Hmm....................................Holden 3.8L in a Z32???

Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on this.

I have contemplated changing engines but looks to be well more trouble than its worth and would have to pass vehicle inspection to be legal.

First few things I have noticed is the oil pans are opposite sides of the crossmember and 3.8L are 4 bolts to crossmember in a VT (VN may be 2) whereas the VG is 2.

Thoughts that gave me the idea are that the 3.8 are cheaper easier to get and to work on as opposed to all this quad cam and inlet manifold crap.

Stupid question/idea really but I thought I read somewhere someone has done it and the conversion kicks arse.

 

The 3.8 Holden engine looks quite tall.

If you want to go low tech, why not use an even older Holden V8.

 

BADZX I recall was quite a fan of the supercharged 3.8, perhaps he might chime in and add his 2 cents if he sees the thread.

This quad cam and inlet manifold crap are what makes the 3 litre TT ZX engine kick ass, and I reckon you'll be very disappointed with the end result if you do the conversion. Just saying, most TT Z's make Gen 3 V8's look like they're standing still for instance.
I also think that the Ecotec/Alloytec engine is a torqueless, rattly piece of crap that apparently has a habit of chewing out harmonic balancers, meant for nothing more that highway duties and grocery getting... but hey go for it.

I'm also wondering if you're trolling.

 

That would suck balls and i can't see it being cheap at all. Cheap would be a carbed v8 and trans that only needs only a couple of wires to run

 

LOL, that is lower tech than I was suggesting.
An old fuel injected holden v8 would get you drifting.(that is what you wanted, right)
But it would be cheaper to leave it in the VE shell.

 

A mate has a turbo 3.8l vn motor in his 260z. Goes good, but it's light. I wouldn't recommend in a z32

 

the only thing I know about the 3.8 was that it was used for a formula holden class but it was largely an unbalanced motor and when revving and I mean down 4500 to 5500 they snapped crankshafts in this formula, so they do have good torque but very low tech and unrefined like zed motor

 

You mean the vg is a higher tech than the Buick 6 that's the op is referring to right?

If any Gm motor is to be swapped go for an LS.. V8

 

The VG30DETT motor in the VE commodore will get you drifting!!!

Plus you will be winning on the othe stock VE holders. Lol

 

Hey guys cut the crap and give the bloke a chance. Be disgruntled at his views on what he thinks about a z32, but these are of his own choice. Yes it goes against the grain for the forum community as a whole, but deal with it. If you have a constructive comment, let it be made. Voice an open opinion of what you think of his idea, good or bad, but dont personally attack him. Its not what we're here to do.

How many others here are doing conversions...albeit mostly of japanese heritage, but you dont see them getting personally attacked for dropping in a 2J or an RB, even the odd LS as we have commented on above. Tongue in cheek, but nothing more.

 

Welcome to GMH300ZX.com.au :rofl::br:

 

Bahahaha

 

LOL! Thats the spirit Chili.

 

Yerp, or 300HZX

Obviously there have been a few deleted posts, I would be interested to hear most peoples thoughts bar personal attacks.

I understand the quad cam and inlet manifold have their performance advantages. But the plenum need to come off to work on and I've bent valves busting timing belt. Not cheap.

I live around the corner from Elizabeth plant. Parts here are cheap.

I understand, debateable.

Oil pan I guess would have to be fabricated.

 

dont feel so attacked, I love the 3.8 holden it is my tow car to phillip island towing the datsun 1200 coupe needs tons of torque down low an epic round trip from newie coming up just wonder if i shouldnt help the commie with a oil tranny cooler from VT or later model

 

The stuff you have busted are expensive to fix in any car! Once you have tackled the plenum pull, I'd needn't take you more than half a day the next time. Everyone on here knows me as a zed purest and loves nothing more than a stock zed.

Look if you can't afford a zed maybe just get a commodore.... But by all means if it was going to happen, atleast make the effort worth while and out an 8 in there! Just as much effort and money envolved IMO. Don't just stick another 6 in + ive already said, they sound like assssss.

 

didnt you want a saw kit?

 

Shhhhh

 

Why not a Lexus 1UZFE quad cam

I know someone who's done one. These engines are cheap, lots of hot up parts available and they make some pretty big numbers when turboed or blown. They are about 40Kgs lighter so youll need lowered springs but they fit in quite well.. He's a list of mods. Move sump to rear of engine, make engine mounts, do wiring for ignition and fuel (use an after market ecu) fuel, exhaust and cooling connections and your pretty much driving it.