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Z33Art
10-17-2010, 05:27 PM
Hey everyone. I have been hearing I should join BCM for quite some time from a number of friends that are on the forums and I finally decided to take the time to register.

Since there isn't an introductions forum, I figured I would startup with a thread about my recent project that I just completed.

About seven months ago I started swapping an LS1 and TH400 into my 04 Nissan 350z and it has finally been completed! All custom parts such as mounts, intake, exhaust and headers were fabricated by myself.
Let me know what you guys think!

Parts Breakdown:
1) 2001 5.7L LS1
2) TCI Built TH400 w/Valve Body
3) TCI Torque Converter w/3600 rpm Stall
4) TCI Flexplate
5) Driveshaft Shop Custom Driveshaft
6) B&M Pro Ratchet Shifter
7) Electromotive TEC GT Standalone ECM
8) Electromotive Standalone Direct Fire Ignition Units
9) Derale Transmission Cooler
10) Howe Custom Double Pass Radiator
11) Summit Racing Crank Dampner
12) Moroso Coolant Expansion Tank
13) Canton Modified Oil Pan
14) Jantzer Performance Throttle Body
15) FAST fuel rails
16) Speedhut Tachometer
17) 350z Factory Alternator/Power Steering Pump/Sensors
18) Summit X-Pipe
19) Moroso Spiral Flow Mufflers
20) Custom Headers
21) Magnecor Ignition Wires

As of right now I am not doing any internal to the motor. Over winter I am looking to do a cam and an intake manifold. Now on to pictures!

http://my350z.com/forum/members/quamen-albums-z33art-v3-0-picture34806-1016001740.jpg
http://my350z.com/forum/members/quamen-albums-z33art-v3-0-picture34710-1011001940a.jpg
http://my350z.com/forum/members/quamen-albums-z33art-v3-0-picture34709-1011001940.jpg
http://my350z.com/forum/members/quamen-albums-z33art-v3-0-picture34708-1011001937.jpg
http://my350z.com/forum/members/quamen-albums-z33art-v3-0-picture34318-0929001742.jpg
http://my350z.com/forum/members/quamen-albums-z33art-v3-0-picture34278-0924002305a.jpg
http://my350z.com/forum/members/quamen-albums-z33art-v3-0-picture34277-0924002305.jpg
http://my350z.com/forum/members/quamen-albums-z33art-v3-0-picture34196-0921001817.jpg
http://my350z.com/forum/members/quamen-albums-z33art-v3-0-picture34136-38453-137654569598543-100000620017691-233142-6498327-n.jpg
http://my350z.com/forum/members/quamen-albums-z33art-v3-0-picture34133-0917002151b.jpg
http://my350z.com/forum/members/quamen-albums-z33art-v3-0-picture34132-0917002151a.jpg
http://my350z.com/forum/members/quamen-albums-z33art-v3-0-picture33999-0911001654b.jpg
http://my350z.com/forum/members/quamen-albums-z33art-v3-0-picture33769-ls1-ready-to-go.jpg

Video!

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I'm hoping to do some more to the motor this winter so I think this forum will be a great resource for information!

I am hoping to make it to GLD sometime this week or next week. Hopefully I will have the opportunity to meet some of the members on the forums!
Z33Art
10-17-2010, 05:29 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKH-OgzLGQM
lilws6
10-17-2010, 05:35 PM
now thats bad ass!!!
GHOSST
10-17-2010, 06:46 PM
Whoa!!!!!!!!! Impressive!
Yooformula
10-17-2010, 07:01 PM
holy shit that is badass! welcome to the site! what made you decide to swap a new motor into the Z in the first place?
FoxStang
10-17-2010, 07:17 PM
You should change the back badge to 570Z, throw people for a loop. Looks like a good quality swap!
WhatsADSM
10-17-2010, 07:19 PM
The VQ is such a capable motor I can't say I would ever take it out in favor of an ls1 but at least it is pretty unique. You don't hear about too many ls swapped z33s that's for sure.
Flicktitty
10-17-2010, 07:20 PM
Welcome, i have followed your build on WIZCREW on an off. very badass car.
GTSLOW
10-17-2010, 08:06 PM
The VQ is such a capable motor I can't say I would ever take it out in favor of an ls1 but at least it is pretty unique. You don't hear about too many ls swapped z33s that's for sure.

