Guest Anonymous Posted June 8, 2001 Share Posted June 8, 2001 Hi I was wondering if anyone could suggest which is the better motor to put into a z out of a Q45 infiniti or Toyota Lexus 4.0. Both are all alloy quad cam. TIA zedcardude Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavyZ Posted June 8, 2001 Share Posted June 8, 2001 I know the Lexus swap has been done--there is a picture in the JTR manual. The Q45 motor is outstanding though. I really enjoy it and it has very good power. Plus, if you want to keep the car "all Nissan" then the Q45 V8 is the way to go. This is totally my opinion BTW. David Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted June 8, 2001 Share Posted June 8, 2001 I measured one at a Junkyard (Q45 engine) and the only problem I see is that it's so wide. I was looking at about 1 inch or so clearance from the strut towers, and possibly even less than that on each side from the valve covers/heads, also figure in headers getting in the way of the steering linkage etc. Not to say it can't be done, but keep that stuff in mind as a potential problem. The other problem I see is that you're stuck with a 4 speed auto transmission, Not necessarily bad but as far as I can tell from looking into it there's no way to get a manual transmission with a bellhousing that will bolt up. I think you might be able to get a VG30 Transmission from a z32 to bolt up, but nobody seems to be able to give me a definite answer on that including Nissan Motorsports. Maybe you could get one from one of the current trucks that has the V6 in it but even that's chancy at best. Maybe one of the Skyline RWD only tranny's would fit too. Plenty of possibilities, but no definite answers that I've been able to track down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted July 6, 2001 Share Posted July 6, 2001 Although both motors are excellent and they both make pushrod eights look like dinosaurs id go the lexus v8 for several reasons: 1 parts are available over the counter at any toyota dealer because they were sold locally in Australia (not sure about NZ but ill presume so). 2 the swaps been done so there are people who can give you some advise (and pottentialy save you a lot of cash and head aches) 3 Engine tuners have had a bit of time to experiment with tunning the lexus motor using aftermarket electronic management systems. Because there being put into everything from hilux's to torana's so this can also save you a lot of cash (cause if a tuners got to experiment with a new motor your gonna pay for his time + dyno time) 4 Gearbox adapters are being made by dellow in sydney (i think) and castelmaine rod shop near Bendigo Victoria. to adapt everything from 2spd powerglides auto's to 5spd tremec tr-3350 manuals. just my opinion like i said both are good motors but if more resources and knowledge are available for one and not the other its worth taking advantage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fl327 Posted July 6, 2001 Share Posted July 6, 2001 you guyz have it good out there rb motors, quad cam specialists tuners and what not, man, whats wrong with a land rover v8, you can make lots of power with those I mean, ITS NOT A CHEVY OR ANYTHING, but hey it could be a lot of fun, depending on your alloted dollar to horsepower ratio, i would go with whatever is abundant or whatever isnt, depending on said ratio, i would love to see a quad cam with a stick behind it that not ford, lexus v8 with a tremec behind sounds pretty hardcore, with a little boost and a little squeeze, man that would be something else.....thats how i see it, man i would go broke trying to make power out of those combos, motec this, sds that, bypass electrical this, adapter plate this...aghhhh whatevers clever gentlemen, i prefer keeping things simple, until my idea of simple isnt simple anymore...CHEVY=abundant in the USA Leonard Fairlady@5400cc...the pushrod dinosaur 30,000miles and counting baby!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted July 7, 2001 Share Posted July 7, 2001 I did'nt mean to offend anyone with the pushrod dinosaur comment, Heck i'm still building mild 302's for thrills. But the quad cam v8 aint to expensive i just checked a jap importers prices. Engine & auto were only $1850 AUD at 265hp standard that aint bad bang for buck, the complete "engine package" with factory harness and computer etc. was only $3800 AUD The australian delivered models have been coming in for service at 250,000 km and found to need very little work on pulldown inspection, according to a mag article i read, so durrability and life span are'nt to bad either. But like fairlady327 said (chevy=abundant in the USA) availability of an engine will dictate your choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted July 7, 2001 Share Posted July 7, 2001 Yeah, the chev's and the fords are more plentiful for us, although the quad cam v8's shouldn't be a problem either. The width could probably be ok as you can always notch the shock towers a bit on the inside if you use coil overs. I'd like to see a lexus in a z first hand, would be neat to see how close it is. I also very much want to see a finished Cad. four cam northstar motor in one, that is a super engine, great output, light and with a few cosmetic pieces they have available its pretty amazing looking. Regards, Lone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JAMIE T Posted July 7, 2001 Share Posted July 7, 2001 Patience grasshoppah, the Deathstar is coming!!! I'm working on getting about 450hp from the Northstar. I am planning some head porting and some cams, and a custom intake manifold. A 5spd is going in it(the Deathstar) also. Finally I will be able to use a tach that goes to 9000rpm Jamie