I haven't posted on here in years, but I'm finally getting the ball rolling on my 1st gen. Its been neglected for far too long.

Some back story before we get into it...I got this car about 3 years ago and had every intention on restoring it. But as I started tearing into it, I realized the 12a was toast and I had a couple of other projects going on at the same time, so this one hit the back burner.

A few months ago, I sold my 05 Sentra Spec V in favor of getting back on two wheels and getting a small truck. So I did, I picked up my Kawi and got a 93 Nissan Pathfinder, 2wd, V6, 5spd. As of this past September, I had an accident with the Pathfinder and bent the frame. The engine however (the VG30E) is untouched and still in good running condition. So, this is where my idea was born.

I just moved them both last week to my buddy's property near by where the work will be done. He does his own fab work so he is making my mounts and offering a place for me to do the wrenching.

Stats on current motor:
1993 VG30E and 5spd trans, 200k and counting
NEW:
- Water pump
- Timing belt
- Distributor cap and rotor
- Plugs/wires
- Valves springs/valves adjusted
- New Spec Stg 1 clutch and OE flywheel

Plans for build:
- Z31 OE Intake manifold
- Z31 OE Oil pan
- Z31 shift assembly with short throw
- Machined OE Pathfinder flywheel
- Custom driveshaft connected to factory RX-7 rear end
- Z31 Radiator OR aftermarket small, high efficiency radiator
- Dual E-fans
- Factory Pathfinder air conditioning
- Custom headers and exhaust
- Custom Short ram intake

Plans for RX-7
Exterior:
- Cutting stock fenders and adding rivet style semi gloss black fender flares
- Fender mirrors
- Mazdatrix Front chin spoiler
- Mazdatrix Low profile trunk spoiler
- Diamond Racing 14x7in wheels
- Sunrise Red from the FC

Interior:
- Custom center console with Pathfinder A/C controls and Pioneer head unit
- Corbeau seats
- NRG race wheel with removeable hub
- No carpet, spray on bed liner for floors
- Custom dash with only necessary aftermarket gauges

Brakes/suspension
- Slotted/dimpled front rotors
- Rear disc conversion from 83 GS-L with matching rotors
- Hawk pads
- Steel braided brake lines
*For the rest, not sure on brand yet...doing research to see whats available/what would be the best option for intended use**
- Coilovers
- Replacing all upgradeable suspension bars and links

This is going to be my 1st real ground up build, so count on me documenting all of it's progress in this thread.

Pics as the car sits:






The car does have some cancer, so I will be using this car as a guinea pig with some minor metal work



The Pathfinder!

 

As for the wheels (Yes, I did a search...didn't find an answer to my quesiton)

I want to go from the stock 13's to 14's. I'm thinking of doing 14x7 all around but I need to know what offset I should go with. I do want them to poke out a little cause I will be running some over fenders. I'm doing it right though, not just slapping them on for looks, I'll be cutting the fenders when I install them.

If someone could point me in the right direction, that would be awesome!

 

Don't do this.. It will end up halfway done, look and drive like ****. Then it will go to a junkyard.

If you're gonna fix it, - then do it right.

If you're going to do an engine swap, use the "right" engine, not the "oh look what I have leftover" engine.

I'll give you a hint - the VQ30 - is NOT the "right" engine.

 

yeah + 1 on that...the SA is coveted by many...find a 240 sx or something to put that into.

 

Well, that wasn't the response I was aiming for, lol.

But, criticism is welcomed...everyone has their opinions.

I'm not doing this cause the motor is "there". I've never seen it done, don't think anyone else has either. The engine is the exact same out of a Z31 300ZX. I've always been a Nissan guy at heart, had plenty of 240's but to be honest...7's have a far more superior chassis, esp the FC...which I've had a few of. If I still had my last one, I would've kept my SR20 and put it in there!

I'm going through with the build from start to finish...its not going to end up a half assed junk yard car. I'm the second owner of this car, 1st being my good friend's dad who bought it brand new in 1979. I promised him I wouldn't sell nor trash this car, I'm keeping my word.

Oh, DirectFreak...its a VG, not VQ. If it was a VQ, it would be EVEN better! Nissan makes a damn good V6. Reliable, tough, easy to maintain and easy to source parts for...way easier then any rotary.

