So, in an attempt to build a better mouse trap for the Challenge I've been looking around for more "POWAR !!" than the supercharged Miata has. Around SE Michigan there seems to be a significant LS tax so I've been looking at alternatives. I can get an Infiniti V8 (2003 model) but have no idea about how to control it. Do these engines lend themselves to running the stock ECM as a stand alone unit? Would it be necessary to use something like a Microsquirt? The Nissan engine is pretty bulky with the dual cam heads, but is all aluminum and factory rated at 340 HP. It may also include the rear diff, so I could use independent rear suspension if I so choose.
Anyone have any experience with these engines in a swap type situation?
From my research the 2002 was the last that had separate engine and trans computers. It was also the last year before fly by wire. I also happen to have one that's taking up space.
Edit. The rear diff in these is not LSD. That's been fixed in mine.
You’d be better off with 1/2/3uzfe. It’s a swap that already been done in a Miata. Easily controlled. Takes turbos REAL well.
In reply to Trackmouse :
Actually, it's not for the Miata, I just want something with more power and less weight than the Miata. I'm looking for something to drop into a 1973 Corolla.
Ah. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IJMAy7Z6zys
I put one in my Celica, the total swap only cost me 1250
NickD
UltraDork
3/12/18 2:11 p.m.
From what I see about the VK family of engines, no one has really cracked the electronics on them. Lots of threads of people bolting them into 240SXs and then hitting a wall trying to get some sort of engine management. Not to mention they are pretty large, and apparently they had some oil consumption issues. Also, looks like to get a manual behind one you have to use an adapter kit with a 350Z/370Z transmission, which I recall being expensive.
You say significant LS tax, but really everyone knows its the most compact/cheapest/well documented swap option out there in the grand scheme of things. Anything spent above the cost of some oddball lump will be recouped several times over when the need arises to troubleshoot something or source a part at 11PM Friday for a race on Sunday.
Of course, some people just want to watch the world burn.
https://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/cto/d/2003-gmc-savanna-2500/6522947248.html
6.0 2500 for under $3k, should be able to sell off any unneeded bits for a few pesos and keep the total buy in under $2k.
https://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/cto/d/2002-corvette-z06-for-sale/6521262264.html
This would actually be great, buy the car, pull anything you need, part out the rest of the car for 10-12k. Sure its a bit of upfront cash, but you would have a nice all-aluminum LS6, good heads, good ECU, compact accessory drive, etc etc etc. Or hell for $16k just turn into a Corvette fanboi, a 2002 Z06 would stomp a mudhole in most any car anyway and the best part is all you have to do is exchange cash for smiles.
I paid $900 for my 06 Express van from insurance salvage. It's 6.0 and 4L80 are now making cool noises in my 67 Camaro.
Since this would be for a Challenge build I can only sell off a maximum of $1009. My gut feel is that I need a power train for under $1K to be able to finish the car under budget. I saw an Infiniti for sale for $500. That prompted my initial post.
NickD
UltraDork
3/12/18 5:20 p.m.
In reply to DeadSkunk :
Well, unless you find a way to run the stock auto trans, you're going to have to shell out $400-$600 for a 350Z trans, plus more for an adapter kit.
In reply to John Welsh :
Only half the power I'd like to have.
1uz + w58 would be your cheapest v8 swap. Or 5.0
i vote 1uz as well. Well doucumented to swap and still use a stock ECU.
I have the extra fun of retaining the stock automatic as well for my swap...so more...wires...yayyyy
DeadSkunk said:
In reply to John Welsh :
Only half the power I'd like to have.
Turn the boost up. Problem solved.
In reply to Stefan :
Yes, but I'm 65 years old and I've never owned a V8. I think it's time to lose my V8-virginity.
In reply to John Welsh :
That’s a good deal. I had to piece meal mine together, and while it only cost me $1,250.00, I had a lot of down time and spent a ton of hours doing the dad-gym headers.
Side note- the stock computer will handle around 7psi. The 1uz has dual knock sensors in the banks. You can actually tune it through an amplifier!
In reply to Trackmouse :
Damn right. I used the same kit but for z33 trans.
Trackmouse said:
In reply to John Welsh :
Side note- the stock computer will handle around 7psi. The 1uz has dual knock sensors in the banks. You can actually tune it through an amplifier!
This is good news for me. Any info on this amp tune thing? Ill be running stock 95 sc400 stuff in my Malibu. Was considering low boost eventually
In reply to malibuguy :
If you can run an earlier 1uz. They got thinner rods in 95. Or swap in early rods if you're boosting it.
Stock the ecu and injectors push enough fuel to run 5-7 psi with no tune.
In reply to yupididit :
Yeah I know I got the thin rods. But id wouldnt run more then 5 or 6 psi if I did. That would be more then enough torque for me. Plus I have another low-mile JDM sourced 1uz that should be thick rod motor that I can slap in at a later date.
Ive just never heard of the this tuning method before
yupididit said:
In reply to malibuguy :
If you can run an earlier 1uz. They got thinner rods in 95. Or swap in early rods if you're boosting it.
Stock the ecu and injectors push enough fuel to run 5-7 psi with no tune.
Will they also swallow the laughing gas power added safely too?
In reply to Indy-Barely Functional-Guy :
There is a guy running a heavy dose of spray in a sc400 with an completely stock motor. I think its in the 11s or 12s. Car is gutted and on slicks
