Buy 300zx and Replace Motor?

[WhitePony02]

Recently I wrecked my '02 V6 Mustang, and I'm paying for all the repairs on it. Once that is all done I'd like to sell that car and buy a 300zx, I just love the body style of it. There's one 1995 300zx that is in great condition for $2800 that I really like. But the engine would need to be replaced. Is it worth it to buy a JDM engine with the tranny and pay someone to put that in there? Or would it run like crap and not be worth it? I read in another thread you should have a lot of money put away like you would if you had a DSM. And I know that DSM's are notorious for breaking down. Are the 300zx motors like that as well?

Let me know if its worth my time and money, I really love the car style!

[super moose]

the vg30de motors are pretty solid for the most part. working on them can be a pain in the butt if you don't know you're way around it. it's really cramped. these cars are definitely money buckets, high maintenance, if you can't support the maintenance costs than you should probably look else where. you can find motors with average 50k from japan. you can check out jdmexchange in philly, ebay or other online sites that sell import engines. check out 300zxclub.com lots of threads to read up on and learn.

[highmilehatch]

The best way to do this is to buy a complete front clip from a Z32 TT. This way you have everything you need, and you will need everything. If your interested in having this done, contact me. Were in the process of preparing our first container from Japan and would be able to find you a nice clip.

[Vince@R/TTuning]

we have done a few TT swaps ...would not do it if you do not get a whole clip....the motors are great but it can get pricey...while the motor is out we usually do MLS head gaskets and headstuds and your pretty much good on the long block up to 425ish whp and i we also do new ecu harnesses and injectors cause they are know for failing often....if ya have any questions of wanna quote somthing out give the shop a call 215 855 5565

[WhitePony02]

When you say "front clip" what does that mean? Engine, tranny, ECU, wiring harness?

[Im2Slow]

Check out Z1 motorsports website they sell front clips, front clips includes everything from firewall forward,

[WhitePony02]

What if I wanted to take an N/A and swap it with another N/A? The car I'm looking at is auto, and I'd like to get 5 speed. What would I do about that?

[Im2Slow]

no offense, but in my personal opinon it would not be worth putting another N/A motor in. You would be much happier with a tt motor. z1 motorsports also sells the 5 speed tranny as a kit for doing the auto - manual swap. and rt tuning has more then enough experience to take care of what ever you want to do.

[WhitePony02]

What would it cost to have RT Tuning install it and all that?

[Im2Slow]

Thats something they will have to tell you, Vince is pretty good with prices, give them a call, 215 855 5565


as far as parts go there is many websites you can get everything from, plus i have a bunch of parts left over from my build such as upgraded sidemount intercoolers, turbos, and some suspension parts.

[WhitePony02]

Well what would an estimate be? Like within $500, if you can guess that close.

[Vince@R/TTuning]

^^^^ possibly ur best bet is to call so we can get as close as possile..there is alot of option available 215 855 5565

[AUTORACENBBOY]

I am forever shopping at Z1, they have great service and pretty much every part you need, also conceptzperformance.com...specialtyz.com are good

[zerioustt]

Get a tt clip, brand new engine harness, intake, full exhaust, clutch/flywheel, 1 piece drive shaft, and any suspension parts you might want to do in the future. Don't half ass it, do it right while its all apart. Also do a 60k service on the car. No need for a headgasket or studs.

[Vince@R/TTuning]

headgasket and studs arent nessary but i would def do the injectors...and by the time you have the t belt off, wiring harness, and upper pletuim its not much more just to pull the heads look inside the motor for any signs of trouble. that way you know your good goin in. these motors are awesome, but ive seen them come through that compression tested ok but the exhaust valve is starting to burn up or the head gasket was showing signs of starting to leak....just a lil peice of mind before you finish all that work....IMO

[zerioustt]

headgasket and studs arent nessary but i would def do the injectors...and by the time you have the t belt off, wiring harness, and upper pletuim its not much more just to pull the heads look inside the motor for any signs of trouble. that way you know your good goin in. these motors are awesome, but ive seen them come through that compression tested ok but the exhaust valve is starting to burn up or the head gasket was showing signs of starting to leak....just a lil peice of mind before you finish all that work....IMO

True...didn't think of it that way.

Also delete egr, aivs, pprv, stocl boost solenoids, and upper fuel system garbage(very technical there, if ya need a help with that let me know).

[Shawn@R/Ttuning]

You could always swap in another motor. I know of some with SR20DET or Rb26 swap. Sr would be easy and make more then enough power. All parts are easy to come buy for the Sr and you have something different.

[Im2Slow]

In that case go with the rb26, no reason to switch to a sr20, altho it will be very different, it doesnt make as much power as the vg does. The rb26 swap however is very nice, and on the one ive seen done came out very clean,

[zerioustt]

you can make plenty of power on the vg for alot less money than a sr or rb swap....

[Im2Slow]

im selling a complete tt swap package