More capable than an ls series....no.

That car is sweet that motor looks right at home in there!
Z33Art
10-17-2010, 09:10 PM
holy shit that is badass! welcome to the site! what made you decide to swap a new motor into the Z in the first place?

As you can see from the first pictures in the video of my first two builds my car was too modified to sell for a decent return. I was getting sick of how expensive VQ parts were and how big of a PITA the electronics were. Basically just decided to put something in that was more reliable, easier to make power on and had a better aftermarket.
Z33Art
10-17-2010, 09:14 PM
The VQ is such a capable motor I can't say I would ever take it out in favor of an ls1 but at least it is pretty unique. You don't hear about too many ls swapped z33s that's for sure.

The VQ is definitely a capable V6 but it was always nothing but problems. Parts were overpriced also.
srt4eh
10-17-2010, 09:38 PM
awesome build....looks good and welcome!
BR3W CITY
10-17-2010, 10:32 PM
my kind of swap, nice work
nismodave
10-17-2010, 10:39 PM
Im not a fan of putting Chevy motors in Nissans.

But the work you did is top notch.
WilliamZ
10-17-2010, 10:44 PM
Awesome! I hope to see it around sometime.
P71CVMAN
10-18-2010, 09:43 AM
Cool azz ride!
Yooformula
10-18-2010, 10:20 AM
finally watched the vids. that car sounds awesome!
lilws6
10-18-2010, 11:16 AM
turbo VQ < turbo LS1 nuff said its expensive top turbo the stock motor and not so much an ls1. i personally wouldn't have the time to do such a cool swap but if i had the money i would definatly do it and i agree with the 570z badges work some up that would be bad ass
Z33Art
10-18-2010, 12:49 PM
turbo VQ < turbo LS1 nuff said its expensive top turbo the stock motor and not so much an ls1. i personally wouldn't have the time to do such a cool swap but if i had the money i would definatly do it and i agree with the 570z badges work some up that would be bad ass

I 100% agree that any mod, let alone forced induction, will be significantly easier and cheaper to do on the LS1 compared to the VQ. Not to mention more reliable! I actually have more room with the V8 than I did the V6. I could easily put a roots or twin screw on top with the stock hood or a large single.

My friend knows someone who can do the "570" portion of the badges for me. Hoping to do it when I get time.
Z33Art
10-18-2010, 12:52 PM
finally watched the vids. that car sounds awesome!

Thank you!

It is LT's into a dual 3" with x-pipe and two Moroso spiral flow mufflers with turndowns right before the differential. I have a feeling I could have easily done over 330whp with different mufflers. They basically have a 2" tube through the center with a spiral around the tube. Supposedly the spiral creates a negaitive pressure on the back side to help scavenge more through the center without losing power. Don't know how much I believe that though.
Ricky Bobby
10-18-2010, 01:06 PM
awesome ride like the ls for sure
WhatsADSM
10-18-2010, 02:50 PM
More capable than an ls series....no.

That car is sweet that motor looks right at home in there!

Not trying to argue this, just pointing out it (the VQ) is a very capable motor for sure, definitely one I would consider building. LS1 is cool no doubt and there are at least a few people on this board that can even vouch for me STRONGLY considering putting one (built LS2 setup) in my 240.

For a drag car I do agree the LS/Turbo 400 is the best route. Although to be honest the 350z was never meant to be a drag car.

