Hi List,
I own a 1986 300 zx with a good engine. It's not original, in fact I think its from a pathfinder. Thats another story it fits and worked as a z engine for 3 years. The plate on the Z says its a VG30 (B). I'm looking at a 1990 Maxima SE with a loud knock in the engine (bearing). The rest of the car seems pretty OK 200k miles a lot of new stuff, waxable paintjob , usable tires new brakes rebuilt auto tranny 30 k agoand 500 in exhaust work, $500 bucks delivered. And iy runs BTW. Any the question is can I get my 1986 300 zx engine auto tranny BTW into the Maxima auto tranny (VG30(E)). And what issues will arise? Any Fuel management problems? Which ecu would I use. Do I remeber something about doing this swap reversed and having to change oil pan and dipstick location?? Sorry for the long post .
TIA
Fred P

 

Will it fit? Id couldn't say,my guess would be yes.
What ECU? You gotta use the 86 300zx ecu, it has the right fuel maps for your car. You'll need all the power you can get since that max is heavier than the Z31.
Not sure but if you were doing a 2nd gen max engine into a Z31 you would have to change the dipstick location. For the 3rd gen I have no Idea.

The trany your gonna want to use a 86-87 trany with a 90 belhousing. I have no Idea if that will work since its a third gen.

Technically the engine is a VG too so I could see why you go for it. But the engine for the 90 stock would be a better choice just to save yourself some headaches. But if you think you can do it go for it. Im sure it can be done. Just remember to show us pics.

Happy swapping!

 

The engines in the 3rd gen's are also VG30E's. It should fit in the 90 Max. However, the 3rd gen version is slightly more powerful with about 20lb-ft more torque. But anyway, yes it should fit, the block is the same.
You should look into the 3rd gen's intake system (which is quite different from the 2nd gens), as that's probably where most of the extra power comes from. Keep us posted, Good Luck!

 

Yes the short block will fit. However, you DO NOT want to use the 86 ECU/wiring harness. You want to keep your stock IM, harness, sensors, ECU, maybe even the heads....else you will have more headaches converting over to an older system. You don't have to use a 90 motor to do this. You could even get away with using a 94 VG if you wanted.

S

S

 

AFAIK, Pathfinder and Truck TBI VG30i's have different cams than the multiport injected VG30e's do. That said, I would try to keep the heads from the 90 in it. Other than that, the block is the same, you will just need to swap over the Maxima's oilpan, oil pump, and pickup tube, possibly the motor mounts, and of course the intake and exhaust. Oh yeah, you may or may not have to change the water pump as well, RWD has the fan on the water pump. And lastly you'll need to swap over all the accessory brackets for PS, alternator, etc. It really doesn't take too long when you have both engines out and side by side.