My na 300zx recently spun a bearing, instead of repairing the vg im opting to have a shop ls swap it, I don’t have time or the skill to do so much work myself but I need to get it done on a budget and ASAP. This video really helps.
I have a 95 Z32TT, and after finishing the 120K service I saw how one part after another needed replacing (since it's a 25 y.o. car and engine). And to make it worse, my compression and leakdown #'s weren't impressive. I'm going LS3.
@@brianandrickson The VG30DETT is great if you have deep pockets and get a thrill out of the boost. But the LS3 is cheap to build relative to the VG TT. Plus you can actually see the floor when looking at the top of the engine whereas the VG fills the whole engine bay up.
I gotta say bro the content on your page is awesome never a dull moment with you, most people do swaps and just show the results but you go in depth explaining tips, tricks, why or why not to do certain things! Keep it up bro! #subscribed
greetings from Mexicali Baja California Mexico, I have a 300zx and the engine works very well... but as you say in your video an ls is more reliable!... thanks for your video
Compa yo soy de Ensenada. Ojalá veas esto y me puedas responder, todavía tienes tu carro? Y si es así sabes quién puede hacer este tipo de jales? Ya sea en Mexicali Tijuana o Ensenada. Gracias de antemano.
The only thing I would add is you should go aluminum block LS. The stock engine with cast iron block weighs 475 lbs. This makes the car nose heavy. This was one of the biggest drawbacks to the original car. Back in the day they didn't even race the coupe because it was so nose heavy and tail happy, they only raced the 2+2 because it had the longer wheel base and better front to rear weight distribution. The iron block LS weighs 475 lbs or more, the aluminum block LS can be as low at 400 lbs. This takes weight out of the front of the car. Everyone thinks HP is the most important number, it's not, it's power to weight ratio. Removing weight is like adding HP but better. Adding HP only improves acceleration and can decrease reliability, removing weight improves acceleration, braking and handling and has no effect on reliability. Taking weight out of the front also improves the front to rear weight distribution. These cars were nose heavy and it helps the handling to get them closer to 50/50 weight distribution. A lot of people treat these cars as only useful for straight line speed and don't consider it's made for road courses and twisty mountain roads. Another thing to consider with the swap is maybe the 2+2 is a better candidate than the coupe. More horsepower and speed affects stability and the 5" longer wheel base of the 2+2 is more stable.
Cool vid, but I'd personally go all aluminum block for this platform. I'm not poopoo'ing on your build at all. I think it's awesome. I just think others considering this route should look into going beyond a 5.3 iron block. I'd personally stick with the VG30DETT over a 5.3 iron block with bigger turbos, injectors, yadda yadda yadda. If you are doing a swap, go all out IMO. And FFS, get that guy peeling out with an LS some serious wheels/tires.
@@scottChapman25 I do. I have one in my garage right now. I have not watched this video in quite some time, but I assume he went with an iron block 5.3 out of a truck. There are some aluminum 5.3's though (L33?). You are actually bringing my point home. You have the opportunity to reduce all that weight up front while you are at it...
Just swapped my slicktop with a vgtt and now I want a ls swap im having trouble deciding what ls i want really want a 6.0 but the 5.3 seems more practical (truck motor that is)
@treyherrera Im working on swapping my z32. Can you help me with a parts list. What headers did you use? Do you have a part number? What about your oil pan and motor mounts? Im trying to do this on a budget. Thanks in advance! :)
ten years ago i argued with my ex about a '02 Chevy trailblazer on how terrible it was....... i just bumped into her and she still have the truck...... she said she would trade it in but the dealers are only offering $500........ she then said "that damn V8 is killing me in gas!" all this time i thought it was a v6... i gave her $1000!!! SO I WILL SEARCH THESE FILES AND TRY THIS BUILD. I GUESS(HOPE) I NEED JUST A MOTOR MOUNT,EXHAUST AND A TRANNY ADAPTER? I HAVE A '93 ZX, WITH A SIEZED MOTOR. SHOULD I GO FOR THE HOLLY WITH ECU AND DASH ? OR IT IS REALY A PAIN TO PULL THE HARNESS OUT?
Hey bro, I seen your videos a while back. I’m just getting around to swapping my 300 ZX with an LS. My question is. I’m using the original five speed transmission It’s still mounted and it’s stock location. Do I have to relocate the transmission , when installing the LS with an adapter plate …Can the transmission stay in the same place and just add motor mounts to my motor any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
This is the best summary I've seen! Thanks man! I just purchased a super clean NA z32 and my mind is fixed on getting it swapped. Currently swapping a 5.3 on a squarebody S10.😎🤙 I appreciate you Brotha! I subscribed and ready to see more!
@@onedadsgarage3561 my father has a extended s10 and we just got a 4wd donor for the frame sofar I read about plenty clearance issues to do a a ls 4wd swap
I have a 3.5 EcoBoost out of a 11 f150 with 211k on it which is nothing for those engines I’m looking for a old Supra or 300 zx maybe even a old Rx7 for the swap I also have a 6 speed out of 12 Mustang v6 so hopefully everything works out lol
Im looking to buy one already completed... found one that went for $17,500 - if it were still available, id have jumped on the first flight there then ubered my way to him from the nearest airport or rented a car to go grab it.
Definitely an NA 300zx or 350z, theyre pretty reliable and are decently quick for how much you can pick a clean one up for. Just graduated high school and daily drove my 300 with no issues. Just make sure not to cheap out on maintenance.
