hazesleepgod

VQ37VHR Update #1 (w/ pictures)

It’s been a fairly eventful year since the last time i’ve posted. As I was in the planning stage, now I have been able to acquire the funds necessary to get this build of mine started. In this past year i’ve written out and budgeted a parts list for each and every category, and if I haven’t, it’s a matter of time. I have gotten my place of working on said build finally up to standard to begin said project including the tools. And i have finally acquired a 73k mile VQ37VHR engine, for $900. The engine was picked up in Omaha, from a G-Chassis driver. Compression tested, water pump, Gallery Gaskets, and Timing chain all redone, it was prepped for an engine swap. Getting this engine in my garage, admittedly was a milestone that i’m actually gonna force myself to see through this build.

As of right now, i’ve began to strip down not only the engine but the car itself. I’ve taken only the top intake cover, and removed the flywheel for mounting. As for the Z itself, i’ve removed all of the seats, trim, carpet, and center console. I will be attempting to keep everything in tact, so if anyone’s looking for spare bits i’ll be open for any offers here in the near future.

If I haven’t been too clear on what exactly this build is, I am fabricating a full tube-frame chassis, to mount a VQ37VHR engine to a CD transmission, Fully built to fit the grey area between the Iowa Resto-Mod Qualifications as well as the SCCA Super Street Modified Class rules. The vehicle will run on E85, it will weigh 2,500lbs, and I want at least 425hp to the wheels, completely N/A. 

This is what I want it to

Look like: 1987 Nissan 300ZX IMSA GTU Race Car for sale on BaT Auctions - closed on March 27, 2023 (Lot #102,136) | Bring a Trailer

Sound like: 

As far as engine work, I don’t plan on doing too much to the VQ, so long as the equation in my head goes correctly. I’m currently planning:

-E85 Tune

-Jim Wolf camshafts  

-lifters/valves/springs

-dual catch can

-a custom-designed tubed intake manifold

-side-pipe exhaust

-high-flow exhaust manifold

-Sending in heads for resurfacing/porting

-Walboro Hellcat 525 Fuel Pump

-Z1 Billet Fuel System

-Z1 Injectors (1000cc)

-Haltech ECU

-Battery, Filter, Line Relocation

-etc.

I have seen a few great examples of a baffled oil pan, as well as a great dry sump oil pan system on the aftermarket. If there’s anyone who can help me figure which would be best, please comment below. 

Baffled: Z1 370Z / G37 Active Baffle Aluminum Oil Pan

Dry Sump: Nissan VQ35HR / VQ37HR Billet Dry Sump - Ross Performance Parts : Ross Performance Parts

The next step is headliner, dashboard, and slowly but surely begin the painful process of properly removing the wiring. I’m thankfully in a state where dry ice isn’t hard to come by, so I’ll be removing the sound deadening soon. 

Also sourcing a transmission with the code of “CD008” as I’m told that’s the only CD transmission that will bolt on correctly. (I really, really wanna run a sequential.) 

But that’s the update, sorry it took so long to keep to my word on what I chose to take on as a project. If there are any interjections/questions/comments/concerns, please let me know, I wanna take any and all feedback into consideration. 

(( TL;DR I bought the engine, I’m doing crazy sh*t in my garage. ))

**edit: sorry if the pics r upside down. i tried everything in my power to get them flipped upright**