Guest datsuncr Posted July 10, 2006 Share Posted July 10, 2006 Hi! I'm droping a VG30ET into my 1981 280ZX More pictures here: http://www.datsuncr.com/galeria/280zx-swap.php ...and more pictures coming soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gollum Posted July 10, 2006 Share Posted July 10, 2006 It's kinda hard to see in the pics, but did you have to remove the power steering or was it left in? I'm considering the VG30ET swap as opposed to a 1uzfe swap since it's smaller, more likely to fit, and around the same price (if not a bit cheeper). Makes slightly less power than a 1uz and prolby isn't as reliable, but it's dimensions make it a much better cadidate. Keep us updated on the project please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest datsuncr Posted July 11, 2006 Share Posted July 11, 2006 The power steering pump is in the front-right part of the engine. It's not a problem The turbo is giving me a hard time: It is located where the steering column ends. Not big deal, I'll have to move the turbo to the right side (new headers).... check more pics here: http://www.datsuncr.com/galeria/280zx-swap.php Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gollum Posted July 11, 2006 Share Posted July 11, 2006 Yea, that could be an issue for me. In cali if I get different headers I won't be able to legalise the swap as the headers have to be C.A.R.B. legal. Would the motor be just plain too high in order to clear it, or are you just going for as low of a mount as possible? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest datsuncr Posted July 11, 2006 Share Posted July 11, 2006 I tried to let the engine stay as higher as possible, but then the gearbox doesn't fit in the chassis. The problam was that this VG30ET I bought comes from Japan (right side steering) In California: Why does the exhaust have to the original? You're actually "installing a newer engine that might produce lower emissions" with proper headers & cat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave88SS Posted July 11, 2006 Share Posted July 11, 2006 Not big deal' date=' I'll have to move the turbo to the right side (new headers).... [/quote'] Wouldn't it be easier moving it up closer to where the A/C compressor was? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gollum Posted July 11, 2006 Share Posted July 11, 2006 Doesn't the USDM VG30ET still have the turbo on the driver's side? I guess i'm worng but i'd assume the difference would be that the steering rack is different in the 300ZX. I'll go look for some engine bay pics of stock 300ZX turbos to check what side it's on. You can see in this pic that the angle of the input on the steering rack is totally different and isn't verdical like the on in your 280ZX Click thumbnail to enlarge I just went out to double check on my car but my ZX has a totally different power steering setup. I'll take some pics, and I'll try to get some time on a lift so I can get some decent pictures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtcookson Posted July 12, 2006 Share Posted July 12, 2006 USDM VG30ET has the turbo on the left side (driver's side) Makes slightly less power than a 1uz and prolby isn't as reliable The VG30ET can make tons of power. Probably not quite what the 1UZ would be capable of... but they can definitely make more than enough for some fun. Reliability... they are extremely reliable. Its very hard to break these engines and usually when you do, its from improper maintenance or when it comes to boost, poor tuning. Treat it right and the thing will last for quite some time. It doesn't have any of those small issues like some other boosted engines have with headgaskets and the such. The stock crank is incredibly stout, the stock rods are forged, and the headgaskets are clamped down with 13 head bolts on each side. People have ran tons of boost on the stock headgaskets without issues. They are definitely, incredible engines. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest datsuncr Posted July 12, 2006 Share Posted July 12, 2006 Wouldn't it be easier moving it up closer to where the A/C compressor was? Great idea. Thanks Dave88SS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Juday Posted July 12, 2006 Share Posted July 12, 2006 Or even in front of the motor. There must be tons of room left there where the three forward cylinders used to be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gollum Posted July 12, 2006 Share Posted July 12, 2006 mtcookson - Hp wise I was compairing stock vs - stock. I'd personally say the VG30 has MORE potential then the 1uz, beucase if you want power with the 1uz your limited to ALOT of part searching, where as with the stock VG30ET it's mostly turbo system mods within good taste. I only mention the reliability issue from what I've heard. At my local pick-n-pull there's at least 2 new 300ZX cars a week, at a new turbo model at least twice a month, wich is the main reason I'm thinking about doing one of these swaps. Due to these car's stout bottom I assume the problems people are having with them aren't major, and with how many there are around here it shouldn't be a problem replacing any parts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ZFury Posted July 13, 2006 Share Posted July 13, 2006 I like the pit! I need to make one of those. Really cant here though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hoov100 Posted July 18, 2006 Share Posted July 18, 2006 i would ditch PS, toss in a 240 rack and relocate the steering shaft and you should be good, if you have to notch the fram for clearance of the oil filter, just get the filter relocation kit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gollum Posted July 18, 2006 Share Posted July 18, 2006 Easier said than done methinks. Totally different crossmember to begin with, and then you have to consider that the steering linkage wouldn't work with this motor in a 240z anyways. It'd be just as much work to make your own steering rack all together. At least it seems that way to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mario_82_ZXT Posted July 18, 2006 Share Posted July 18, 2006 What about a 79 manual rack? I think they exist.... Mario Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garrett76Zt Posted July 18, 2006 Share Posted July 18, 2006 interesting intake manifold on that motor. We only got it on the VG30e Maximas. Never seen it on a turbo motor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtcookson Posted July 18, 2006 Share Posted July 18, 2006 Yeah, they put those in I believe the Gloria, which were rear wheel drive. I actually have one of those engines as well and was surprised to see that intake on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mack Posted July 18, 2006 Share Posted July 18, 2006 I actually swapped my recirc ball PS unit on my 1980 280ZX out for a '79 manual rack. although, I dont think you would gain anything in this case. The manual rack isnt that much smaller than the 82-83 PS rack. Its basically the same size and shape, just no hydraulic hoses. I think a turbo relocation is the only way to go. what about swapping the manifolds around and putting the turbo up front with the crossover pipe going across the front of the engine? Sure, you;d have to run electric fans and it wouldnt be THAT easy, but def easier and cheaper than fully custom manis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest datsuncr Posted July 20, 2006 Share Posted July 20, 2006 The VG30ET comes from Japan. It was used on an automatic car Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtcookson Posted July 20, 2006 Share Posted July 20, 2006 Oops... I put Gloria. I think the car they came out of was the 87-91 Y31 Cedric. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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