My car has 150k 05 De ... Thinking proactively I got a quote from sw engines... 2245$ for a 38000 mile engine vs ripping the engine out sending to a engine builder for a stock rebuild for more money? I don't know why people rebuild there engine when buying a replacement is cheaper and easier... I plan on a vortech and stating under the stock De limit 400hp. Anyone else compared?

 

or for a little more you can get a nice block from IPP

http://www.importpartspro.com/st1blon.html

 

That would be worth the extra coin... Where and why are all these people building 10k$ engines?

 

While I haven't done a Z. My general experience is engine replacement is way easier than engine rebuild. The hours to pull and install a motor are still there. Add in machine time and assembly etc.

Rebuilding a short block with stock spec internals is always futile in my mind. (not that the platform is known for high power)
BUT....
Replacing a stock motor with a stock motor isnt a bad idea IMO.

My reasoning behind that is once you crack a motor open, you open a can of worms.

 

really depends on what you are wanting to get out of it. if i had to replace i would buy the block from ipp and finish out the build (but i also dont have my Z anymore)

 

Yeah I might just go replacement for the opinion made above .. Already operates and has a warranty.

 

there is a core charge, so you would have to get yours to them

 

I'll take the opposite position and state the case for rebuilding. By taking the engine apart and rebuilding, I can spec it the way I want. Built shortblock with low compression pistons and reinforced hardware? Or maybe I need to open up the clearences for a high compression engine slightly. And knowing what type of components, say ARP fastners, Cosworth pistons, Nissan comp oil pump, etc. can be spec'd offers another custom touch. The options for what you can do IF you know what you're doing are endless. By the completion of the project, it's great knowing it's YOUR creation.

 

Stock engine + Vortech + conservative tune (360 - 390hp) = long lasting dd

Ipp short block + vortech + tune 5 to 600hp = not a reliable de more heat more parts.

I don't see why people go over 400hp (unless your in serious comp) for another 100hp or so and have to jump through all them hoops. I think 375hp would be a blast in a sub 3000lb car. My car prolly has another 100k in it before it's outof compression being optimistic.

 

time money and experience.

If your gonna keep the car forever, rebuild it. You will never get that money back. Thats why I still have my mustangs. It is a good feeling to complete something so big and hear it run shifting through the gears etc. On the same note you might baby it knowing how much blood sweat and tears you put into it jsut to blow it up being dumb lol.

Personal experience: Built isn't bullet proof. I have seen motors fail from reusing old parts and seen motors fail because a new part failed during break-in. I have personally shot a hole through a forged piston..... hahaha good times

 

why would you reuse old parts?

 

No 350z specific but reusing injectors.... using used rods pistons oil pumps etc. Its Budget friendly. For the most part the risk is low but not as low as a factory sealed motor.

 

i see what you are saying, but the link for the block i posted includes piston, injectors are cheap enough to replace..... if i (key word) was spending the time to build any motor, it would get new parts

 

What is the cost in labor for an engine swap, for instance from SW engines.

Do shops handle shipping the core engine back to SW?

 

depending on your local shop rate figure about 8 hrs out and another 8 putting the new one in. Give an extra 2 on the install for figuring out the little bugs.

You would have to get with the shop and the engine supplier to figure that one out.

 

Bro you sound like you know what you doing. I have 2003 Z that currently has 65K miles. Due to my impatience after replacing my exhausts I neglected to check the oil and took my baby for a ride. A few days after that the engine started to blow some smoke. I took it to a tuner shop and they told me one of the pistons was bad. So now I'm looking to replace the pistons with forget pistons. I'm pretty good with my tools, but I'm afraid to mess up the engine more than what's already done. What other parts would I need in top of pistons, rods, rings and bearings to fix my Z? I don't want to be taken that's why I do most of my work not to mention that save $$$ to invest in my baby. Please let me know when you get a chance. Thanks

 

2 POSTS since 2007, nice.

You can't just buy the engine parts and put them together. There are strict tolerances. You need to have the block machined properly before putting it together.