LSx vs. VQ discussion

[ZQ8Dude]

I had this discussion with a friend and found it kind of humorous and thought it could do well to stir up some fun discussion since there is a mix of people who have done both swaps.

 

The basic conversation went like this:

 

I'm looking at a Z and am more or less set on the LSx swap(after i flog the L28 for awhile), but of course the VQ30 is an interesting thing to look at since its a modern swap thats still in the "Z" family of cars.

 

On my arguement for why i like the VQ swapped cars:

 

- the engine sounds like what you'd expect from a Z car

- good power for the weight

- its a lot less common then an LSx/small block

- can make more power with mods

 

His arguement against the VQ swapped cars:

 

-LSx makes more power off the bat

-more power can be made easier/cheaper

- VQ is a "weaker engine" as its changed and put into a variety of cars.(something he didnt seem to catch when i pointed out how the VQ in a way is the japanese LSx. In the way that they can tweak it and use it in a variety of their vehicles.

-pointed out the blown up turbo 350zs floating around

 

While as of now i'm certainly not considering a VQ swap over the LSX, but i wonder if several people had these discussions and came to similar/different conclusions.

[janaka]

I think both have their merits personally.

 

VQ would be for keeping the nissan/datsun relationship and its pretty cool. That motor sounds awesome too!

 

LSx is a monster IMO. My boss has an Ferrari and my coworkers like the sound of the cam'd LS more than his motor (obviously personal taste but the LSx's do sound sweet!)

Easy easy to mod. cam/intake/exhuast/tune and over 400rwhp. LS pcm's are basically standalones from the factory power/ground and the stock harness and you are more or less off to the races. LSx will most likely be quicker in stock form than a VQ as well.

 

I'm partial to the LS1 because I have one obviously, however if you are going through the trouble of a swap like either of these you need to want exactly what you are going to get. Don't compromise, put together a goal, plan plan plan then execute. I wanted 11's and reliability. 11.77 on street DR's and 25MPG on the hwy! Heck my 8.5month pregnant wife took the car to work, not sure how she got in and out but she did, lol. It's all about having fun.

 

Biggest thing is to account for supporting mods as well. Fuel system and brakes need to be up to the task of the new power. I went overboard on the fuel but wanted to be 100% sure that I'd never have an issue down the road with fuel supply. Peace of mind for me.

[240hoke]

They are two completely different engines that are hard to compare.

 

Bang for the buck the LS1 wins hands down.

 

I love the way the vq drives and feels though, I think its all personal preference...you aren't going to make much NA power with the VQ. If boosted is your thing both motors can be built to make as much as the chassis can handle.

[260DET]

The LS engine is a fine example of middle of the road practical engineering, relatively cheap and easier to work on than the VQ which is the more efficient of the two in stock form. Aftermarket support heavily favours the LS, the VQ being a perhaps more satisfying technically orientated engine. So yeh, personal opinion, hard to go past the LS bang for buck though.

[Northstarninja]

The LS engine is a fine example of middle of the road practical engineering, relatively cheap and easier to work on than the VQ which is the more efficient of the two in stock form. Aftermarket support heavily favours the LS, the VQ being a perhaps more satisfying technically orientated engine. So yeh, personal opinion, hard to go past the LS bang for buck though.

 

 

everyone forgets that the VQ swap is more complicated, electrically. IIRC, the vq motors out of a Z are Can bus setups- more wires, more stuff to source (or make sure comes with the motor) etc. The Ls wins in the department of simplicity on this one.

 

hmm, I wonder if the LSx is lighter than a VQ...