It's going to be slow progress but I feel like I have made the first steps. Next step is going to be finding a daily so I can get to work without the X.
Finally Building It
- Thread starter HolyGhost
- Start date
It's going to be slow progress but I feel like I have made the first steps. Next step is going to be finding a daily so I can get to work without the X.
No real update but as people who do engine projects know just because you haven't started tearing it down doesn't mean you haven't made progress on the plan. I have decided to use the VG33 and add the turbo gear from the VG30ET onto it. This has a few complications mainly that the pistons will have to be reworked to a lower compression ratio to be more turbo friendly. There are not a lot of piston options for the VG33 so I talked to Rebello Racing in California and they agreed to make custom forged pistons for my build. He said that they have done one of these builds before and still have the pistons job file.
I also agreed to get new rods from Rebello Racing too. I know the VG33 rods are forged and would more than likely be fine but this being a truck motor with 215K miles so I thought why not get new rods. Only 100$ a rod and I really don't want this thing to come apart. Talked to the local machine shop about doing the machine work make the holes round again check and balance the crank.
Clearance wise I have an issue with the crossover pipe that goes behind the engine in the 300zx I do not have the space for it in the X but I have a solution. I have going to build custom log style turbo manifold and route the exhaust crossover below the engine. Luckily the exhaust setup is much simpler on the 300zx only one CAT and o2 sensor compared to 4 on the X so that should help with clearing up space for the crossover. So now the plan is to raise the turbo up to close to the ac compressor which also solves the minor issue of the engine mount and turbo clearance. example of a log manifold that I plan to build https://www.puckerfactoryfab.com/product/z31-relocation-manifold
Lots if words and no pictures but I thought I would keep this thread documented for anyone who is thinking about doing the same build.
I did do one thing to the X they say the cheapest way to add power is to remove weight so I guess the cheapest way to kill power is to add weight. Finally got the used engine skid on. I didn't have any of the stock hardware so I had to improvise. Custom 1/4"x1" brackets in the rear and cheap square ubolts in the front. I have some rubbing on the control arms but I can clearance that easily. I also drilled and tapped holes so I can use the stock front skid.
I also agreed to get new rods from Rebello Racing too. I know the VG33 rods are forged and would more than likely be fine but this being a truck motor with 215K miles so I thought why not get new rods. Only 100$ a rod and I really don't want this thing to come apart. Talked to the local machine shop about doing the machine work make the holes round again check and balance the crank.
Clearance wise I have an issue with the crossover pipe that goes behind the engine in the 300zx I do not have the space for it in the X but I have a solution. I have going to build custom log style turbo manifold and route the exhaust crossover below the engine. Luckily the exhaust setup is much simpler on the 300zx only one CAT and o2 sensor compared to 4 on the X so that should help with clearing up space for the crossover. So now the plan is to raise the turbo up to close to the ac compressor which also solves the minor issue of the engine mount and turbo clearance. example of a log manifold that I plan to build https://www.puckerfactoryfab.com/product/z31-relocation-manifold
Lots if words and no pictures but I thought I would keep this thread documented for anyone who is thinking about doing the same build.
I did do one thing to the X they say the cheapest way to add power is to remove weight so I guess the cheapest way to kill power is to add weight. Finally got the used engine skid on. I didn't have any of the stock hardware so I had to improvise. Custom 1/4"x1" brackets in the rear and cheap square ubolts in the front. I have some rubbing on the control arms but I can clearance that easily. I also drilled and tapped holes so I can use the stock front skid.
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Little update on this project. I got both the 300zx and Xterra to my dad's shop they are ready to be torn apart. Picked up a Ford Fusion Sport for a daily driver to replace the X. If all goes well I should have the 300zx engine out by next weekend and maybe the X engine too.
Started the tear down of the 300zx I didn't want to pull the tranny and engine together so I am fighting some exhaust bolts hopefully I will have it out tonight. About 20 degrees here in Colorado this week but luckily I have a heater for the shop gets to about 50 in a large non insulated shop so it's not too bad.
Current state of the 300zx.
Current state of the 300zx.
