GT-R turbos on the VQ37
 

Edit: Here's a walkthrough of the kit!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMrwS4ru2ak


Hello everyone out there! I had an idea a while back and today i thought, why not?!

Basically, my goal is to make my car faster for the least amount of money i can spend, so i started thinking of ideas and parts that could help me do that.

After looking into the gains per $ going NA, it was obvious that it's not worth it at all for how expensive every little part is.

After a lot of research and comparing the VQ37 against the VR38, it was apparent that the only thing needed to use the GT-R turbos on our engines was either:
1- Tap new studs where the GT-R manifold bolts (Simiar to GTM's V1 TT)
2- Make an adapter plate that simplifies the work

An example of an adapter plate:
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...fcdd913fcb.jpg

After searching everywhere, there was almost nobody who tried this idea or even attempted to start it. The only thing i found that made me sure that it's possible is a German workshop who have successfully used GT-R turbos on both the 350Z and 370Z, using the same adapter plate for both.

So i decided to start this project, but due to college and work plus needing the car to commute to college, i'm unable to drop my engine to work on making the adapter plate.


By doing this, the only thing needed is to supply my own intercooler and intercooler piping plus a downpipe and the oil lines etc, which isn't too hard with any mechanical knowledge. (Plus the obvious mods needed to support the extra power)

I can almost make everything locally with the help of a friends shop and a mandrel bending facility nearby. Just need help with making them bolt on.



I've already got a source for the turbos and will have them shipped to me within a week or two, and now trying to source a damaged block (to check motor mount clearances), or to just use header flanges to make the adapters.

So what I am asking here is, is there anyone willing to help me with this project, and in turn, i will document my whole process plus even sell the adapter plates (I'm able to make them at a friends shop) plus any small parts needed to bolt on the Turbos.

Here's an example of the turbos bolted on to the VQ37:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...a0b34d3852.jpg

(Note how the manifold bolts to the head)



Updates:
4/18/17
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https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...43ea4e9c6c.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...3375d3e20b.jpg


7/1/18

I like how the only thing you will need to add is pretty much everything =) I think getting the intercooler piping setup will be more challenging than you think.. Other than that, you are on target. Oil lines, water lines, etc are all pretty simple to setup.... you need to take some care though in protecting the surrounding components from the additional heat.

This is a great idea though... you could really lower the cost of going TT if you could source used turbos and manifolds that the GTR guys are casting off. Most of them are rich and probably won't care about how much they get in return anyway.

I look forward to following this! Hope you are able to go through with it. I would send you my OEM manifolds if I still had them.

Yeah, it's not as simple as it sounds but really, if you know how to do remove the engine, it's not as hard as it sounds.

I have done a couple of engine swaps before and my garage has almost every tool needed to do anything, except i don't have a hoist but i do have a floor crane!

As for the turbos and manifolds, it's the only reason i'm attempting this. You can easily source the turbos and manifolds used from GTR owners for under 1K, and OEM GTR parts go for cheap as everyone looking for more power swaps them out. The turbos are good for about 600WHP on e85 in the GTR application, and i'm not looking for more than 450-500 WHP at the very most.

Interesting. Good luck. I like when people innovate.

SUB'D.. Good luck OP!!

I'll be following this thread.. Keep us posted!!:driving:

sub'd

Nice. I'm a big fan of fining the simplest solution to less straight forward complications. Without delving into it the biggest issue I foresee is clearance for everything. Its already pretty tight under there.

GL will keep an interested eye on the thread.

Being an old guy, I'm more conservative and practical in my thinking than most of the younger guys on this forum. Just thinking about all that work, dollars, and the mine fields you'll have to negotiate with all those mods and tuning, man....... I cringe. You drive to a higher or lower altitude and the tune better follow suit, and the air/fuel mix better change as needed or meltdown is not far away. And then I think about the factory turbo'd cars like the Sub'y WRX Sti (up to last year) and the BMW 335i that have had big problems, requiring engine replacements. All the factory R&D dollars put into those models weren't enough to prevent big reliability problems. And you are going to build up a system with various turbo components from other models? Wow, my hat is off to you for your courage!

Then there is the consideration of selling the car in the future. We've all read that the resale value on a highly modded car will plunge. Nobody (or very few) want to buy a modded car knowing the stress placed on the motor and the likely or perceived driving style of the owner (balls to the wall). You could always remove all the performance mods and try to sell them at the time of sale I guess. Good luck on getting back much of your investment.

