MeinVinyl

iTrader: (3)

I'm sure someone at some point has asked this, but I cannot find the information and, as you can tell by my post count, new to the Z community. I will hopefully be picking up a 350Z this week, but I also may have an RB26DETT sitting around with an AWD tranny. Has anyone attempted to convert the Z33 to AWD using this platform before? I can obtain the rest of the R34 drivetrain/suspension if needed as a friend has it sitting from his 240SX that he did not use as he went RWD. Please let me know if it's VERY unlikely, then I can just stop my hopes now. lol Thanks up front for the info.

WTFMike

iTrader: (2)

I believe JUN has an AWD 350z. That being said, anything is possible if you have enough money. Or if you have the skills to fabricate it yourself.

Flo-ridaZ33

iTrader: (60)

The RB swap has been done... the AWD has been done too, no one's done both. The JUN 350-R had a AWD set up but had a stroked 3.8 VQ. I personally know someone who had a RB swap in his Z33. Good luck.

midz350

iTrader: (4)

Its been done both on a G35. IIRC

MeinVinyl

iTrader: (3)

yeah, I've seen the RB swap in a Z here in Omaha, but I'm curious about the entire drive train. I wouldn't be doing most of the fab work as I'll leave that to a guy with a bit more experience. If I can get the spindles, driveshafts, mounts, etc to work and only really have to fab the main shaft, due to length, then I think it would be a great idea... I'm not looking at spending too much money on it as I'm not going to modify the RB that much. I'll leave the TT setup and just tune with a better fuel system. I'm only shooting for 300-350 HP, but AWD to have it fully capable of being a DD with A/C, PS etc etc.

WTFMike

iTrader: (2)

Good luck with that. Unless, you have a friend that will do the fab work for free or almost free, I would imagine you would have north of 10k in the swap.

Cass007

iTrader: (34)

With that low HP goal I'm not sure why AWD would be that important, but to each their own

I think Function:Tuned swapped in the G35x drivetrain on Juan's 350Z. That may be a cheaper route to go if you sold off the RB setup.

MeinVinyl

iTrader: (3)

I would be calling in all my favors if I decide to go this route.

Expected expenses:

$1500 for the R34 GTR drivetrain including factory suspension components (excl struts) & spindles
$1500 for upgraded fuel system (pump, FPR, HPFLs, Injectors)
$800 for tune

Unexpected expenses:
$3500 mainly for fab parts

I'm not including the cost of the RB or labor in this. This is just what I have found from research and what expected costs based off quotes I have gotten.

MeinVinyl

iTrader: (3)

Thanks for the information about the G35X. I'll look into that.

I'd like to have something just that much more original is my goal. Plus, who wouldn't want to powerslide a Z in the winter? hahaha (That'd be a joke right there lol)

RENFRO

iTrader: (1)

Definitely would like to see any progress once you get started. My ideal swap has always been an RB26...Not sure if I'll ever take the plunge

MeinVinyl

iTrader: (3)

ditto... I just have access to the initial parts & drive train. I think the fab work is what's going to stop me in the end... Reliability/Drive-ability are top priority to me over power when it comes to something like this. Once that can be dialed in, then modifying the motor to produce more power can be taken into consideration.

To me, that makes more sense so "trial & error" can be cleared up more quickly than trying to find out if something new/aftermarket is causing any problems. Common swaps are different, but I don't believe this is a common swap still.

Although the 350Z with the SR20DET that was featured in Super Street several years ago was an amazing car for only 420hp.

ImWeeZzel

iTrader: (27)

Good luck with that swap br0, as some members have already mentioned, that's an expensive swap for a low hp goal. Why not go with a ls series motor, and go through some of the companies that make the swap possible?

If you don't mind me asking what do you plan to do with an awd 350z? Daily drive, track, show?

Jeff92se

iTrader: (4)

I see the problem of getting the awd axles to the front wheels. as the axles would be going though the stock setup. Might need a G35 AWD front suspensions

terrasmak

iTrader: (8)

Post pics when you are finished please.

bbs350z

iTrader: (85)

In for pics as well!

Cass007

iTrader: (34)

Honestly, I don't think ANY swap in a 350Z is common.

Classy

iTrader: (7)

LS seems to be becoming common...

stein350z

iTrader: (1)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MNQf_t6Qgc

boostedforlife

iTrader: (3)

Look up Winston

He has a rb26dett awe on a g35 coupe, he's on YouTube, he basically explains everything that needs to be done and even puts it on a lift and shows you.....

Has had it for like 2 years now

MeinVinyl

iTrader: (3)

I haven't had any luck finding this video...

Thanks for the information. I'll start looking into that as well.

I love the way the RB26 sounds, plus it's very unique, especially AWD. If the AWD can't be done for the budget I want to meet, I'll just keep the VQ35 and beef up the suspension, leave it NA and buy a WRX down the road.

I'd want to be able to drive it daily without any problems and take it to some local events as well as possible national events. With a basic setup on the motor but an AWD RB swapped 350Z would do pretty well, especially if I keep the setup clean and it looks like it was supposed to be like that from the factory.