- Location
- Denver Adjacent
Where in Colorado are you? I'd love to come see this happen.
I live in Denver but I am doing the work over by Grand Junction. Long drive for me but luckily I work remote so I can spend the week over where the car is.
Got the engine out last night should have the harness and computer out today.
Got the computer and harness out of the 300zx. Had to get back to Denver for work travel on Monday so I didn't get a chance to start on the X. I will be traveling for the next few weeks then I will be back working on this project.
Does anyone have any tips on pulling the X engine out? I heard you have to drop the diff out of the way to make room for the oil pan to clear the crossmember. Any tips would be appreciated.
Does anyone have any tips on pulling the X engine out? I heard you have to drop the diff out of the way to make room for the oil pan to clear the crossmember. Any tips would be appreciated.
BEEFY
I Smile when Gasoline Can Freeze
- Location
- Prince George, BC, Canada
I needed to repair my rad support on mine anyways, so I drilled all the spot welds and pulled the rad support out. So It was easy to pull the engine.
I was thinking of just getting as much of the front grill stuff out of the way but I don't want to crack open the A/C if I don't have to.
Also I picked up a set of z32 intercoolers on ebay. My thought was just to use one and tuck it behind the ARB bumper but I am not sure they will work but cheap enough where I can resell if needed.
Made a little progress on the X yesterday. Pulled everything I will not be using out of the engine bay to help clear up space. Got the skid plates, ARB bumper, second cat's off, radiator and upper intake off to prep for the engine pull. I hope to have the engine out this week.
Start of the day.
End of the day.
Start of the day.
End of the day.
Well got the passenger side exhaust fully off today checked if the stock 300zx exhaust manifold would fit it didn't as expected no big deal.
Hit my first snag on this project the 300zx intake sits too far back and hits the firewall. My thought is to either body lift and pound out the firewall to make it fit or to use a 85-89 Nissan Maxima intake manifold. I am having a hard time sourcing one locally so if anyone has a line on one I would really appreciate the help.
Also if someone can take a picture of the firewall clearance with a body lift that would be great. Just want to see if I can squeeze it in there with a body lift.
Stock 300zx intake rear bolt to end of manifold.
Firewall clearance
Also you can see the difference in size of the stock X exhaust manifold vs the 300zx manifold. I plan on building my own and using a weld el to make the crossover pipe similar to what you see in the picture.
Hit my first snag on this project the 300zx intake sits too far back and hits the firewall. My thought is to either body lift and pound out the firewall to make it fit or to use a 85-89 Nissan Maxima intake manifold. I am having a hard time sourcing one locally so if anyone has a line on one I would really appreciate the help.
Also if someone can take a picture of the firewall clearance with a body lift that would be great. Just want to see if I can squeeze it in there with a body lift.
Stock 300zx intake rear bolt to end of manifold.
Firewall clearance
Also you can see the difference in size of the stock X exhaust manifold vs the 300zx manifold. I plan on building my own and using a weld el to make the crossover pipe similar to what you see in the picture.
Rough idea of where I want the turbo to sit. Need to clock it and all that but right now I am fighting the Nissan 7 bolt exhaust flange on the back to make a down pipe. Think I got it figured with switching the exhaust housing with Ford parts but I am not turbo expert.
xEndlessfight503x
Bought an X
Very cool! I am glad you figured out the crossover pipe, as that is usually what stops these builds dead in their tracks. I'm sure you've seen, but the Z31 guys love running Vg33e parts. The OWO heads flow better and the added displacement really helps low end and spool.
I am excited to see more progress.
I am excited to see more progress.
Yeah crossover is a major hurdle but I seem to keep running into hurdles with this project. I have been using the z31 performance forum for most my swap info. z31 guys have a lot of knowledge of these engines that's how I found out the second gen Maxima intake would fix my intake woes.
xEndlessfight503x
Bought an X
Oh that’s awesome! It makes sense that the z31 intake manifold is longer, but I wouldn’t of expected it either. I’m glad the maxima one fit.
- Location
- Allen, Texas
What a great thread and a cool project!
