Engine Swap Forum

I've been thinking the same thing lately.   Trying to formulate a plan for the new coupe and the LS1 is hard to ignore.  Although, I'd use a 5.3l truck motor since they are so cheap and sitll make 325hp bone stock, like I said, hard to ignore......my only real issue is the high cost of the T56 tranny that's needed, they can't hardly be found for under a grand. 

I'm kinda torn between just a "simple" vq30 swap with a nice little 180hp to the wheels or something like the V8 or just a really simple KA-T.

 

Fred

I might skip the VQ as well and go with a VH swap. Oh noooooos!

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S13 Fastback...putting the chassis together.

Suspension before power!

no such thing as a simple reliable KA-T
Cheaper than sr/vq? yeah better? depends on the qualifyers

honestly I'm leaning twords a VH45DE based project after I finish this one

VH45DE with some simple headers, and exhaust makes 270ish hp to the wheels.
Wiring that one up would be SOO much simpler than a VQ I really do not know why it is not more popular. Maybe because it was NEVER offered with a 5speed manual trans. But a simple adapter plate can mate it to any transmission you want.

My only issue with Nissan V8's is their heft.  140+lbs extra on a 2000lbs car is substaintial.

This thread has me thinking VQ again.  Specifically start reading at post #35.

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=398121&page=2

I've always had the impression that off the hook stand alones could extract that extra power from any motor.  A bad@ss 3.5 with an M600 could be putting down 250lb/ft+ and easily 300wheel.  Stroke that badboy to 4.24 @ 11:1 with the GTM kit and sweet heads and I think 300lb/ft and 350+wheel could be within reach NA.  All outta a 300lbs motor.  While it may be an expensive route it'd sure as hel! be one of a kind.

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Creator of the first VQ Powered S13 Coupe

A big reason why I like the VQ is the low and further back weight of a compact and light v6. IMO its what the 240 should have come with from the factory. a 3L v6 would have been awesome stock.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=QMnVkpxuurM of course theres that. Tighten up the exhaust so it doesn't rattle and you have perfection. Of course perfection is natural when you have 360deg/6....

But it didn;t come that way so I must break out the torch and make it fit.

~Alex

I'm sad to admit fellas that I have no updates as of late.  And even sadder is that I'm going to be getting rid of the VQ.  I've thought about this for over six months since I got it dyno'ed in the fall.  Getting power out of the VQ to the level that I'd like to achieve is truely cost prohibitive.  For a while I was toying with the ideas of ITB's, full standalone and a built and stroked motor from GT Motorsports.  All told a powertrain like that would be over $15K to have it done correctly.  Really, spending that much is not my idea of fun.  So I've been researching the LS series motors and I think I'd be very happy with an LS1.  Its only a bit heavier than the VQ and its loads simpler from lots of standpoints.

So, in a while you guys will be seeing a thread with my complete motor/trans/clutch/ECU/harness for sale.  So for now I'd like to gauge interest in my package.  The details of its current state can be found in this thread as well as on my cardomain.  Thanks fellas.

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Creator of the first VQ Powered S13 Coupe

Sorry to hear you are giving up on the VQ, but you are right, $15 grand for an NA engine build is too much for your goals.

Good luck on the LS1 swap, that would be my 2nd choice as well. Keep us updated on your swap and car.

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93 S13 Coupe SE VQ35 6mt
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2619993
Coming soon

because ITB, cams, exhaust, and a good computer can't do 400 whp? what were you trying to do with a vq?

Sad to hear you go LS. I would personally prefer to see a VQ30DETT. It's not all that hard once the steering issue is resolved.