Buying a 350z. How much would an engine swap run me? Ect
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: California
Buying a 350z. How much would an engine swap run me? Ect
Hello everyone. This is my first post onto this website. So I'm planning to buy a 05-06 350z once I get the money, one that will have around 80k miles. I've been deciding on a car and a 350z just sparked my eyes and I love it already. I'm 18, in college (JC) I'll be transferring in like 3 years (maybe). Anyways, I wanted a sports car with more power to start and then to do a full engine swap on it. Might sound a little unreal but I think I can do it. I've chosen an ls3 engine swap and just wondering what it would run me ballpark? I know there's other factors like upgrading other parts so it can take the power of the engine so please, include those as well. I own a 2002 e320 Benz and its 225hp just isn't enough for me I feel like a snail.. I love racing and going fast. I wanna learn how to drift soon too. I think I get it from my uncle cause he owns a Benz dealership in Idaho and works on them in Cali and races all the time. He street raced his own ground built 67-69 Fastbacks when he was younger all the time. His 04 e55 also got souped up to 190mph+... Anyway yeah I like the adrenaline of speed and I love the look of the 350z but would love to put a more powerful engine In it.
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 8,625
Likes: 1,394
From: Aurora, Colorado
Welcome and the first thing you should do is learn to search this site. You'll find all your answers and more by simply searching. and while you might think you're ready for a high HP RWD sportscar, you're not. If you've got a family (and an uncle) who're nice enough to gift you a E320, thank your lucky stars. Keep the Benz and get through college first. Then get a decent job and learn a few things from your uncle before you even think about a project like this.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: California
Welcome and the first thing you should do is learn to search this site. You'll find all your answers and more by simply searching. and while you might think you're ready for a high HP RWD sportscar, you're not. If you've got a family (and an uncle) who're nice enough to gift you a E320, thank your lucky stars. Keep the Benz and get through college first. Then get a decent job and learn a few things from your uncle before you even think about a project like this.
New Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 22,798
Likes: 829
From: Alberta
Well my car is worth like 3-4k.. I've had it for the last 2+ years and really, I'm ready for an upgrade. I don't care how long it'll take to do and the cost will be a lot less being that I'll be doing it with my uncle and I'll be doing a lot of work. I love cars and I want a 350z. I don't know why everyone always tries to shoot the idea down (not specifically you) but the guy saying this is a waste of his time. Also I've looked at 100 threads but they never seem to answer my full question probably cause I have more than the ones they answer.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: California
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Wytheville
Mike here, I have a thread posted on here with my LS3/LQ4 hybrid swap under the title "Another LS Build...you'll read it anyways", take a look at and get a good idea of whats involved...ie engine cost, swap kit, tranny cost, clutch cost, misc parts...Im not trying to be rude, but if you've never been close to this sort of instantaneous power, especially from an LS3, you need to get a Camaro or GTO or Corvette. Save yourself the trouble and get one of those and be done with it.
Why an LS3? It requires specific offset parts only available in the LS3 (obviously) and the LS7. The LS1, LS2, and LS6 are most common engines and share things between both truck/suv engines and themselves (obviously). An LS3 isnt an engine you can just throw in a car like an regular LS1. Powerband is better completely different and the cost of parts is noticably higher as its newer and GM knows you have limited parts of interchangeability.
Why an LS3? It requires specific offset parts only available in the LS3 (obviously) and the LS7. The LS1, LS2, and LS6 are most common engines and share things between both truck/suv engines and themselves (obviously). An LS3 isnt an engine you can just throw in a car like an regular LS1. Powerband is better completely different and the cost of parts is noticably higher as its newer and GM knows you have limited parts of interchangeability.
New Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 22,798
Likes: 829
From: Alberta
Mike here, I have a thread posted on here with my LS3/LQ4 hybrid swap under the title "Another LS Build...you'll read it anyways", take a look at and get a good idea of whats involved...ie engine cost, swap kit, tranny cost, clutch cost, misc parts...Im not trying to be rude, but if you've never been close to this sort of instantaneous power, especially from an LS3, you need to get a Camaro or GTO or Corvette. Save yourself the trouble and get one of those and be done with it.
Why an LS3? It requires specific offset parts only available in the LS3 (obviously) and the LS7. The LS1, LS2, and LS6 are most common engines and share things between both truck/suv engines and themselves (obviously). An LS3 isnt an engine you can just throw in a car like an regular LS1. Powerband is better completely different and the cost of parts is noticably higher as its newer and GM knows you have limited parts of interchangeability.
Why an LS3? It requires specific offset parts only available in the LS3 (obviously) and the LS7. The LS1, LS2, and LS6 are most common engines and share things between both truck/suv engines and themselves (obviously). An LS3 isnt an engine you can just throw in a car like an regular LS1. Powerband is better completely different and the cost of parts is noticably higher as its newer and GM knows you have limited parts of interchangeability.
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 551
Likes: 46
From: texas
My thoughts exactly.