IIRC someone on this board actually has a pretty bad ass twin setup on a VQ35, and I thought was making over 700whp (or shooting for 700whp+ I forget). Would be pretty cool to see these two go at it (once the LS gets some more PAH ;)).
Z33Art
10-18-2010, 07:53 PM
Not trying to argue this, just pointing out it (the VQ) is a very capable motor for sure, definitely one I would consider building. LS1 is cool no doubt and there are at least a few people on this board that can even vouch for me STRONGLY considering putting one (built LS2 setup) in my 240.

For a drag car I do agree the LS/Turbo 400 is the best route. Although to be honest the 350z was never meant to be a drag car.

IIRC someone on this board actually has a pretty bad ass twin setup on a VQ35, and I thought was making over 700whp (or shooting for 700whp+ I forget). Would be pretty cool to see these two go at it (once the LS gets some more PAH ;)).

My friend Ryan, who is on the boards with a silver TT Z, has made low 600whp on a heartbreaker dyno. Might be who you are talking about, and he will agree with me about how big of a PITA the VQ is to deal with even though he makes awesome numbers.
Z33Art
10-19-2010, 07:19 AM
Anyone on the forums have experience with the B&M Pro Ratchet shifter?
eltness350
10-22-2010, 09:42 PM
nice thread ryan, ea IM THAT GUY hahaha i have had soo many electrical problems...motor issues...this is a relatively cheap/reliable way to go and he is a master at fabrication....car is sick in person and spent waaaay less $$$$
Z33Art
10-24-2010, 09:27 AM
nice thread ryan, ea IM THAT GUY hahaha i have had soo many electrical problems...motor issues...this is a relatively cheap/reliable way to go and he is a master at fabrication....car is sick in person and spent waaaay less $$$$

Awww!

I loved the look on your face when I started it up last night... PRICELESS!
Prince Valiant
10-24-2010, 09:49 AM
very cool...not a swap I'd have expected to see.
Z33Art
10-24-2010, 02:20 PM
Just finished installing the line locks!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yz1q5-v3a64
SSDude
10-24-2010, 03:13 PM
Just finished installing the line locks!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yz1q5-v3a64

Very nice!!
jbiscuit
10-24-2010, 05:27 PM
car sounds good
WilliamZ
10-24-2010, 06:17 PM
It's so weird hearing that sound coming out of that car. I had an 06 350Z GT..
Z33Art
10-25-2010, 07:51 PM
Just a bit of flavor...

http://my350z.com/forum/members/quamen-albums-z33art-v3-0-picture34987-1018001811.jpg

http://my350z.com/forum/members/quamen-albums-z33art-v3-0-picture34989-1018001812.jpg

http://my350z.com/forum/members/quamen-albums-z33art-v3-0-picture34988-1024001724.jpg
brewcity_mach1
10-31-2010, 08:30 PM
very nice set up!
Z33Art
12-12-2010, 08:40 PM
Started stripping the interior for the upcoming season!

http://my350z.com/forum/members/quamen-albums-z33art-v3-1-picture36033-back-interior-stripped.jpg

http://my350z.com/forum/members/quamen-albums-z33art-v3-1-picture36035-stripped-interior.jpg

http://my350z.com/forum/members/quamen-albums-z33art-v3-1-picture36031-back-interior-stripped.jpg

http://my350z.com/forum/members/quamen-albums-z33art-v3-1-picture36032-hatch-interior-stripped.jpg

http://my350z.com/forum/members/quamen-albums-z33art-v3-1-picture36036-spare-parts-from-nissan.jpg

The speaker enclosure will be getting cut out of the car very soon!

Been speaking with Ron at Clocks Off Racing to hopefully get a cage put in sometime in the beginning of 2011! Other than that, I am spending the next two to three months stripping all the sound deadener out and installing my new Corbeau seats and Halon fire extinguisher. Also on the agenda for the end of this month is a 16 gallon fuel cell and twin Walbro GSL392 fuel pump setup. Hoping to get a 100-150hp wet shot of nitrous on the car around the start of the race season!