I think the biggest bang for the buck would be a 100-shot NOS system with tune. But again, you takes your chances the delivery system stays accurate. But like I said.... I'm old (66 :happydance:)

I agree with Larso1. And yeah, I'm an old guy of 68, with a lot more caution in my old age than the younger generations.

I read the line, "I need the car to go to college" and immediately BIG flags went flying up.
The strong possibility of having to walk and watching money disappear like a bank robbery if things went wrong, is just not something I would ever attempt or suggest to anyone in that position.

Now, someone with deep pockets, other cars in the stable to use if something goes wrong, that's another story.

I followed the online forum TwinTurboNet for the 90 - 96 300ZX's for years when I owned a 1990 300ZX NA (sold it after 18 years of ownership when I bought my present 370Z). There wasn't a week that went by that a newbie would post that he'd just bought a 300zx NA and wanted to turbo it.

The answer that was thrown back every time from the forum membership, was to sell the NA and buy a twin turbo. Don't even try to do a turbo setup yourself. If you want a turbo car, .... buy a factory turbo car.

But, its your car, your pocket book, its a free country and you are permitted to do whatever you want short of breaking a law. So, should you want to go ahead with your modification, its your decision alone. But its not something I would consider wise, or ever consider doing myself.

I don't think you'll have issues it's the same as a TT kit (fast intentions, GTM etc) besides the fact you'll have to do the research and development for the kit yourself which will be challenging. If you know what your doing then go for it! The 370z wasn't turbo'd from the factory obviously, but that doesn't mean it can't be turbo'd without making it unrealiable. The compression ratio for the vq37 is a bit high for boost, but if you get a good fuel setup, maf location in the right place, and a large intercooler you will be just as reliable as any TT kit on the market. Just don't go over board with the power. I've seen videos of the vq37 making 700whp on e85 (don't even think you could make that much power with GTR turbos) but for a daily driver just keep power levels on the lower end. I'll be keeping a eye on this one!

Good Luck :driving:

GT-R turbos on the VQ37
 

Just an update to this! Received my used Turbos and intake inlets (probably will have to modify them)



Right now, cleaning the garage and putting the car into a good corner so i can start on the removal of the engine.

I was able to source the adapters and will be experimenting with what size is needed in order to clear the motor mount bracket or whether i will have to make custom slim brackets.. Will update as soon as i remove the engine.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...dd09a13c29.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...82f7922b6f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...320a2f458f.jpg

Awesome! Hoping this goes well.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...279d6797af.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...3a7e9c6242.jpg

Just an update, hoping to get th engine out within a day or two. Busy with work otherwise I'd have it out already


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Looking good so far!!

Couple more updates! For anybody trying to remove the ECU connector for engine removal and you manage to struggle like I did, here's some pics explaining how to disconnect the plugs.

So looking at the connector, you have to press on the piece I pointed at with a screw driver, then you can rotate the lock and unplug it. Hope this helps.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...9f7ff4fc40.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...cdb373f6e8.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...5c1db88cb4.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...9cd94290b3.jpg


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This looks like an awesome idea


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Sub'd for updates. This may be a viable option for me, much sooner than an FI kit.

Sorry i just saw these posts! I understand that it might not be the smartest idea but i do have another family car that i'm currently using at the moment, so it's not my only car. Plus, we are talking about pretty much a GTR setup here, not some unreliable BMW.


I was wondering about this.. Do you guys think there would be any interest in a group buy for the adapters when i get them perfected to fit without any other modification?

I have the intercooler and piping figured out already, just not sure how to do the down pipes yet! If anybody has any ideas, let me know!

I think if you found a way to sell a tuner kit (no fuel or tune) that just need turbos and manifolds for like 3k you could sell a bunch. Mind you that would include intercooler/piping/brackets, oil/water lines, and some kind of downpipe or exhaust adapter to set flanges in a factory location. If I wasn't TT already I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

Think just the adapters would get done interest as well.

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Yeah that would be really awesome if I could find a local source to supply everything.. I will be contacting a few shops to see if they can do it.



Anyways, I got the motor out yesterday from the top! I didn't want to drain the AC so I just lifted it without the transmission.


One thing that I feared is I have to make a driver side slim motor mount bracket, anybody know a company who makes them? I contacted Gamma but they are very pricey for just a little bracket


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...b7efc3cffd.jpg




If anybody knows how to make a slim driver side mount bracket or who sells it, please contact me asap!



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Z1 sells some urethane motor mounts that are smaller than the OEM mounts... Not sure about the brackets though.