I took the liberty of restoring the pics in the first page of your thread. Thank you for switching to Imgur for your others.
I took the liberty of restoring the pics in the first page of your thread. Thank you for switching to Imgur for your others.
Thanks, I was planning on switching the rest of the photo's eventually but I have been lazy.
Got the exhaust flanges cut out by a local machine shop on their laser cutter. Cost 100$ for the pair bit pricey but much nicer than I could do at home. The machine shop did say if I did my own drawings the cost would be about half. Material and cutting cost would be less than 50$.
I'll just add Solidworks to my list of things to learn along with TIG welding.
xEndlessfight503x
Bought an X
Dang, those look very nice!
I forgot to add: I'd stray away from the tiny, plastic end tank Side mount intercooler. Air to water or a larger, aluminum front mount would be leaps and bounds better. I run dual side mount intercoolers on my S4 and my IATs skyrocket in traffic, on the dyno, etc. I popped the stock plastic one pretty easily at 18lbs of boost. I know It isn't exactly the same but it would be annoying to be on a long climb and pop a head gasket due to IATs.
I forgot to add: I'd stray away from the tiny, plastic end tank Side mount intercooler. Air to water or a larger, aluminum front mount would be leaps and bounds better. I run dual side mount intercoolers on my S4 and my IATs skyrocket in traffic, on the dyno, etc. I popped the stock plastic one pretty easily at 18lbs of boost. I know It isn't exactly the same but it would be annoying to be on a long climb and pop a head gasket due to IATs.
Yeah I am not a big fan of the small intercoolers either but space is super tight in the front of the truck. I do have a FMIC from my old Focus ST that I might try and squeeze in the front of the truck. If I do run the small intercooler I will probably use water-meth also to help with the IAT at full load and when at slow speeds off-roading. Water-meth is my backup plan if all else fails.
Also some parts came in getting excited to start building the exhaust. So you get the gist of what I have planned for the passenger side keeping it simple.
Some progress today. I cut off the EGR valve on the Maxima intake along with a stud boss that was hitting the distributor. Might still need a spacer to clear the water neck but need to swap the VG30 distributor to make sure. Also had to reposition the water fittings for the Z31 throttle body using a pair of visegrips.
Started working on the passenger side exhaust manifold.
Started working on the passenger side exhaust manifold.
- Location
- Denver Adjacent
I love this custom shiat. Keep going!
BEEFY
I Smile when Gasoline Can Freeze
- Location
- Prince George, BC, Canada
This is going to be great
Thanks! Making some progress but still need to work out a few more things.
Here is the progress for today. Mocked up the passenger side, pretty happy with the way it turned out for the space available behind the block.
Little progress for the day. Got the distributor swapped over from the VG30ET seemed to fit with no issues. Also clocked the turbo where I think I want it. Set it about where I want it to fit in the engine bay and went digging through the empire of dirt and found an old cummins intercooler pipe that my buddy had left over from a project 10 years ago and started coming up with the intake piping. I also had some silicon boots and 90's from my old Focus ST intercooler.
This is what I came up with I will have a better idea of routing once I get the driver side exhaust made, waiting on parts. Hood clearance is good and the Maxima intake is fitting well.
This is what I came up with I will have a better idea of routing once I get the driver side exhaust made, waiting on parts. Hood clearance is good and the Maxima intake is fitting well.
xEndlessfight503x
Bought an X
Looking good, man! You are really ripping though this section. Great news to hear the maxima intake fits well and has allowed you to progress.
Yeah this part is moving fast should have the full turbo exhaust setup done by next week but I like this part so working on it is fun. Next step is going to be working out the wiring which I am not looking forward to.
BEEFY
I Smile when Gasoline Can Freeze
- Location
- Prince George, BC, Canada
This is great
Not much of an update this weekend still waiting on parts for the driver side. I had to swap the lower intakes since the the injectors for the X are the wrong resistance. I figured that I would have to swap the injectors but trying to keep this as simple of a swap as possible.
I have decided to make this a two part project.
