OK, I'm thinking about it... DETT

Alright, I've been kicking it around for a couple weeks now, and thought I'd get as much info into one thread on the new board as possible (tired of searching all over the old board just to find no information). I want to put a VG30DETT in my 88 V6. I've just gotten a baseline of what would need to be done to fit it, and most of the things seem pretty straightforward. I would start by removing anything I can put in the back or elsewhere in the car just to get enough room, like the battery and the washer resevior. Then I'd move anything I can't replace so that it is out of my way, or make a new one that fits better with the engine I'm putting in (like the coolant overflow tank). I'd rewire the whole car front to back to better fit the engine compartment space, and to better suit accessibilty of components.

Now here's where you guys can help. I need to know what else I should do, and where I can get parts for what I would have to do.

What kind of weight difference do the two engines have?

Anywhere from 150-300 pounds, depending on parts incorporated when swapping the engine.

How would I have to modify the suspension to work with the heavier engine?

The front end would need to be modified to allow for the extra weight, but 300ZX, 280ZX, and S13 suspension parts will fit on 200SX's, so most of the parts could be easily transferred.

Where can I get parts to modify the suspension?

Any company that makes parts for Nissans.

What modifications are required to the chassis and body to fit the engine?

A roll cage would be recomended, and any form of chassis reinforcement that you can get would be a good idea, simply based on the increase in power and weight. Also, you may want to get engine mounts from the 300ZX as well.

Where is a good place to get engines from?

It would be best to get an entire donor car, as it would come with everything you need and some parts you may not have known you needed.

Will I have to modify the shifter location at all, since I plan on putting the DETT tranny in the car as well?

Yes, the transmission out of a 300ZX is set a few inches back from the 200SX.

Will I have to modify the driveshaft to fit?

Yes, the 300ZX transmission is a few inches longer than the 200SX.

These are just some basic questions, and as more are thought of I will add them. Also, anything else that anyone else thinks of would be greatly appreciated. Has anyone else done this swap other than the guys out of Melbourne who were selling it? I understand that they never got it running, or at least never got it driving. If someone has done this swap, or dealt with enough 300ZX TT's to know about this engine that would be very helpful.

Thanks to Alex Frost for current information.

Now here's where you guys can help. I need to know what else I should do, and where I can get parts for what I would have to do.

What kind of weight difference do the two engines have?

How would I have to modify the suspension to work with the heavier engine?

Where can I get parts to modify the suspension?

What modifications are required to the chassis and body to fit the engine?

What are some reputable companies to get engines from?

Will I have to modify the shifter location at all, since I plan on putting the DETT tranny in the car as well?

Will I have to modify the driveshaft to fit?

Well lets tackle this one at a time.I believe there is a person who successfully completed the VG30DETT conversion, it was done in a red Notch model.

What kind of weight difference do the two engines have?

Well you can probably add an extra 150-200 with the intercooler, turbos, and piping...but it could potentially be more.

How would I have to modify the suspension to work with the heavier engine?

The front end suspension will have to be tightened up quite a bit...and I think that the 300ZX TT front springs and so on fit ours...

Where can I get parts to modify the suspension?

Assuming that the 300ZX parts fit, you could go to almost any aftermarket company...KYB and so on.

What modifications are required to the chassis and body to fit the engine?

This engine has more weight, torque, and horse power. Therefore chassis re-inforcements would help a great deal. If it is possible, the construction of a roll cage that incorporates the engine, section would be best, as well as sub frame re-inforcement. However how crazy you want to go will determine the "amount of support you need"...like anything :boobs: ...haha

What are some reputable companies to get engines from?

Well you will be needing more than just the engine...so if you can get a donor car, that would be your best bet.

Will I have to modify the shifter location at all, since I plan on putting the DETT tranny in the car as well?

This is almost cretainly yes. i believe that the shifter location is a few inches bach, so some drilling is most likely in order.

Will I have to modify the driveshaft to fit?

That too I believe is a yes. Off the top of my head I am thinking about 3 or more inches will have to be taken off.

Now if you can get a donor car here is why it could be better. first the wiring harness, ECU, MAF, and all the other engine related junk is there. Second parts of the 300 could be modified to fit the 200sx (possibly...things like the engine mounts)

Now the biggest problem with this conversion is the fact that the engine does not leave much other room to be moved around the engine bay...so you may have to bolt in the engine, and work around it, and modify the tranny, and drive shaft to accomodate.

Now there could also be other problems like if you have an auto...Not that it is a lot more difficult, but you have to anticipate the little things...you know the ones...Yellow experienced most of the same kind of things.

Also take your time, and make all the necessary measurements a head of time, and anticipate running into problems. This engine will by far not be a straight bolt in, however it is possible. And also not to be mean or anything, but make sure your budget will accomodate the things that could go wrong...and lastly have fun with the project. There is a very likely chance that you will be customizing different parts to make everything fit, so when this happens let your creativity run wild. 8) When you are finished, there will be nothing to seperate you from your baby...if you don't believe me, just ask Alex (YellowPreludeR)

Thanks for your info, Alex. I am expecting plenty of time and money to go into this project, and will most likely have to sell my VW to get the money for it. The cash I get from that should provide a good base to buy an engine, parts, tools and custom items I will need to have made. It will probably be a few months while I find a donor car, and find space to work on the 200SX. I also will probably rebuild the engine before putting it in the 200SX, as I would like to avoid as many problems down the road as possible. That all depends on time, budget, and condition of the engine, though. I'm hoping to do all the chassis mods myself, so if you would know where that chassis needs the most help, please let me know. I'll probably have it built in the High Performance Suspension and Steering class at my school, as the specialize in custom built and modified chassis. Also, I have heard from people that the cylinder heads on the VG30DETT wouldn't fit in the car, because they are too wide. Do you know if there is any truth to that? Will the fenderwells have to be modified to fit?

