Somewhat recent owner of a base 03 350z with miles around 160,000. I’ve always been a fan of fun and unique cars and that carries to engines. My first idea was to swap in something like an M120 or the motor off the toyota century but I doubt I’d have room. On the other end is a rotary engine like the 13b, which led me to wonder if this is a viable swap for the z? I’m completely fine with cutting up the car or spending what needs to be spent to make it happen.

 

Yes

 

Anything is possible with enough money.

 

As mentioned, anything is possible with time, money, fab skills.

HOWEVER...

I would GUESS that a Mazda 13B would not be the best choice. In NA form, even the latest Series 5 injected motor was rated at 160bhp and the turbo version, only 200bhp (some 87hp less than a stock VQ35DE).

But it isn't even the hp figures that have me saying no. It's the torque. Assume the turbo engine, still only puts out <200 ft-lbsTQ. Whiles the stock Z motor already puts out ~270ft-lbs TQ.

OK, so those aren't '80s Nissan Sentra TQ figures but consider that torque is what gets the car moving. An RX-7 is no slouch BUT it also weighs some 600-750 POUNDS LESS than a Z33.

Putting a 12A or 13B into a lightweight car, like, for example, a Datsun Roadster or even an S30 would (and is) a kickass package simply because we're talking cars around 2k lbs. But put it into 3k lb Z. I suspect you'll be hurting for power/TQ to get the thing moving. Put in a triple rotor Wankel, then maybe.

Putting a Toyota Century motor would likely be fun but since these V8s also don't offer a prodigious amount of power/TQ either due to their relatively small displacement, I feel like that work required doesn't justify the end results.

There are a number of V8 kits available for the 33 making life a little easier - most of which are based around the LS-engine family. Easiest to do given aftermarket support.

But the really cool one I like is a Z33 with a swapped Nissan VK56. Have seen a bunch of write-ups on here but not really sure any are real since I don't recall ever seeing pics of actual cars. You can search 'em here.

Overall, the best one - my opinion - especially if you know your Toyotas... 2JZ. Wow. Now those aren't wanting for power and torque and, with enough money and expertise, a semi-stock block JZ regularly go to 800hp with proper engine management and boost. There's an A80 Supra 2JZ running around in my neck of the woods running monster turbos, sleeves, Haltech, etc. 1,200bhp, 900+ wheel. So, that is a monster. Not cheap to build a 2JZ right but wow....

 

Thats what I was gonna say…

It really depends on what you want … If you want a project and something that (I dont think) anyone has done than do it … but dont expect it to be easy, inexpensive, powerful (as mic mentioned) and plan on 2/3rd of the car not working like OEM - I suspect it will steer, go, stop and make car noises but plan on many other systems of the car not function.

It would be very help if you have a computer programming and/or very indepth tuning background as well … I suspect you’d have to convert most the systems between the engine and the car on CANBUS and you are likely looking at $5k to $7k worth of ECU and supporting hardware. I dont think Haltech or Link are going to support this interchange and you are likely looking at Motec as your only tuning option.

I would also think you’re going to spend a healthy amount of money putting a CD009 onto said rotary and I can’t imagine you’d use a mazda transmission?


Edit:
You mayyyyyyyyyyy be able to control rotary with the G4+ or G4x … I am ‘sorta’ remembering a rotary option with my g4+ … I can poke around in it if you’d like.

 

OP is a 22 yo student... doubt he has the funds to do much, not to mention he is Cali... so the no ecu tuning law will bite him

 

i too like to dream.

Then they became real, and now i live a z33 nightmare.

Go enjoy your 20s, leave the car... alone.