Distortion Posted April 30, 2010 Share Posted April 30, 2010 Ok so I picked up a beautiful 1983 280zx for 1200 dollars with 72000 miles. I also just picked up a VG30DE from a 1992 300zx for 25 dollars. Now the question is: is it a good idea to build the VG30DE(with a rod knock) to a high horse power engine to drop it into the zx? The power potential is huge with a turbo application and its basically a bare canvas. My other option is a stroked L28 turbo application. I mean how hard is the swap? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benz-tech Posted April 30, 2010 Share Posted April 30, 2010 I also just picked up a VG30DE from a 1992 300zx for 25 dollars. Just because you have it, doesn't make it the best engine for a swap. Think long and hard on what your power goals are, the car's intended use is and other people's experience with your engine. One other thing I've read is that if you want a VG30DETT, start with a DETT and save yourself some pain and agony down the road. Others with actual DE build experience will probably tell you that they aint cheap to build (for more power), either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
19762802+2 Posted April 30, 2010 Share Posted April 30, 2010 (edited) You might want to talk to this guy he is the guy to talk too. http://forums.hybridz.org/index.php?/user/40-zr8ed/ Or check this out. http://forums.hybridz.org/index.php?showtopic=73970 Edited April 30, 2010 by 19752802+2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Distortion Posted April 30, 2010 Author Share Posted April 30, 2010 You might want to talk to this guy he is the guy to talk too. http://forums.hybridz.org/index.php?/user/40-zr8ed/ Or check this out. http://forums.hybridz.org/index.php?showtopic=73970 Thank You very much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedBeauty84ZX Posted May 1, 2010 Share Posted May 1, 2010 (edited) You might want to talk to this guy he is the guy to talk too. http://forums.hybridz.org/index.php?/user/40-zr8ed/ Or check this out. http://forums.hybridz.org/index.php?showtopic=73970 The VG30DE(TT) is a different engine then the VG30E(T). The DE is significantly bigger(DOHC, two turbos, etc.). Edited May 1, 2010 by RedBeauty84ZX Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedBeauty84ZX Posted May 1, 2010 Share Posted May 1, 2010 Ok so I picked up a beautiful 1983 280zx for 1200 dollars with 72000 miles. I also just picked up a VG30DE from a 1992 300zx for 25 dollars. Now the question is: is it a good idea to build the VG30DE(with a rod knock) to a high horse power engine to drop it into the zx? The power potential is huge with a turbo application and its basically a bare canvas. My other option is a stroked L28 turbo application. I mean how hard is the swap? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Are you for sure going to be turboing it? If so check out www.twinturbo.net they are the VG30DE(TT) gurus... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Distortion Posted May 1, 2010 Author Share Posted May 1, 2010 Yes but im single turboing not twin. Im just trying to figure out which engine I should build. The L28 or the VG30DE. I want between 300 and 400 horsepower. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hitman Z Posted May 2, 2010 Share Posted May 2, 2010 I will drop in the 1992 VG30 engine. You can use the Z32TT pistons and rods and find it cheap looking around. If money is not a problem get good set of rods and forged pistons, get ARP head and main studs, good head gaskets and good luck in your way to the 400HP your looking for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedBeauty84ZX Posted May 2, 2010 Share Posted May 2, 2010 Yes but im single turboing not twin. Im just trying to figure out which engine I should build. The L28 or the VG30DE. I want between 300 and 400 horsepower. If you already have the L28 it would probably be cheaper and definitely easier to turbo the L28 if your only looking for 300-400HP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Distortion Posted May 2, 2010 Author Share Posted May 2, 2010 If you already have the L28 it would probably be cheaper and definitely easier to turbo the L28 if your only looking for 300-400HP. Thats the thing. I have both engines just sitting there waiting to be built. Money isnt really an issue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sticky280zx Posted May 2, 2010 Share Posted May 2, 2010 Look around on this forum at these amazingly well placed threads at the top of the pages with the "pinned" sign...here is a GREAT one right here.... http://forums.hybridz.org/index.php?/topic/19918-the-ultimate-turbo-faqbeginners-guide/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedBeauty84ZX Posted May 2, 2010 Share Posted May 2, 2010 Thats the thing. I have both engines just sitting there waiting to be built. Money isnt really an issue If your going to build one, and money is not an issue, the VG30DE(TT) engine is superior to the L28E(T). The VG has a stronger bottom end and better flowing heads. But its going to be a more expensive and a more complex conversion then building the L28. If your set on single turboing the VG then look into getting the exhaust manifolds, intake manifold, and turbo piping from a VG30DET engine. The VG30DET is the only factory single turbo version as the VG30DE(TT) engines here in the US were setup for a twin-turbo configuration. The VG30DET was only sold in Japan/Australia and maybe a few other countries but never in the US. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Distortion Posted May 3, 2010 Author Share Posted May 3, 2010 Ok made my mind up. Going with a stroked single turbo l28. The vg is a pain in the ass so Im gonna sale it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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