Hello everyone,

I’m new to the forum, did some research but wasn’t able to find what I needed, I apologise if there is an answer already to this somewhere in the forum.

Currently I’ve got an amazing deal come to me for a complete VR38DETT with the installation, ECU and basically everything that you need to just plant it in another car.

Now what I would like to know though is if it’s possible to take that engine and fit it into my z33 engine bay and more important if it will fit our gearbox since I want to keep the car manual with RWD. I am of course well aware that I will need a stand alone ECU and that the original R35 one won’t work for me in that case.

I am interested if anyone has already done that conversion since I wasn’t able to find anything.

Thank you all in advance and once again I apologise if there is such topic and I missed on it.

Greetings!

 

I have never heard of anyone doing this. I would think your best bet is to find a JK41B (HR transmission) and see if the holes line up. I'm willing to be you will need an adapter plate and special clutch and flywheel though.

Good Luck!

 

There is a reason you haven't found anything, I don't think it's been done. I assume if it had it would've come up, I've seen them swapped into S30s though. I've always wondered if it would work myself but I doubt it as even the VQ37 is a challenging swap to get right.

 

Did you end up swapping it? I've been looking into it myself, but I can't find a reasonably priced engine or even salvaged R35. You can use a stock 350Z transmission, the CD009. You just need an adapter plate. Collins has one, but they told me they need an engine block to finish it. A guy that put a VR38 in a 240Z had one custom made (his youtube is RichAutoWorkz). He is using Syvecs aftermarket ECU btw. I contacted Syvecs and they can put in VR38 engine map and 350Z body control setup to retain all other 350Z functions outside of the engine (AC, interior, lights, ignition key fob, etc). You'd still need to create a harness to connect the Syvecs GTR pinned one to the 350Z body harness otherwise. The VR engine is also pretty tall compared to the VQ35 due to the front transfer case. I looked into that and deleting it and going with a dry-sump setup that Dailey Engineering offers for the engine. Pretty expensive, but will lower the engine height and drop weight by getting rid of the transfer case and pure RWD setup but you can leave it fine if you want. If you know of any good deals on a salvage or even rebuilt R35 let me know. Probably cheaper to buy one and part it out and sell rest of parts than the engine alone as I want the brakes/hubs and other bits as well. There's a 300ZX in Australia with a VR38. That guy swapped in I think the entire R35 setup as he has an R35 dash including MFD with the OBD readouts (https://engineswapdepot.com/?p=35884).

 

Tldr....but he hasn't logged in since he made the post

 

The idea of VR38 swap on anything Z33 or higher is a pipe dream, unless it's a race care and being fully functional doesn't matter.

 

I wish this would have came to fruition, would be super unique.

 

Might have to overnight parts from Japan

 

Well I plan on doing it once this FOMO used (and salvage) car market calms the heck down. Salvage and rebuilt title GTRs are overpriced right now and I want to buy one to part out for what I need. Had my Z since new in 2003 and finally getting around to doing what I've wanted over the years. I'm trying to make a modern version of the Z432. Same color scheme too https://www.nissan-global.com/EN/HER...ady_z_432.html

 

Good luck, we'll be waiting =)

 

Will be looking for the thread once all the COVID nonsense calms down!

 

me too …

 

yes I was taking a look to one swap were a tons of mods need it to do it , not worth it, I like the vk56 swap Z1 motorsports made. 461hp stock engine