 

I'm pro-rotary but I'm also pro-running car so even an odd-ball swap is better than it rotting in the corner or sent of to the scrap yard because no one else will buy it.

I imagine the hardest part is gonna be fitting the engine in the right spot for both valve cover and shifter clearance.

Are you planning to keep the stock ECU and re-wire everything for that?

Speedo is cable driven so I imagine the drive for the pathfinder is either completely different or atleast a different ratio.

Are the VGs front or rear sump oil pans? First gens are kinda a PITA because it's got a small space between the crossmember and steering linkage for the sump though stock they can get away with it pretty well.

I also imagine you'll have to do something with the fuel system to bump the line size and pump up to fuel injection capacity.

 

My point exactly! Thank you sir! I hate seeing it sit there since I know I don't have the money to drop on a new rotary. I'm pro-rotary too...just more of a Nissan guy. I'd love to find a 13bTT and build the **** out of it...but that's $$$ I don't have!

We did some rough measurements...motor wise it will fit just fine minus the intake manifold. I'm trying to see what my options are there. Shifter clearance should be fine as long as I find myself a Z31 shift assembly.

I'm going to either be running the Pathfinder ECU or if I can find a manual Z31 ECU I'll use that. As for the speedo, I'm not going to be using the 1st gen cluster. I'm custom making my own dash (Factory one is cracked pretty bad) and using aftermarket gauges. The friend that's helping me, Casey, is the mad scientist of fab work, this guy has some serious talent. (For example, he's almost done with his latest creation...1984 Toyota Pick-up with a 3.0L 5cyl turbo diesel out of a Mercedes)

I believe they are front sump, but the Z31 oil pan is MUCH more slim then the Pathfinder pan...so I need to source one of those as well.

As for fuel system, I will be upgrading all the SA lines and running a Walbro pump. I'm not going to be shooting for ridiculous power or anything so I'm going to be sticking with OE Nissan fuel components minus the pump.


This build is going to be a budget build, yet not leaving it half assed...the swap will be done cleanly and correctly. Usage wise, its going to be a bad weather daily/occasional autocross and track day car. My main source of transpo is still my bike. Hell, it will even have a/c! All the Pathfinder a/c components are brand new and since the 7 originally had a/c in it, Casey is going to make it work!

Updates will be added after the weekend, I hope to have the 12a out by Sunday.

 

will the VG even fit? i ***CRAMMED*** a vg30 into my 510, and it took four tubs of butter, a shoe horn, a jackhammer, an air chisel, and more beer than a milwaukee brewery to fit that motor in that engine bay. The SA has even less (i know, i measured...)

 

LOL!! It should fit, the only clearance issue it looks like we are running into is the intake manifold being too tall. I might have to find a cowl style hood or something. I'll know when it gets to that point.

Props on the 510 though, always wanted to SR swap one!

 

Well thank to poor weather and having to do a project for school, didn't really get anything done this weekend. If weather is clear next weekend, count on me heading out there.

 

V8's of all sorts have been swapped into SA's and FB's. Some tinkering and massaging should get it in there. A 510 came with a straight engine, not a V, and a rotary is wider than a straight block, so there should be plenty of room to get it in there. I applaud your efforts and hope this thing does get finished. Good luck.

 

^^ Thank you very much sir! After pulling the 12a out, I realized JUST how much room we have and its more then enough. The V6 is pretty small. I might have a height issue if I don't find an stock Z31 intake plenum.

UPDATES FINALLY!!

Now that Thanksgiving, finals and Christmas are all gone I was finally able to get time to get out there and get to work! All I did today though was pull the rotary, but considering I was working alone and starting with a complete motor all attached.

As for my fuel questions...I decided I'm going with a fuel cell and in line fuel pump. Easier and cheaper then trying to clean out that old rust box of a fuel tank I have now, lol

Weather permitting and if I'm not still in a ton of pain (Think I pulled something in my back while moving the engine around on the ground) I'm heading back out there tomorrow to finish stripping the engine bay and cleaning it up. Next weekend I'm going to start yanking the VG and prepping it for the swap.

Pics!











