Newbie with a VG30DE Swap Question

[tdawg88]

I got a vg30 off an infiniti j30 and I need to know any info available i.e. Wiring and possibly how to adapt a sr20 tranny to it. Or if instally a z32 tranny, will it bolt up with little or no modification? Would it be easier to get the wiring off a z32 or a j30 or can I modify the 240sx wiring? Any info on this will help me a lot. Thanx in advance.

[HootAuto]

All I know is you are better off using the Z32 trans, its stronger and will bolt up with no problems. To be honest though, just swap either an SR20DET or RB20/25/26, it will be much easier.

BTW, this belongs in the tech section below this forum...

[tdawg88]

hmm i dont like the SR. I have an SR powered s13 and its too much problems. Been threatened by cops to get ticketed and taken away ( I LIVE IN CALI!!!) so theres too much heat on the SR's thus I want something that I know can pass smog and get me around with some adequate power.

Sorry that I posted in the wrong forum. I dont know how to move it however thanx lots for the info. If you know a website that shows the swap process would be awesome. Thanx.

[HootAuto]

Good running SR's will pass smog, but i have no idea where you would find that wiring/swap info, it's mostly custom fab stuff, check the tech talk forum, there's a topic about it.

[trsilvias13]

easier solution swap in a KA and turbo it, a lil less hassle or go LS1

[BigVinnie]

Good running SR's will pass smog,

Not in Cali, read his post assfinktersayswhat........

easier solution swap in a KA and turbo it, a lil less hassle or go LS1


Great now everybody is going to swap LS1's....
Turbo KA's aren't smog legal in cali.......

[HootAuto]

Sorry man, don't know what to tell you.....maybe keep it stock?!?

[tdawg88]

Hmmmm, keeping it stock is an option but the engine gonna go bad and rebuild is hella expensive. And Buying an engine off sites here locally or at yards are also not worth it. A VG30 came hella cheap and came with all necessary things except for harness so All I need is that but I wanna know what major fab's are needed. Its an N/A engine off a J30 so it should fit nicely. Just want to know how to wire it and make it work n pass smog. Im really tired of the KA24 that dont do nothing. Thanx a whole lot for any info.

[KA24DESOneThree]

Are you an accomplished mechanic? Do you have fabricating skills? Are you competent with wiring? Do you have enough money to pay a shop to do any work you cannot?

If you answered no to all of those questions, you need to get rid of the VG because it will create more problems than horsepower.

[tdawg88]

hmmmm, accomplished no however I am inclined well mechanically. Wiring is my only deficiency hence why I am asking questions here. I want the car to pass smog when needed so I dont really care about horse power. I got the VG cheap and since rebuilding or even buying a used KA can range from about 500 - 800 bucks b4 rebuild is just not something I want to invest on. Fitting the engine in is no problem. I can fabricate any necessary things to make it function mechanically. I just want to know if I get a wiring off a z32 N/A will I have any ecu lights that would cause a fail on smog?

[BigVinnie]

I see where your problem is.
Honestly you are looking for something cost effective since you came accross the VG, fact is the VG swap and parts needed aren't cheap and engine mounts will need to be fabed. You will still need the VG transmission, and a drive shaft, I've been told that z31drive shaft works. That is still alot of money. Then you need the harness done for the VG still more time and money. Honestly even though you have the engine, the parts needed and time and labor will run you almost $2500, maybe more.
IMO best route to take. Sell the VG30de, and get High compression pistons for the KA. Super tech and wiseco both sell 10.5:1 pistons with a .010 or .020 bore for around $450. These pistons pass the california smog requirement, with a little head work and a larger gasket to drop compression a tad to about 10.3:1. Rebuilding is much more cost effective and will cost you under $2000 in parts and labor as long as you aren't dealing with some shyster company. Of course some bolt ons will be required, and an ECU tune, but the KA can easily achieve 200+ HP with a higher CR, that would be the best route to take since you live in Cali. It also happens to be the route I am taking.

[KA24DESOneThree]

It doesn't matter if any lights came on... you wouldn't pass smog unless you somehow got the car reffed.

[tdawg88]

Yea i've given up on the swap. Sucks coz I had great hopes for it. Thanx though