What's going on guys So I currently have a 2004 350z (red) with a whopping 160,000 miles. Purchased about a year ago, and finally setting the Z aside to turn it into a project car. So I am planning to drop an engine/ trans etc. to bring new life to the car. I have my Pandem Rocket Bunny in the works as well as many other moving parts. So planning to do big things with this car. However I have hit a road block, and have no idea which engine to drop into the Z. Currently running the DE. However I want at least 400hp out of this car. Should I go VQ35HR? another DE? a RB26? Any advice would be very helpful.

 

DE 400hp does not merit a swap, only 800hp+ IMO

 

That being said you need a supercharger or turbo to get there.

 

it does not merit a swap by any means. i’m fully aware the DE can push out plenty more. however i’m not going to supercharge a highly stressed motor and trans. so the high mileage is what merits a swap for me. but just trying to figure out what would be best. i wanna make a mini gtr out of it. but seen the RB26 warrants several concerns/issues. completely open to suggestions, especially from this community

 

Good question. I'd try to use a V6 simply because the 350 is designed around one. Then there is the choice of either using a complete original engine management system or an aftermarket ECU. Then consider what help you have available locally for your choice. Importantly don't grab something just because it's cheap. Let us know how you go.

 

Of course, a 6 cylinder is deffinetly the way i’m going. I’m just super indecisive with which engine to drop in it. I’ve also read up in the forums of guys having issues with dropping a HR into a DE platform. i’m all over the place. local help isn’t an issue, as i am in the car business and have made plenty of contacts. just need to narrow the engine down, and decide which coil overs lol

 

Go get a compression test done on the motor ... a healthy DE will easily put down 400 to 425hp on 8psi of boost. Plenty of superchargers and turbo kits can make 8psi and last a long time.

by swapping out this otherwise healthy motor you are adding a an additional step and addition cost.

 

Nissan V6 or something else? A Nissan V6 would probably be better resale wise but if it's something else then what about a Ford V6 like out of a Mustang.? I'm not familiar with Mustangs but I believe that there are several different versions, some with big power. Problem is you Murricans are spoilt for choice LOL.

 

If I was going to change engine, I would go tried and true ls3 with t56. Easy to work on and parts available everywhere.

 

I'm aware of what you're saying, just throw a built VQ in there if you don't want to worry about it, made for the car and will have zero issues making that power.
swapping even an HR makes no sense, hard to get integrated and if you are picking one up from a junk yard and boosting it that is a dumb idea. The money spent on a engine can go into parts for your engine.

 

I'm not a huge 'engine swap' guy but I agree with Trav ...

easy to work on - yes
easy to get parts - yes

not mentioned,
everyone has LS swapped something ... so plenty of information and help out there!

 

I can't ever get behind swapping an LS after seeing how slow they are. The car wasn't made to handle the torque band of a big V8 and it SHOWS. You'll need more power out of it to compete with a lesser powered VQ, if it ain't broke don't fix it.
Want a V8 get a Vette which was made around the idea of having it, and far more capable at handling the power it puts out.

 

From what I've read a V8 results in significantly more weight forward.which is not good for road handling. Drag racing? I don't know.

 

I know the ls sits lower and further back, but def adds weight

 

I believe it adds weight. The VQDE is no lightweight and if there is one benefit to the LS its the camshaft and heads...and moreso the engine sits a good 4" to 6" below the OEM sway bar ... so yes, the VQ is lighter but the LS has a lower center of gravity...

 

little update boys and girls, looking into a 1jz swap, since i have you guys here. What route did you guys go for coil overs. Aiming towards Tein

 

I went with Fortune Auto ...

 

Yeah? how they treating you bud?

 

Good - I don't drive my car too too much, I haven't pushed them much, nor have I found their limits but I have no complaints.

The reason I went with them was Fortune Auto's reputation, theyre made in America, rebuildable, upgradable and they were semi-customizable.

 

Turbo stock motor, if it blows get a built IPP /end thread