The VG as it sits in the Pathfinder.

 

I must say that is one interesting swap, probably one I wouldn't do, but I've always despised the VG/VQ engines from Nissan.

The only non-rotary engine I'd put in my 7 would be a F20C.

 

Honostly, I can't wait to see this one up and running. Those engines are basically the same as what came in the Maxima (minus intake), and I know for a fact that the early mid 90s Maximas were pretty potenent. So sticking a 153 hp V6 in a first gen should prove to be very quick!

 

Interesting build. Currently looking for a Miata to put the VG30ET thats in the Z here. The engines are very stout and NA-T setups are always around for cheap. Stock Z31 intakes are dime a dozen. Get on Z31performance.com. I might have a plenium laying around actually.

 

Very interesting build although I am into obscure engine swaps - Looking forward to updates and seeing the finished product!

 

Thanks guys! I'll be out there this coming Saturday pulling the VG out. I was planning on making this streetable, but I just bought myself a daily in the mean time and trying to get a title for this car isn't worth it. Looks like its going to be a straight track car.

I'll be doing an NA-T set up on it, using OE turbo and manifolds from a Z31 turbo.

bad 83, I've had a lot of experience with these things...I love the VG/VQ motors, Nissan did right by the V series engines. People knock on them a little, but when they see what they are capable of with little funds and minor mods...they are always surprised!

juststartn, thanks for the tip!! I'll def be getting some parts from there.

Updated pics will be posted after the weekend.

 

A very interesting build indeed... Definitely keep the updates coming!

 

We have about $1,200 into ours and shooting for 500whp. Injectors and pump are the only limiting factor at making more HP

 

This is not going to be cheaper or cheap by any means, and in the end it's still an old, non dohc v6. Rebuild the 12a or swap a 13b. Your going to be spending more on custom parts to make that engine work.

 

MazdaMike..thanks for the input, but I am sticking with my idea. Custom parts won't be an issue seeing as the friend who's property we're working at custom fabs everything. Read my OP, you'll see what I mean.

He's actually going to keep my 12a and rebuild it so he can find a Datsun 510 to throw it in.

Anywho...only minor updates after this weekend. Didn't get to touch the VG due to the owner of the property's car being on the work slab. It was kind of stuck there since he's working on stripping it down and selling it. So, we just ended up stripping the engine bay and starting to gut the interior out.

Couple of pics:



That's as far as we got that day since 1) we ended up BSing the rest of the day, lol and 2) As I was trying to get the rusted nuts off the back of the brake booster and clutch master cyl, I may have pulled something in my neck. =( Oh well, comes with the work. I'll be out again soon to start pulling the VG and getting it ready.

 

Is there a difference in Pathfinder cam versus the Z31 cam? I would imagine so to the difference in vehicles capabilities and uses. Like a 350 Tow Cam vs a High Performance, high Duration race cam.

 

That would probably explain the fact that a Pathfinder has a considerably lower redline than a Z...but I guess once it is all in the car that becomes part of the tuning process. While the intake plenum from a Z is necessary for clean fitment in the SA, I think your gonna need a few more bits from that Z's engine compartment to make this build act like a sports instead of a pick-up truck when its done. Good Luck. I'm gonna follow this one even though It's not a path I would follow.

 

No. UNless you get to the later version in pathfinders, there the same. The only different VG cam is the EURO cams. All turbo & N/A cams are the same. Transfering the VG into the car, your going to have to get new manifold (as you stated) but also get a new diztributor. Pathfinder & Z distributors are different. You need a Z dist.

 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
my cousins j30 infiiti runs this motor and its a dog! i recently did about 2K worth of work on the damn thing and it still runs like ***. Timing, belt, tensioner, water pump, injectors,ecu, intake gasket, the list goes on and on.

What do you mean by "the 12a is toast"? no comp check? not a thought? just so happens theres a guy in DFW selling a rebuilt 13bt for 250 bucks and your building this heap....

to each his own i guess its different and im glad its getting on the road not trying to bash you its your car but, lets skip the im broke and cant afford a new rotary.

Ill give you 200 bucks for that 1st gen. and ill drop the spare 12a sitting in my garage in it, and sell it back to you... ....maybe lol