Swap from V8 to V6

[Datsonnyboi]

I have a 1972 240Z Chevy 350 small block with 3 speed automatic that I’ve been thinking about swapping for a while now. I’ve been thinking about getting a VQ35DE/HR. I don’t have a lot of knowledge and this will be my first time swapping anything as I bought the Z with the V8 in it. I’ve heard that if I want to swap I should just get another stock Z instead of swapping the V8. What I want to know is that would it harder to swap with a current V8 in it? And what are the parts that I need for a complete swap?

[FastFloridian]

What are the reasons for wanting to go to the V6? I would think it’s just as easy (or hard) going to the V6 from a stock car vs the modified V8. You’re going to need a lot of new parts either way. You’ll need a way of mounting the engine, new transmission, driveshaft and engine management system. More computers and sensors on the V6 will be a lot more wiring. 

[Datsonnyboi]

The V8 has a blown head gasket. I have always wanted to go back into a Nissan engine, but the RB's are too pricy. Would it be easier to find a used car that has everything or or find a little bit of everything from somewhere else.

[jonbill]

Swap in an L28. They're a Nissan engine, cheaper than RB and pretty easy to swap into an S30.

 

[Mitchel0407]

I really like the L28’s as they have a lot of character and an amazing sound but a used VQ would also be a great option. I don’t know exactly what you would need but It may be a good idea to get a wrecked donor 350z and use its drivetrain components together with the Pro Touring or Track Attack suspension kits from Apex Engineered. That may be the easiest route if you want to go VQ or even RB (there subframe accepts loads of different engines).

 

But if costs are a driving factor then finding and even building another 350 might be the best option. A swap done right can run you $10k to $15k easily as it’s not just the engine you need to swap but also the driveline, suspension components and electronics.
 

[Datsonnyboi]

I would love to have an L28 as well, but most L28 engines I have seen are well over 200k plus miles and I’m not sure where to get parts for it to rebuild a the engine. I have seen the California Datsun L28 rebuild kit, but heard it’s not worth it. If I were to get a used L28 and rebuild, which isn’t a bad option. Where can I buy the parts for it?

[Mayolives]

Mitchel0407 gave you some decent advice. If it's all about the dollars, either rebuild what you have and perhaps go to a manual transmission. Next better choice would be a new GM crate engine. Small block GM engines are reasonably easy to work on and more or less stock crate engines can be had from many sources that don't cost an arm or a leg. I have had many z cars over the years with stock engines, V8 GM powered, stroked out big cam four br carbed car and a high hp, zillion dollar track car to mention a few.  I sure had a blast with all of them!!! Like someone once said " if I had all the money I ever spent on Z cars, I'd spend it all on Z cars". 

[Mitchel0407]

The money is a big consideration but the main point is more what it’s worth to you. Do you want a particular setup and is the money more secondary, is money a primary driver, do you want to slowly upgrade or go all at once.

 

I see a lot of people mention only the costs of the build but if somebody is really passionate about something then it doesn’t matter as much.

 

For example the fuel injection on my ’77 280z isn’t in the greatest shape, she drives good enough but the AFR readings aren’t the best (extremely rich at idle and slightly lean at open throttle). The economical thing to do is to just swap over some triple Webber carbs, but since I would like to keep the fuel injection I decided to, eventually, slowly  upgrade the fuel injection with a new ECU and a set of ITB’s. I might spend 3 to 4 times the money but I’ll have a car that I want, as I like it.

[flatout]

I agree with Mitchel. You need to decide what end setup will make you happy and build towards that. With that being said you don't need to go all out and put yourself in debt to do it. If the purist in you says you need it to be nissan powered than that seems like it should be a priority. Do some research on the VQ. There are a couple good versions and a couple that you should avoid. I'm personally not a huge VQ fan but power, weight, balance, etc, should be great in a older Z. Modern electronics make a lot of these swaps easier. companies like wiring specialties or similar, should make generic "swap" harnesses for these engines and will require little integration into the chassis wiring if your not that comfortable with wiring. ApexEngineered makes engine mounts.  Transmission options aren't ideal. CD009 are strong but gearing and shifter location isn't ideal in my opinion. I got one for my 1jz swap and didn't like it so went a different route.