 3k on the engine, trans, and professional installation. even as cold natured as my carbed sbc is, she still cranks up fine every morning. my engine is fresh with only about ~500 miles on it. that's all ones that I've put on there. I'm still breaking it in, and am chaning the oil for the first time this weekend. It runs great though, and you wouldn't believe how many people out of the blue will stop at a gas station wanting to look at it, b/c they know that something is different about it.

It's just an awesome feeling, driving it. I still have no working guages. I have bought my temp, volt, and oil pressure guages, and I INTEND on installing them tommorow. I want to mount them where the stock 3 guages are in the middle of the dash, but that may turn into a bigger project than I'm ready to tackle at the moment.

I think overall you would be just as impressed as I am with it! YES, the gas does suck... but when your house is 10 minutes from your office, it really doesn't phase ya. I fill up about once a week. That includes weekend driving.

 

See thats the problem. I dont think anyone can debate the fact that putting the
V8 in a Z is great for power and driveability. I think a lot of people just have a problem with the crossbreeding thing. I personally could care less who makes the engine as long as it fits the requirements I want.

 

The preferred engine for my S130 project will be a turbocharged VG33E. Nothing to do with cost, it just seems to be the best engine all round for what is wanted.

From my research the VQ seems a bit fragile. Sure the factory and other big dollar teams can get big reliable power out of the VQ, but they have the resources to do the modifications which are necessary. Nissan have no choice, they have to use their current six no matter how much it takes to make it competitive.

On the other hand the VG engines are proven performers with a heap of info and stuff available. For my application, the VG30DET and DETT are too bulky and heavy compared with the VG33E, although the DET would be my second choice. If a straight six was required, the RB30ET would be #1 choice.

On the other sixes, the Supra engine is superior to the RB twin cam and for a left hand driver a better option with its right side exhaust. A Supra engine will give a lot more power on standard internals than a RB twin cam will too, and last far longer in the process. The RB twin is a very good engine but seems to be the subject of some movie or video game inspired craze not based on reality.

 

im gonna admit i plan on puttin a v8 in my 2+2
its cheaper and you can produce much more hp with just 120-160lbs added to the front end



but anyways.....
i wanted to know if i were to keep the car manual what would be the most suggested trans. to go with?


-josh

 

Just do an LS1 swap. Then you dont add any weight. You actually probably lose weight. The T56 is the 6speed used by GM and it's pretty strong. Any weak links are upgradeable through the aftermarket too. Otherwise some of the ealier late model cars used the T5 5 speed.

 

What about an LS7 J? That would be a nice little power plant!

 

hey, a bigger engine without sacrificing weight? Sounds good to me As far as I'm concerned if its got LS before it then it's good for me

 

has anyone questioned the idea of a 350z motor?

 

I think the VQ35 would be a great swap. It's finding one for cheap enough. Sure you can get one for less than an RB but it lacks that exotic appeal that so many are after. I personally think the VQ35 would make a better mild powered motor then the RB. But thats just me.

 

oh yeah.... someone dig up those pics from last years MSA (?) with the S30 turned 350Z! That car looked AWESOME.

 

https://www.zdriver.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13650 There ya go... Rod.