I just read the SCC issue and that prompted me to do a search on motor swaps. I think it be a great idea if SCC did a swap to either the VK56 or the VK45DE. They have an unlimited budget, and on top of that, they'll document it and publish it for all of us to read and debate over. I think anyone who is interested in seeing such an article should let them know you're interested. Email them at sccnews@primedia.com or email the editor at josh.jacquot@primedia.com and let them know!

Its perfect. They have the time, money, resources, and best of all, they'll do a step by step write up.

Personally, I'd like to see the Titan engine go in. The VK56 is only rated at 305 hp, but a torque increase to 379 lb-ft would be very interesting. The other option is the M45's VK45DE. Its rated at 335 hp and 340 lb-ft.

 

The VK56 is severely underrated. It actually makes around 350-360hp.

 

I'm still feeling the VK45, reading some articles from some of the Japanese tuners they are talking about performance aftermarket support for the Fuga (m45), possibly turbo kits etc...... it would be cool having either V8 but having aftermarket support for it after the swap would leave plenty of room improvement.

 

Uh no....it doesn't. I have a VK56 in my Titan.... heres a stock dyno

 

I stand corrected I guess...based on the 1/4 mile times and traps I've seen posted for the titan and pathfinder armada compared to the other full size trucks and SUVs out there and their hp ratings/weight. The Titan and Armada would be making 350-360hp.

Maybe the others are overrated?

BTW - by your dyno numbers it is slightly underrated. The typical drivetrain loss of an automatic vehicle is 20% and doing the math I come up with 320 crank hp with 256rwhp.

 

Yeah the 1/4 mile times on the Titans have been impressive for their size. I do attribute some of it though to the what I consider excellent transmission. I think the gear ratios for the truck are dead on. SOme disagree but I have driven various Ford and Chevy trucks that had HORRIBLE gear ratios. The Titan I have has been good to me and has the gearing right where I would want it. Now if the motor didn't suck down gas like a .02 hooker looking at a Franklin I'd be stoked. $50 every 4 days to fill it is pretty steep.

 

That's why I'm buying an 06 Frontier Nismo offroad 6MT in the fall....little better gas mileage.