OP you'll probably receive better feedback from the members here if you would
1. focus on actually getting the z in the first place
2. get the ls3 and swap parts
3. post about your progress and experience
instead of talking about "maybe" doing this or "maybe" swapping that like many other dreamer threads.
Also being a college student myself, I doubt you'll be able to have the time to actually perform such a swap let alone fund it.
OP you'll probably receive better feedback from the members here if you would
1. focus on actually getting the z in the first place
2. get the ls3 and swap parts
3. post about your progress and experience
instead of talking about "maybe" doing this or "maybe" swapping that like many other dreamer threads.
Also being a college student myself, I doubt you'll be able to have the time to actually perform such a swap let alone fund it.
Anyone check if I covered all the more recent newb crashes?
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 8,625
Likes: 1,394
From: Aurora, Colorado
Probably the most under-reported crashes have been the guys drifting into curbs and wrecking wheels and suspension. OP should probably add those components into his build price estimate.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Wytheville
OP, please follow the link to the 350z LS Facebook group. Theres a number of price and parts lists from multiple builds. A lot of good info, no trolls, a number of serious builds crossing over in the 1XXX whp mark on turbo'd LS stuff.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1487598851464357/
Heres my recent thread, but no prices posted. I'm not a mechanic or anyone special so you get a real feel for the struggles and frustrations the average John Doe deals with.
https://my350z.com/forum/2003-2009-n...t-anyways.html
If you go the way you say you are, you'll be in this $20k-$25k, like Syner mentioned. His number is pretty accurate. In my mind, why not take $20k-$25k and get a C6 Vette? You don't have to take my word for it, but I'm also one of the few who's already travelled down the road you're looking to go. Go 5.3L with a single turbo or go LQ4 or LQ9 with LS3 heads.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1487598851464357/
Heres my recent thread, but no prices posted. I'm not a mechanic or anyone special so you get a real feel for the struggles and frustrations the average John Doe deals with.
https://my350z.com/forum/2003-2009-n...t-anyways.html
If you go the way you say you are, you'll be in this $20k-$25k, like Syner mentioned. His number is pretty accurate. In my mind, why not take $20k-$25k and get a C6 Vette? You don't have to take my word for it, but I'm also one of the few who's already travelled down the road you're looking to go. Go 5.3L with a single turbo or go LQ4 or LQ9 with LS3 heads.
Mostly just get your education and land a good job so you will have the cash to fund any project you want. Or better yet just get a Z and realize that at your age it really out the box has more power than you really can handle at this point.Later just do small mods and increase it's power and drivability and just have fun you must realize the more power the more responsibility you must have GL!
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: California
OP, please follow the link to the 350z LS Facebook group. Theres a number of price and parts lists from multiple builds. A lot of good info, no trolls, a number of serious builds crossing over in the 1XXX whp mark on turbo'd LS stuff.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1487598851464357/
Heres my recent thread, but no prices posted. I'm not a mechanic or anyone special so you get a real feel for the struggles and frustrations the average John Doe deals with.
https://my350z.com/forum/2003-2009-n...t-anyways.html
If you go the way you say you are, you'll be in this $20k-$25k, like Syner mentioned. His number is pretty accurate. In my mind, why not take $20k-$25k and get a C6 Vette? You don't have to take my word for it, but I'm also one of the few who's already travelled down the road you're looking to go. Go 5.3L with a single turbo or go LQ4 or LQ9 with LS3 heads.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1487598851464357/
Heres my recent thread, but no prices posted. I'm not a mechanic or anyone special so you get a real feel for the struggles and frustrations the average John Doe deals with.
https://my350z.com/forum/2003-2009-n...t-anyways.html
If you go the way you say you are, you'll be in this $20k-$25k, like Syner mentioned. His number is pretty accurate. In my mind, why not take $20k-$25k and get a C6 Vette? You don't have to take my word for it, but I'm also one of the few who's already travelled down the road you're looking to go. Go 5.3L with a single turbo or go LQ4 or LQ9 with LS3 heads.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: California
Mike here, I have a thread posted on here with my LS3/LQ4 hybrid swap under the title "Another LS Build...you'll read it anyways", take a look at and get a good idea of whats involved...ie engine cost, swap kit, tranny cost, clutch cost, misc parts...Im not trying to be rude, but if you've never been close to this sort of instantaneous power, especially from an LS3, you need to get a Camaro or GTO or Corvette. Save yourself the trouble and get one of those and be done with it.
Why an LS3? It requires specific offset parts only available in the LS3 (obviously) and the LS7. The LS1, LS2, and LS6 are most common engines and share things between both truck/suv engines and themselves (obviously). An LS3 isnt an engine you can just throw in a car like an regular LS1. Powerband is better completely different and the cost of parts is noticably higher as its newer and GM knows you have limited parts of interchangeability.
Why an LS3? It requires specific offset parts only available in the LS3 (obviously) and the LS7. The LS1, LS2, and LS6 are most common engines and share things between both truck/suv engines and themselves (obviously). An LS3 isnt an engine you can just throw in a car like an regular LS1. Powerband is better completely different and the cost of parts is noticably higher as its newer and GM knows you have limited parts of interchangeability.