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Just an idea!
 

Yeah unfortunately that's not going to help.
I need clearance at the bracket which is exactly what the GTM v2 kit has. They have been very slow at replying back and it looks like I have to have it made with them as it's the fastest way (if they reply lol)


An update to see if anybody has any ideas for another vendor that sells the driver side bracket! Also more pictures!
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...99dae0edfd.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...59bafc4dd2.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...82b7a22bf8.jpg


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I would be interested in this if you were able to find a supplier and offer a kit. So far so good! Keep us updated :)

Ordered some parts from Z1 that are arriving this week hopefully! The adapter should be here before the weekend and the mount bracket is at a shop and they will be giving me a quote tomorrow!

Only thing left is the clutch, I'm still tight on money so does anybody know a good budget clutch/flywheel combo that's good for 500ftlbs/tq?

Going to be upgrading my motor mounts also if there's any money left after


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Z1 clutch/flywheel combo is rated to 500ft/lb and is one of the best priced packages out there. I have it and love it.

I've actually found a local supplier for the whole adapter/ bracket as a kit. They are able to make it for me if I can get an order for 10 pieces of each made.


I'm sure some people are interested, but are there 10 willing to buy the adapters and engine bracket? If anybody is interested, let me know here as my inbox is full.

Thanks!


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Sounds pretty intriguing. What would the cost of the adapter/bracket?

Just an idea!
 

I don't have a set number right now as I still need to get it perfect with everything on the car including oil and water lines done. Im thinking around 1K for the adapters and the motor mount bracket. If I were to include the lines and maybe a downpipe adapter then it will be much higher.



Should I start a poll to see how many are interested?



Some more pictures. Not a lot of progress as i'm buying more parts every other week until I figure everything out.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...1cf2639c5a.jpg

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I would jump on this in a heartbeat if the price was right for the whole setup. Sub'd

Just an idea!
 

I'm going to be starting a "build thread" as this is not the right subforum to post all of these pictures. Just a few more pictures to show that everything fits including the GTR inlets! When done, I'm thinking of selling the adapters, mount bracket, oil and water line fittings plus maybe some basic couplers for the outlet to the intercooler!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e5c2e65e90.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...1a76207786.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...5f6a6dc2c0.jpg

Excuse the mess, haven't had time to clean it between working
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Wow this looks awesome! Nice work and good job taking the initiative! So many of these threads start and end with couch theories, good to see that you area actually trying it!

As for keeping it simple with pre-existing parts out there, considering that the VQ37 has such a high compression, you could just run the GTR turbos on wastegate boost, and not even need a boost controller. This is assuming the turbos are internally gated at something low like 6-7 psi. Do you know what the wastegate boost is set at for these turbos?

As for controlling AFR, both Uprev and ECUtek would be able to handle it. And if you're just shooting for 450-500whp, you could just get away with a pump and injectors. You wouldn't need a return system until you start going higher than that.

This is exciting!

New update on this. I'm able to supply the adapter plate for the turbos along with the motor mount bracket (aluminum machined) for just under $900 shipped. I can also include the fittings and oil/water lines if needed for a fee. I'm just trying to see how many people are able to buy it since I don't want to sink another $1000 into the CNC design and have nobody interested in buying it.


If you are interested, please let me know here or on a PM as I will need to let the machine shop within a week.

Thanks so much!


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If I were to guess, I think you'll get a lot of interest after you finish your build so that people can see that everything fits with room for charge piping, etc....

Yeah thats what i figured. I will be talking to the machine shop tomorrow and hopefully try to get the prices for the design down.


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Fingers crossed that you're better at fitting bits into cars than you are at fitting photos into forums. :)

Yeah I've been learning to resize them since this forum doesn't automatically resize big pictures.

Let me know how my next pictures look! Ill be uploading some shortly


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Just an idea!
 

Just a couple more pictures to better show how it's going. Right now I'm trying to find a way to delete both outlets for the OEM oil cooler as it simplifies things a bit.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...7284d047cc.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...3cb02b9e51.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...cdd2d97573.jpg



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Ah very interesting, I'll keep an eye on this one.

yeah that lower hardline was in the way for me too. I ended up grinding a little off my compressor housing and putting a ding in that line. I say remove and fab a block off plate... then weld the top outlet shut.

I'm actually modifying my adapter to clear everything there so nobody has to grind anything which simplifies the install a bit.

I deleted my OEM cooler and the lines so i need to find the block off plate from the 09-11 cars! Does anybody know the part #?