It isn't so much the Heads, as trying to fit any sort of exhaust manifold, or headers...Also I have just heard that the Rear suspension out of a Z31 is a direct bolt into your car (the whole rear suspension), but the front isn't...so with this in mind, I would try possibly the front end out of a 280ZX (I mean the Shocks springs and so on...also possibly something can be modified from the S13...they bolt up the same way at the top...) (I am not sure about this, so some confirmation would be helpful...) 8)

Ok, here is the S12 with the VG30DETT, but I can't remember who's this belongs to...

http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v293/teamfrost/DSC02371.jpg

http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v293/teamfrost/DSC02372.jpg

That is really cool to see. But, all that work and he didn't bother to move the battery to the back of the car? Actually, that motor fits just about how it does in my 90TT. A tight squeeze. I think one of your biggest hardships will be finding room for exhaust manifolds and turbos. You will most likely have to reconfigure your steering shaft.

from my experieces with cars.....especially the S12's, nothing is eva easy! So go with the project and if a problem arises, slowly think about it and solve it. There are many engines i would like to fit to theS12, and a V6TT is one of them, maybe the all alloy VQ35 all alloy V6, that would weigh a bit less than the VG30DETT with iron block. Either way, you willl have a KILLER drift S12 when finished, and i dont think much could catch it in a straight line either, cause there's nothing like the torque of a V configured engine!

Thats my 2 cents,lol....catch yas

cause there's nothing like the torque of a V configured engine!

Thats my 2 cents,lol....catch yas

well, actually straight 6s are better for torque ... but

Ok ... you have a 200sx/se ... is it an auto? If not, why not stick with the tranny that's in it? Then no custom driveshaft or moving of the shifter.

Now, on the sides, there's not much room. Even my tiny 14B is tight between the frame and steering ... I think the manifolds are definitely going to have to be custom made. A bit of an expense, but worth it.

I'd also put some of that reflective heat shielding carpet stuff on your list, unless you want your feet good and toasty.

Now, in that picture, yes the motor is in, and it looks like the turbos are connected ... but yeah, exhaust and turbos are going to be the biggest problem. Well, that and servicing anything once it's in. Ask 300zx TT guys ;)

Better yet, let's ask someone that has a TT how their exhaust is routed.

You might end up having to go VG30DET, and settle for a big turbo on the passenger side.

Anything can be made to fit ... I'm just curious why these other guys gave up?

would that engine bolt upto the s12 gearbox ?

pmsl!!, just noticed that ones STILL got the aircon installed LOL

there's always gunna be heaps of work with exhausts in any custom engine transplant so i dont think its your biggest problem, as an exhaust is quite easy to map and weld yourself. With servicing, yes the 300zxTT is quite hard, but fitting an "oil filter relocation" kit isnt rocket science, and then you can have the filter wherever you want, along with an oil cooler. Apart from that, there isnt much more that needs attention in regards to servicing. The turbo's could be mounted up front behind the headlights, that's a common place here in AUS for V8TT set ups, and it also looks sick! When you realise you are doing a relatively complex conversion, there will be come crazy modifications to make it fit, work and look neat. If i had the cash i would show yous how its done down here in AUS, i've seen a VG30DETT in a datto 1600, that would be a tight fit! Rod Hadafield from CRS put a 2 stage supercharged V12 aeroplane engine in a 55 chevy, it comes into the cabin......you would need alot of heat reflective material in there aye!

so does the vg bolt upto the ca gearbox or not ?

what about engine mounts?

they the same, just a straight bolt in?

or custom fabrication needed ?

somehow i dont think so, also i dont think any CA box will take the punishment of a VG30DETT. For like $100 extra you can get a g/box with the 1/2 cut.

To the best of my knowledge the CA gear box is different from the VG boys'. However the box from the DETT is the same connection as that to the VG boys'.8)

what about engine mounts ?

will the engine bolt straight in, or will lots of custom mounts need to be fabricated up ?

i notice that some s12's came with the lesser version of the v6 as STD, so will the VGDETT bolt in ( minus the manifolds and turbos )

Did anyone notice that this car is righthand drive.

Yeah, but the engine has the same shit on both sides of it, two turbos, two intakes, etc. You should have the same problems with clearance on both sides.

so how well does the vg30dett fit into a s12 that had a ca18et in it...

what would i need to fit it in ?

are the mounts in the same position ?

If it's going into a VG car, it will physically bolt in.

If it's going into a ca18et car, you need mounts and a VG cross member.

If I remember correctly it is easier to put the DETT into the CA20 model...you still need the cross member, and the mounts, but I think the general location of stuff is in a better location...8)

Where did you guys get he's trying to bolt to a CA gear box?? He has an SE. i.e it's already got the VG.