Part one will be a proof of concept just getting it started and maybe a quick run up the road. I would like to do the POC with as little non reversible changes to the Xterra and hope to have it done early January.
Part two of this project will be cleaning up the install, basically committing the install in the X. Remove any X parts that are not needed and get the engine rebuilt to a more comfortable forced induction compression ratio. I plan to have this all wrapped up before GoneMOAB 2020 which I plan on attending.
A picture of the lower intake and the upper intake I am using.
I have decided to make this a two part project.
Part one will be a proof of concept just getting it started and maybe a quick run up the road. I would like to do the POC with as little non reversible changes to the Xterra and hope to have it done early January.
Part two of this project will be cleaning up the install, basically committing the install in the X. Remove any X parts that are not needed and get the engine rebuilt to a more comfortable forced induction compression ratio. I plan to have this all wrapped up before GoneMOAB 2020 which I plan on attending.
A picture of the lower intake and the upper intake I am using.
xEndlessfight503x
Bought an X
Looking good! Are you now running the Z31 injectors and ecu?
I may have to attend Gonemoab now.
I may have to attend Gonemoab now.
Yeah I plan on running the Z31 ECU since it is more tuneable but makes the wiring a chore.
Worked on the driver side manifold and got the basic crossover done. Just tacked for now now till I firm up all the locations. I think today is my last day working on this project till the new year just due to work and holiday vacation. Goal is to fab up the pipe to the turbo today and maybe the wastegate pipe.
Crossover as of now.
Thanks, been a fun project.
Didn't make as much progress as I wanted before having to head back to Denver for work. Hopefully I can squeeze a week worth of X work in before the new year but I am not sure.
So I am going to try and make the external wastegate work ordered a knock off tial from ebay. Figured no point in spending 250$ on a real one on a project I am not sure is even going to work. If the wastegate gives me issues I will buy a real one since they are the same dimensions externally.
Also got a plate for the back of the turbo that works with the 7 bolt Nissan style exhaust housing. Covers up the internal wastegate hole. To fit the external wastegate I am going to need more space around the motor mount so I ordered the rugged rocks heavy duty mounts they looked much more compact but I will have to get them to see.
Not super happy with all the exhaust routing and pipe size but space is very limited in the X so making do.
Picture dump.
xEndlessfight503x
Bought an X
Amazing work, my dude! I am impressed how far you made it in such short time. I have run one of these Chinesium-Tial wastegates, it worked great for me. I usually disassemble them to make sure the bore is clear of any snags.
Thanks, lots of late nights in the garage to get to this point and that's not including the research hours that goes into these projects. Yeah I pulled it apart to replace the spring and cleaned up some left over metal chips it seems to be made good enough for me.
I am a little concerned with using 1.5 inch pipe for the turbo exhaust manifolds but space is so limited it's all I can fit. I guess when I get it running I will see if it's really killing power or not. Hopefully I can get a test start at the beginning of the year. Back in Denver right now and visiting family for Christmas so no progress till after all that.
Still waiting on rugged rocks to ship my order of their overpriced engine mounts since my wastegate hits the driver side mount. I also have to drop the oil pan and drill a oil return for the turbo not looking forward to that project.
xEndlessfight503x
Bought an X
Oh good, that wastegate should be just fine then.
Agreed! I think I spend more hours sourcing parts and researching than actually putting mine together. Hopefully you are enjoying your trip with the family.
I’m really excited to see how this goes.
Agreed! I think I spend more hours sourcing parts and researching than actually putting mine together. Hopefully you are enjoying your trip with the family.
I’m really excited to see how this goes.
Back in town should have about 2 weeks of working on this before I have to travel again. Goal is to get it to start before I leave not really move just start. Parts are coming in, picked up a used stage 2 snow water meth kit on ebay. Figured even if this project falls through I can use the kit on my Fusion Sport. Getting over a cold hopefully have some updates on this soon.
Still waiting on the motor mounts but for now I will just pull the driver side mount off and clearance it so I can finish the piping.
Water-meth kit.
Still waiting on the motor mounts but for now I will just pull the driver side mount off and clearance it so I can finish the piping.
Water-meth kit.