To V8 or not to V8? That is the question...
 

Hey Guys,
I've been around this forum for a little bit; mainly for research and wasting time. I had an 2011 Base a few years ago but had to sell due to life issues. However, I have purchased a rebuilt title 2009 Sport to turn into a project.

Due to the accident, I have to replace the driver side "Side radiator core support" and "Front side member connector assembly" (see the pics). I have removed everything forward of the engine. With this being said, I am trying to decide whether to remove both sides and just fab a tubular structure to hold the bodywork and new and improved radiator (or possibly v-mounted with an intercooler). Should I just use the factory pieces or fab a tubular structure?

http://i.imgur.com/aKLnfl3h.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/eP8eIrzh.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Tf9ERDlh.jpg

The question I really want you guy's opinion on is whether I should just keep the VQ37 or swap it out for a VK56? My goal for this car is most likely going to be a track car. However, I think I still want to learn and participate in drifting events. The track in Summit Pointe in WV hosts both drifting and circuit racing. I am not looking to rush this build and have means to fabricate parts (expertise is another :D). I really want to go the V8 route. NA for now and maybe FI in the future. What do you guys think?

http://i.imgur.com/a4PyG9Nh.jpg

I think it would be more beneficial going the LS V8 route as tge VK56 is known to he a pretty heavy engine and might throw off the balance of the car

Yes but the LS has been swapped into so many different things, I almost despise the idea (not the engine). But you do make a point. From the information I have, a VK weights around 430 minus flywheel/clutch and the VQ weights around 350 (I don't know if either engine is wet, dry, has access. or not, etc.). A fully dressed LS will be about 500lb on the dot. I cant imagine by choosing either V8 engine that it will make much or a difference. They are still going to add about approx 80lb to the front of the car.

I am sure I could make up some of that weight removing systems I don't need.

Talking to Chris Forsberg at zdayz he was telling us how a vk56 swap led into his shop having to cut the strut towers and extending them out to actually fit the motor in the 370. It will be a lot more expensive than you think.

Wow! Really?! I can see why with the pic of Josh Coote's Z (HIGHLIGHT – JOSH COOTE’S 370Z V8 | STREET COVER). I'm sure he didn't modify his shock towers to fit the VK. Forsberg's team most likely wanted the extra space. I would love to get the engine to see the fitment for myself.

It's only money...

Just Do It! :driving:

Ha! You only live once, right? I don't have any projects right now and need something to occupy my time. I'm going to attempt to engineer some mounts for this swap. I don't know if anybody else has done that already.

Hm... Possibly then. Looks like a really tight fit though. Curious to see how they made the headers to fit

No headers in that car at the time ... just a dummy assembly to get the engine into the engine bay ........

Requires significant tin-surgery to create space for headers ... IMHO will require a fabricated tube-frame to carry it.

Well in that case, you're going to need some research... and money haha

If you have never drifted before don't bother with an engine swap at this point.
It will take a lot of seat time before you outgrow the 37. Spend that money on entering as many events as possible.
I've been drifting for a few years now and I've just started building a 370z. I'll be sticking with NA for a while as well. Turbo down the track probably.

Well I send Josh a message via FB to inquire as to his header fitment and pics. I will post them with his permission when/if he sends them. He is Australia so idk what the time difference is.

I think I may call up MA Motorsport and see if they have Chris Forsberg's Z there and if so, can I come take a look at the engine fitment. MA is like 30 min away from me.

One of the guys from MA lurks on the forum sometimes. If he takes a peek here... give us some insight :tup:

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V8 all day!

The VK56....I dunno? The LS V8s, heck yeah. There's so much aftermarket support for that engine. But the choice is yours.

personally i would keep the vhr37 and then turbo it after and do the entire 9yards. clutch, flywheel, ricer kit i mean aero kit, pads/rotors, suspension and all.

as cool as an engine swap would be, my concern is will there be enough space to FI if you ever plan to.

Yes. There is much more support for the LS but keeping it in the Nissan family would keep it OG. I'm not looking to make a million HP and there is enough support to make 500+ HP.

If I go the turbo route with the VK, I would probably be in a crunch for space with the turbo manifold and other plumbing. If I went the supercharger route, there should be a lot less plumbing involved. A centrifugal supercharger will keep the height down on the whole package.

should really eat your vegetables..

:icon17:

No. Not needed. This car wont handle right with vk56, but ls is different and easier to drop.

You say the LS is different? How so? Somebody would put an an LS in a big wheel if the frame could handle the power. Lol

Like some one pointed out, its lighter, it has lower center of gravity, its hightly modular, and u can buy a swap kit for 350z and just adapt it, but this wont be a koool thing to do, cuz its ummm.....played out by 350z swappers or w/e.

If it was me, i wouldnt do it, 700ponies in this car is unnecessary, unless ur going straight only then hell yeah f@ck 700 make it 2k ponies ****..., other than that i dont know, 550 is verry satisfying on a vq37 built, atleast for me. Gl w/e u decide.

Frame can handle it, its a nice and rigid body, i think traction will be ur main problem.

Million hp? nope. I was thinking 450ish on the dyno, with 400ish torque with an LS3. I don't like FI engines. I'm talking reliable hp, not track/trailer queen hp. if the Vk56 blows up, the head and block are harder to find versus a Chevy LS, and more expensive too I bet. Plus the LS is pushrod so there's no overhead cam to take up space.

Well, go Vk56 then. Good luck.

We did not have to cut, nor extend the shock towers at all to fit the VKs into Forsberg's chassis.

Feel free to shoot me a call at 410-593-7080 would be more than happy to chat with you on this!


Also, as for weight goes a fully dressed VK56 comes in at about 503lbs, a fully dressed LS3 lands at 460lbs stock for stock. You can get the VK to the LS weight fairly easily all said and done. The main concern on these swaps is an oil pan as mounts are not to difficult, would love to find a customer that wants to work with us on a set up! As we currently use a Dry sump in all our uses so that does not really transfer over.

Well there it is guys, from the horse's mouth....no modification of the shock towers necessary ...maybe when I win the lotto I can tell them to do the same thing to my Z as they did for Forsberg lol

Hey Daelen, any way you can get a pic of the headers on his Z?

The only chassis "Modifications" that are done *only to fit the engine, are the removal of the secondary firewall, and a section of the cowl to move the engine as far back and low as possible. This same procedure may not be 100% the same on a "street" car build based on a production chassis.


As for headers, what is used in the comp cars is so far beyond anything most people would do/need for a street car. These are built specific for this motor, but they are cool to look at lol

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...77&oe=56AD2755

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...1f&oe=56B25231

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...11&oe=56B90145

Daaayam! that motor looks so huge.

That gear box :drool:

A VK swap would be cool... Too bad the exchange rate took a massive dump..

Yes that motor is nice. I'm gonna need that dry sump setup. But it's hell of an engine to squeeze in the Z.

Yeah... where in the world is he going to fit the supercharger?

The standard scroll or screw type is probably not gonna fit under an OEM hood. I'm thinkin a centrifugal one would do the trick.