vq35 top end build
 

Ok guys i got rod knock in my engine so im in the process of removing the engine at the moment. I bought a used vq35de with about 50,000 miles on it to use the short block. As i throw the best of both engines together what do you guys suggest i replace for upgrades and liability. So far this is whats goin on it as far as upgrades.

Lightweight pulley set
262 nismo cams
nkg spark plugs
all new gaskets
lightweight nismo flywheel with clutch disk and pressure plate
arp head bolts
mrev 2 lower plenum (maybe)
kinetix upper plenum (just because i have it)
with a jwt pop charger.


any suggestions for anything else that im missing?

Don't get the pulleys, but that is just me
Those cams are weak and probably over priced, if you are getting cams, might as well go for 272's and get the springs in there too
JWT clutch/flywheel I have had this combo on my G35 and 350z and love it

I think you need to really research this stuff

do you know what makes a cam "weak" (or "strong" for that matter)? a 262 can be more aggressive, and more appropriate, than a 272. It's akin to someone saying "I'm running 30 psi of boost", without knowing the turbo that's making that boost. A lot goes into determining the right cam to use

OP - zero need for ARP head bolts...stock will be far more affordable, and work just fine (I use them, and my motor is fully built, spins to 8400 rpm...4 years and counting)

skip the upper plenum, get a spacer

I'd also take the time to do: new water pump, thermostat, check condition of idler pullies, new rear main seal, new front crank seal, clean (or replace) oil pickup

A good header might be a worthwhile investment too with the cams and it's the ideal time to do it. A good tune will also be needed

this for sure, i felt massive gains when i added my DC Sports headers to my car :thumbup:

HR head bolts are the ones you want. I would probably also do the HR head gasket mod, look at the JWT site for info.

@Classy - Ya im thinking of going to the Brian Crower 264's for a little more top end. The valve springs i MIGHT do, ive never changed valve springs before and this engine after this is not going to see any more mods since ima put the rest into rebuilding the block im pulling out.

@Z1 Performance - This is what i was looking for, excellent info! I don't have the stock plenum only the kinetix (which is what was on the car when i bought it). Im looking forward to getting the Cosworth plenum later. The water pump, thermostat, and seals i will definitely get ordered here in a minute. As far as headers go, i already have megan racing headers with HFC's and borla td exhaust.

I'd suggest ditching that plenum, skipping the Cosworth unless you are planning on a very high rpm, built motor VQ, and getting a stock plenum with a spacer.

I know nothing about the Megan short tube headers. Their long tubes don't do very well with cams at all from what has been shown so far by those who have that combo

they are the shorties. Ya i did some research on the spacer vs the cosworth. The spacer with the stock plenum actually out performs, from what i've seen and read, the cosworth. so ima try to find a thrashed z somewhere and snag the oem plenum from that and order a 5/16th md spacer later on.

and for all of you interested in the progress i have the thread right here

https://my350z.com/forum/engine-and-...t-lillith.html