can you put the engine out of a twin turbo verison 300zx into a 2+2 version 300zx? or at least the turbos?

Answer 1

Ok, the short answer: Yes you can.

The long answer: yes you can but you probably don’t want to.

Let me explain:

The 90 to 96 (99 in Japan) 300ZX code name is Z32. The engines they use are the VG30DE for the NA (Naturally Aspirated or Non Turbo as most know it) and the VG30DETT for the TT (Twin Turbo).

Both engines share most components, but, the TT has lower compression since it has turbos. Using those turbos or any turbos on a NA engine could result on detonation and even blowing up the engine because of the higer compression level (10.5:1 compared to 8.5:1).

The TT came only as a coupe (2 seats) in the US, and the rest of the models came as NA (NA coupe, convertible and 2+2 that has 4 seats). A Slick Top version of the coupe (NA also) was available as well but is very rare.

But is not just the engine. The TT uses a complex “network” of piping for air, water and oil that the NA doesn’t have. It also uses a different Radiator and A/C Condenser to allow the air piping to go from the front of the car to under the hood.

Converting a NA to a TT requires many things. Just to give you and idea:

- VG30DETT engine: either buy it or convert the NA engine to TT specs.
- Turbos: anything that fits. Garret turbos are usually used, but is not the only brand. Size matters. A very big turbo won’t fit because it will not clear the space between the engine and the car frame under the hood.
- Radiator: need the TT or same size unless you plan to custom make an alternate route for the air piping.
- A/C Condenser: same as above.
- Air Pipes: either stock or custom, your choice.
- Oil Pipes: unless you want a bigger headache, stay with the stock ones.
- Water Pipes: same as above. You also need to replace the in and out pipes from the engine that connect to the A/C Heater on the other side of the firewall because they are the ones who supply the water to the turbos.
- Oil Pan: believe or not, you have to use the TT Oil Pan or customize your NA because it needs the feeding openings for the oil lines from the turbos. Otherwise, you could do a dry sump system but that would be a fully custom setup.
- Blow Off Valves: you must install those, and you would probably want to use aftermarket ones. Greddy makes very good ones for the Z32.
- ECU: your ECU (the computer that is located under the floor on the passenger side) MUST be changed. You have to buy a TT ECU either used or new. Very expensive. You can take advantage and get a used ECU and send it to JWT to upgrade it to have more power.
- Boost Gauge: you should consider adding a gauge to monitor the boost.
- Boost Controller: the stock TT comes with a electronically controlled boost controller that you would have to buy. Or better yet, but an aftermarket so you can program your own boost levels.
- Exhaust: you need both Exhaust Manifolds and Down Pipes. The NA has just simple heathers. To use the turbos, you have to remove the heathers and use the TT Manifolds or something aftermarket like the custom made by Pentroof (about $2,500). The Down Pipes go after the turbos and connect to the middle section of your exhaust or Test Pipes if you have them (illegal for street use).

There are other minor things you also would need, and all at the end could bring the bill to over $10,000 including labor if you don’t do it yourself.

An alternative for a “low budget” is to buy a front clip and do a swap. A clip is just the front section of the car that came from a salvaged title or similar. In other words, is a used engine from a car that crashed. You risk it by not knowing what are the conditions of all those parts, but at least it would cost you less, unless a mayor repain would have to be done after installed.

And the most simple of all options: sell your NA and buy a TT.

Good luck.

Answer 2

A little hint. Looks doesn't make it go. Neither does the sound for that matter. For racing, pick the lighter of the two. As it is the horsepower to weight ratio that makes a vehicle fast. The weight is every bit as important as the power. Looks means nothing. In addition, dump the little economy car and get something with a V8 if you really want fast. Lots more bang for the buck when throwing aftermarket parts at a big block V8 over a V6 or 4 banger.

Answer 3

Yes I am doing one right now all 300ZX cars are 2+2 in Japan. And twin turbo cars JMD imports from there are just a starting point.

Answer 4

Yes it can be done, but its not a simple swap. YOu'll have the change the ecu, and the tranny as well. You can get all the parts off ebay for about 2500 (engine included). You'll have to find a decent mech to install it unless you have the skills. Go to www.twinturbo.net. This site is dedicated to z lovers and theres a lot of good info on swaps.

Answer 5

yes you can
to make it easy just swamp the whole engine
then remember to add an intercoller too
you dont want to over heat

Answer 6

Yes you can