Deathstar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fl327 Posted July 7, 2001 Share Posted July 7, 2001 im not upset or anything, just think that if you were going to do a swap and dont have hoover chan enterprises behind you, you would must likely be better off using motor trans and equipment that was oem in some car or another, and is plentiful, that is why most of us use our domestic product, a v8 will make 300 dependable hp in its sleep, the exotic swaps are beautiful, arent there a lot of rb26 z's out there? i know if i were to do that here it would be the 300zx tt motor or the gnx...good luck homie, keep us posted. Leonard if it dont make rubber than it dont make sense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted July 27, 2001 Share Posted July 27, 2001 OMG you people even thinking about the Northstar NEED TO READ THIS LINK. I am a former Jaguar auto tech (Paramedic now, hence the nickname and thought '80s and early to mid '90 Jags were mechanic gravy, but WOW the Northstar appears to have them beat. Everyone needs to read this sad story, bring plenty of kleenex http://members.home.net/gtrose/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JAMIE T Posted July 27, 2001 Share Posted July 27, 2001 Wow, that is an informative link. The parts about the block rotting bothers me the most. The parts about the waterpump and torque strap is not an issue, I am using a relocated pump and conventional style motor mounts. I wonder if the block only being grounded(I am using a carb and Electromotive DI, not much electrical stuff on or around the engine)would help with the rotting problem? Jamie Deathstar Z Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drax240z Posted July 27, 2001 Share Posted July 27, 2001 Jamie, I am pretty sure that using non-conductive moly lube on things like head bolts will stop the battery effect between the aluminum and the steel. [ July 26, 2001: Message edited by: Drax240z ] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted July 27, 2001 Share Posted July 27, 2001 I would suggest either a threaded insert (I believe the best is something called timesert which is not wound, but hollow steel) or studs. Of course studs would have to be custom made, but they offer the advantage of not being stressed as much by twisting forces. While reading your plans for higher performance it becomes apparent that MUCH HIGHER cylinder pressures will be encountered. O-ringing the block is the route I would take for insurance. Also you might consider cryostabilizing the entire engine. Research this. There is a project to use Northstar engines for homebuilt aircraft, they might also offer insite: www.vipmedia.com/northstar/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted July 27, 2001 Share Posted July 27, 2001 Drax240Z that is a valid suggestion, and if the engine wasn't so exotic I would try it. However, in this case overkill might be what's called for considering the expense of ruined bearings and blown head gaskets if the moly does not sufficiently retard electrolysis . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted July 27, 2001 Share Posted July 27, 2001 Last thing, has anyone considered the Jaguar 4.0 V8? They had very few problems, sounded great when driven around the shop minus exaust tubing are available factory supercharged, are (relatively) plentiful and come configured for RWD. However, in the US only the auto is available, but a standard is produced for the European market. Just a thought. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike C Posted July 27, 2001 Share Posted July 27, 2001 The jag v8 is just a Ford mod motor isn't it? Much cheaper to get a 4.6 from a mustang and an aftermarket supercharger I'd think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fl327 Posted July 27, 2001 Share Posted July 27, 2001 thats some scary stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted July 28, 2001 Share Posted July 28, 2001 Jaguar 4.0 was initially engineered before the Ford buyout, has nothing in common with any Ford product. The base V6 in the S-Type is a Ford engine, however has Jaguar specific components. I did a pre-delivery inspection for a brand new XK-R (Roots supercharged fluid/air intercooled V8) about 18 months ago before I changed careers to EMS. That was a memorable ride, as to insure the vehicle would perform satisfactorly in ALL operating conditions, the car was run on a relatively empty highway to it's computer goverened top speed of 155 mph. Was the smoothest 155 mph ride ever, felt like 170 was easily available. In other words, a fine engine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jens Posted July 30, 2001 Share Posted July 30, 2001 If i was going to use a alloy v8 i would consider the bmw 4,0/4,4 with 6 speed manual from a 540-740-840 or x5. It has around 280 hp and can be supercharged from 350-500 hp. These engines are used in new detomasos. A old mercedes 500/560 16 valve v8 alloy engine with 4 speed automatic would be a lot cheaper and easier to install because the k-jetronic injection system is mecanic. The weight is only around 450 pounds. it has been used in ac cobras and streetrods in europe. Both engines would go 0-62 in 5,5s in a Z. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted July 31, 2001 Share Posted July 31, 2001 Hmm, i just read the Northstar saga... Surely the dissimilar metal syndrome should affect ALL aluminum block engines, no? Having only 1" of thread into the block doesn't sound like a great idea, though. It seems odd to me that only Caddy is having these problems, although some of them (engine mount, water pump, etc) is kinda stupid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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