Also have a set of 15x8 wheels and M&H 26-10.5 slicks on the way! Currently desinging my differential brace to help improve my launches also!
Z33Art
12-23-2010, 05:20 PM
Getting there....

http://my350z.com/forum/members/quamen-albums-z33art-v3-1-picture36371-stripped-interior.jpg

http://my350z.com/forum/members/quamen-albums-z33art-v3-1-picture36379-waterjet-cut-mid-brace-flanges.jpg

http://my350z.com/forum/members/quamen-albums-z33art-v3-1-picture36380-mid-brace.jpg

Cut the flanges for the brace on a waterjet. The brace is there temporarly as the entire speaker enclosure is getting cut out of the car and the brace will maintain some of the rigidity in the frame. Almost all of the sound deadener is out now and ground down. Just have some sheet metal work to do and mounting my fuel cell and I can paint the interior and start putting it all back together.

In the process of designing my solid differential and subframe bushings. Should hopefully have them done next week!
Z33Art
12-26-2010, 10:59 AM
New rear wheels for at the track!

http://my350z.com/forum/members/quamen-albums-z33art-v3-1-picture36421-1224001907.jpg

Just need to decide what tires I am going to use now. I would really like to run slicks but I will have to install a driveshaft hoop then which is not really that big of a deal. Considering drag radials but figure if I am going to do it I might as wheel do it all the way.

Any input from anyone? I need to run a 26" tire due to my gear ratios right now.
Z33Art
12-28-2010, 06:12 PM
Gonna finish removing all the sound deadener and glue this week. Also removing the subframe and differential and removing the stock rubber bushings. Then it's on to designing the solid aluminum bushings replacements and turning them on the lathe.
SSDude
12-28-2010, 06:42 PM
Nice progress!!
Z33Art
12-31-2010, 05:47 PM
Cutout 90% of the speaker enclosure today and removed almost all the glue that was under it. Just have to finish in a couple spots where it was spot welded to the chassis.

http://my350z.com/forum/members/quamen-albums-z33art-v3-1-picture36487-no-more-speaker-enclosure.jpg
Z33Art
01-08-2011, 05:21 PM
Got the driver side sheet metal filler panel installed. Turned out very nice in my opinion. Made it from 16ga mild steel on a waterjet. Then made my own dimple die to make the strengthening dimples and add some appeal to the panel. Passenger side should be finished tomorrow.

http://my350z.com/forum/members/quamen-albums-z33art-v3-1-picture36674-0108011525.jpg

http://my350z.com/forum/members/quamen-albums-z33art-v3-1-picture36673-0108011525a.jpg
william schlosser
01-09-2011, 07:32 AM
Nice swap. Welcome to the site!
Z33Art
01-09-2011, 12:23 PM
Nice swap. Welcome to the site!

Thank you very much! I actually work in Racine.
juicedimpss
01-09-2011, 06:16 PM
Got the driver side sheet metal filler panel installed. Turned out very nice in my opinion. Made it from 16ga mild steel on a waterjet. Then made my own dimple die to make the strengthening dimples and add some appeal to the panel. Passenger side should be finished tomorrow.

http://my350z.com/forum/members/quamen-albums-z33art-v3-1-picture36674-0108011525.jpg

http://my350z.com/forum/members/quamen-albums-z33art-v3-1-picture36673-0108011525a.jpg

that looks really nice.:thumbsup
Z33Art
01-09-2011, 11:04 PM
that looks really nice.:thumbsup

Thanks Ron!
Z33Art
02-05-2011, 04:28 PM
Started removing all the unused wires from the body harness today. Also welded in my fifth point mounting plates for my harnesses. Now it's time to reinforce the frame a bit near where the fuel cell is going in and then make the firewall.

I'm still on the fence about a cage though :-(
Z33Art
02-21-2011, 07:38 AM
Fuel cell installed. Going to make the firewall this week and then it's on to making the fuel system!