Do & Don't do it. The decision to do a VH45 conversion or not is dependent on your answers to the following question: #1 ... are you only considering it in the hunt for KWRW figures then go the twin turbo V6 route as it will be cheaper in the bang-for-buck department. A well tuned NA VH45 will produce about 180-200kwrw (automatic) and 200-225kwrw (manual); by my calculations a twin turbo VH45 should theoretically be good for 350-375kwrw. #2 ... are you only considering it in the hunt for low down torque then going the VH45 is an option, though a twin turbo V6 with appropriate sized turbos will produce just as good a result with better bang-for-buck. #3 ... are you mechanically minded enough (i.e. read semi-professional) to do a significant proportion of the work then consider the VH45 else go the V6 TT route with its better bang-for-buck. #4 ... do you have a LOT of time and / or dollars to do it properly, if not then go the V6 TT route. #5 ... is your zed a long-long term keeper then consider the VH45 conversion because unless you are going to keep the car for a long time then it is not a good "return-on-investment", so go the V6 TT route. So would I do the V8 conversion again ... "oh duck ya" :biggrin: Hmmm, think the next one will be a 4.1 V8 convertible.
Well Craig in the US just finished his NA VH swap into a 2 seater NA. Runs 12.8's with standard extractors (bashed with a hammer to fit) and a pod filter and straight through exhaust Doesn't use first, it's useless A decent size turbo at low boost should see it into the 11's If you can't do the work yourself I hope you have deep pockets...
agreed .. everyone likes the sound of a nicly tuned lumpy v8 but seriously the amout of effort and $$$ you would have a seriously mean 300tt for 15k .. if i was ever going to spend this kind of money it would be on the vg30tt ...and for that kind of coin i would expect it to be a rocket .... alot of the time you see in car mags where ppl have spent stupid amounts of money for some silly things ... the dumbest i ever saw was a nissan 350z with a 13b rotor in it ... yes cool and different .. but why ...? lol
Im all for engine swaps, ive been involved in at least 20 swap projects, mostly for performance but sometimes for economy and reliability. Im all for conversions but i think in the case of zeds most people are better sticking to a VG
$$ From my perspective: Engine $1700 delivered from Sydney Timing chain kit $250 from the US 5 puk brass clutch $400 from Caz JUN fly $300 2nd hand never used ex GB G'Box Adaptor $400ish Various seals, gasket goo etc $50 Steel for mounts and sump <$200 Mig Welder $1000ish Steel for extractors <$400 w/ collectors Various hoses and whatnot $200 Engine mounts $100 Steel and couplings for intake $150 Mods to bonnet $500-$1000 depending on how much I screw it up Engine crane and stand $400 Assorted bolts and brackets $500 After that there isn't much more to go to actually get it working and drivable But that's still nearly $7k... BUT includes stuff I can keep forever like the Welder, engine crane etc. Probably get a nice turbo system working for around $3k-$4k if you go something a bit cheaper like KKR's (or dirty great truck turbo's ) It's actually coming in cheaper than I expected. It's the extras which are killing me. But at the end of it you still have the rest of the car to spend the money on too. Suspension, driveline, body and paint, interior etc. Remember if you can't do the labour yourself, double the amount of money needed. I can afford to stuff around for hundreds of hours becuase my time is free, a workshop's is not. Whatever way you go, a proper fast Z is expensive.
