I'm curious/confused. Is the VG30ET a totally different engine block than the VG30E in the Maxima, or is it just the same block outfitted with a turbo?

 

Same engine outfitted with a turbo

 

Depending on year the VG30ET is just a VG30E with lower compression pistons, forged crank, rods, beefier oil pump, bigger injectors, better exhaust manifold studs, plus it comes with a niffty turbo.

 

Yup, the nifty VG30ET from the Z31!

 

I know this has been talked about millions of times, but how much would a swap cost?
Whats need for a conversion? I`m seriously thinking of a "lower power" version of what vitaly did. Maybe 220hp to the wheels.
a vg30et from a 86 z cost $1000 shipped. Custom piping = $1000? Is there anything else?
I am mechanically inclinded and my uncle owns his own repair shop so installaion costs should be nil.
Will an auto tranny (rebuilt) with a cooler be able to handle that much power?
One of the main things i`m concered about is fuel economy, will it decrease dramaticaly (ie to like 15mpg?)

I`m not looking to make a Nitro buring street racer here, i`m just looking for a nice replacement for my ailing engine.

 

with a Turbo you'll get better gas mileage. And from what i know of you'll need A.) Strong Alt. B.) A Strong Single Radiator Fan. C.) Wiring Harness from a Z31. D.) Modify the Engine Mounts. E.) Have Custom Exhaust Manifolds made.
The Tranny if you put the cooler in it and strenghted it abit will do fine. Unless it has problems, then rebuilding it would be in order ya.
I'm going to pay off my Max before i do the swap cause were fighting with the people on the loan. And I don't wanna do the swap then get pissed off and give it up.
-shrug-

 

Now if you did an engine swap that would be the best way. Off the top of my head these are some things that might/have to be done to do the engine swap. From what I seen the VG30ET uses a different X-member thn the VG30E in the Z31 so you would have to adjust your mounts on the X-memember. Then you will need to install a custom downpipe to cat plumbing. At this time you should have a 3" exhaust from the turbo to muffler. As for the ECU/wireharness you will need it from the 300zx turbo you get it from. The best thing to do is use your 3rd gen maxima intake manifold but that means you would need to use your ECU and needed to custom put in the EGR tube. You will need to rebuild the tranny, or at least you need a shift kit. I believe that engine stock would dyno around 150-160hp to the wheels. If you ran 10psi with a FMIC, JWT ECU, intake, 3" exhaust it should be around 220hp to the wheels. Your mpg should be no worse than a 300zx turbo. I was going to attempt the samething with my car since I have a work car now.