Flacster

So i have a 85 na and i have a almost ready to install et engine. it didnt cost me much 200 bucks actually and seems to be in good shape. i was thinking of getting a vg33e from the local junkyard and converting it to a vg33et and then put it into my na. im not 100% sure on what exactly needs to be swapped from the vg30et to the vg33e. like heads, crank, pumps, etc. i would guess thats all it pretty much is just using the block and then putting all zx parts in. idk not sure. any help? thanks

AZ-ZBum

Stupid question.

There is no replacement for displacement.

VG33ET all the way.

Everything you can do to the VG30, you can do to the VG33. They're the same motors.

Read:
http://www.redz31.net

Flacster

so basically use the vg33 heads and cranks and pumps. as much as that engine as i can?

AZ-ZBum

Yep. The less you have to swap over, the less likely you are to break something or misalign something etc.

hoov100

Buy complete vg33, slap on turbo ****, install in car, drive said car.

Flacster

oh great sounds alot simpler then i thought. thanks. just one more question. would the injectors need to be changed? and i guess to keep it looking the ill change the intake plenum. sounds right?

tonsoffun300zx

no keep the intake it flows better than the stock z31 unit, unless you have a gutted z31 intake. you just might have to shave the intake a little bit though, but good luck I'm looking into a vg33et myself.

AZ-ZBum

Yes. Injectors would have to be changed to turbo injectors to handle the needed fuel. Yes. If you want to be able to close the hood, you'll want to use the Z31's intake plenum.

You WILL have to. No Maybe about it.

Flacster

well sounds like something ill be doing then. i can use the na wiring harnesses also?

AZ-ZBum

You haven't bothered to read the link yet, have you?

Flacster

i have and it does show a n/a=>turbo conversion but does not mention anything abt vg30et to vg33et.

AZ-ZBum

Great. Now go back and read my first reply in this thread.

Flacster

i think i read that the z31 cams are slightly better then the stock vg33 cams. true or false or does it really mater?

AZ-ZBum

Information is also on redz31.net

But really doesn't matter.

tonsoffun300zx

hey if you could please take pictures of the cylinder walls if you take the heads off please? I've been hearing some interesting rumors lately and im actually interested in purchasing a vg33e because of it. thanks in advance T.O.F.

Flacster

yeah might not be doing it soon. most likely after my tax return next year. going to rebuild the engine most likely w/some forged piston and rebuild the heads.

tonsoffun300zx

oh ok cause i've been looking up the vg33e and supposedly they can be bored out to a 3.5 with no problem. but if you ever get a chance to take pix of the cylinder walls please send em my way it would be much appreciated.

Flacster

to a 3.5? O.o and still being safe? got any links to support that?

hoov100

Google it, you use vh45 pistons. Me and a couple other people have been collecting parts to do a vg35ett using the z32 TT crank and oil pump and have collected a decent amount of info on the vg33 in a thread on hybridz.

Flacster

mind posting that link up plz? at 3.5 would you need a custom ecu and airflow sensor wouldnt you?

tonsoffun300zx

no not if you keep the same cam profile and such all i believe it would consist of is punching it out the extra .2L and everything else would stay the same, you would need a tuned ecu if you wanted to change the injectors, cam profile, and if you wanted to use the cobra/lightning maf. and im not sure how much you have read into it hoov but i've heard rumors of a vg40e not sure if its possible but i've heard rumors on non-z forums.

zachary.ard

There have also been reports of cracked main saddles in turbo engines bored past 3.4L.

There is a lot of information out there on the VG33, and until either someone with a fully complimented machine shop at their disposal, or someone with a boatload of cash really begins doing development work, quite a few of your questions will simply have anecdotal answers (I heard someone say this... I read someones brief post about that..etc.)

I think using the Q45 pistons is what brings you up to 3.4L (unless you're rounding up with the 3.5 figure - I don't know the actual CC's off the top of my head.) I think that would be the safest bet - you'll still getting more than a 10% displacement bump.

Flacster

yeah i couldnt find any good links about a vg35et. just to take it safe ill stick to the vg33et unless convinced otherwise >.>

MGNielsen

So what do I do after lunch?? LOL
Thanks for the advice, I've got an '85 non-turbo 5-sp that's due for a, well new everything from the radiator cap to the rear wheels. I'd like to get as modern a drive train as I can with fun mods but short of a fire breathing dragon. And yes I'll be hiring a real expert to do this, soon I find one (some of these guys know less then me and I'm an idiot LOL).

Flacster

Search "vg33et build!" Its my build thread, hopefully it will help u out.