@@antonyram4866 if money is your main issue then a de 350z would be your best option as its more reliable and newer than a 350z so parts are alot cheaper
Hey man, just came across your video. Been looking to do this for a while. Will this work with a 2+2? How does the 5.3 compare to the NA motor? Lastly do you have a write up on this?
Hey Trey been watching your videos for a few weeks now, great content. Im doing a 90 na build from the ground up right now, which will soon be swapped out for a 5.3 I have for it. Do you have power steering? What setup did you use? TIA
Hey appreciate the reply, one more thing, the standalone harness that you used, will the Z gauge cluster mate to it? And or did you just do a different dash setup
Hey awesome video was just wondering what radiator parts you bought to make stock radiator work? Maybe links for the parts to make the hoses work👌🏻I have all my parts coming in for my turbo ls swap but now I just need radiator work to be done.
I'll take a Z32 over any newer Z. My opinion.
Rich McDowell yeah it a classic for sure
ngtl i love the look but dam is it heavy af!
@@ivancontreras7292 yeah weighs the same as a C3 vette
I would never sell my Z32, but that NEW Z look sick! Rather put money on a fresh LS in the 32 instead😎
Just finished my TT build but for the money I spent could've went LS. Most likely my next project
Trouble in Paradise I’m sure you could have built a monster of a ls with the money spent on the vg
I think your trunk lid opened at 4:08. Just giving you a heads up. Thanks for the vid!
He turned pretty quick, I think he noticed it too.
My na 300zx recently spun a bearing, instead of repairing the vg im opting to have a shop ls swap it, I don’t have time or the skill to do so much work myself but I need to get it done on a budget and ASAP. This video really helps.
I have a 95 Z32TT, and after finishing the 120K service I saw how one part after another needed replacing (since it's a 25 y.o. car and engine). And to make it worse, my compression and leakdown #'s weren't impressive. I'm going LS3.
I have a 91tt and I have bolt ones with boost but this swap is calling me. Good luck I hope you do it
@@brianandrickson
The VG30DETT is great if you have deep pockets and get a thrill out of the boost. But the LS3 is cheap to build relative to the VG TT. Plus you can actually see the floor when looking at the top of the engine whereas the VG fills the whole engine bay up.
I gotta say bro the content on your page is awesome never a dull moment with you, most people do swaps and just show the results but you go in depth explaining tips, tricks, why or why not to do certain things! Keep it up bro! #subscribed
When my NA shits the bed definitely going this route.
greetings from Mexicali Baja California Mexico, I have a 300zx and the engine works very well... but as you say in your video an ls is more reliable!... thanks for your video
Compa yo soy de Ensenada. Ojalá veas esto y me puedas responder, todavía tienes tu carro? Y si es así sabes quién puede hacer este tipo de jales? Ya sea en Mexicali Tijuana o Ensenada. Gracias de antemano.
Recently bought a zx with a locked engine. Definitely considering this instead of a cheap rebuild on the engine.
I just picked up my gto on Saturday, it's so much fun lol =)
The only thing I would add is you should go aluminum block LS. The stock engine with cast iron block weighs 475 lbs. This makes the car nose heavy. This was one of the biggest drawbacks to the original car. Back in the day they didn't even race the coupe because it was so nose heavy and tail happy, they only raced the 2+2 because it had the longer wheel base and better front to rear weight distribution. The iron block LS weighs 475 lbs or more, the aluminum block LS can be as low at 400 lbs. This takes weight out of the front of the car. Everyone thinks HP is the most important number, it's not, it's power to weight ratio. Removing weight is like adding HP but better. Adding HP only improves acceleration and can decrease reliability, removing weight improves acceleration, braking and handling and has no effect on reliability. Taking weight out of the front also improves the front to rear weight distribution. These cars were nose heavy and it helps the handling to get them closer to 50/50 weight distribution. A lot of people treat these cars as only useful for straight line speed and don't consider it's made for road courses and twisty mountain roads. Another thing to consider with the swap is maybe the 2+2 is a better candidate than the coupe. More horsepower and speed affects stability and the 5" longer wheel base of the 2+2 is more stable.
You said you had to delete alot of stuff if it's an NA auto, which mine is. What is some of the stuff you had to delete?
Thanks a lot brotha, currently looking to LS my Z
And here I thought I was the only one with this idea, when Google led me here😲
Cool vid, but I'd personally go all aluminum block for this platform. I'm not poopoo'ing on your build at all. I think it's awesome. I just think others considering this route should look into going beyond a 5.3 iron block. I'd personally stick with the VG30DETT over a 5.3 iron block with bigger turbos, injectors, yadda yadda yadda. If you are doing a swap, go all out IMO. And FFS, get that guy peeling out with an LS some serious wheels/tires.
you do know the VG30 is an iron block? you will be looking paying so much more for the aluminum block.
@@scottChapman25 I do. I have one in my garage right now. I have not watched this video in quite some time, but I assume he went with an iron block 5.3 out of a truck. There are some aluminum 5.3's though (L33?). You are actually bringing my point home. You have the opportunity to reduce all that weight up front while you are at it...
With the LS in the engine bay, it looks like there is more room. And you can get to things when you need to without removing half the engine...
Just swapped my slicktop with a vgtt and now I want a ls swap im having trouble deciding what ls i want really want a 6.0 but the 5.3 seems more practical (truck motor that is)
@treyherrera Im working on swapping my z32. Can you help me with a parts list. What headers did you use? Do you have a part number? What about your oil pan and motor mounts? Im trying to do this on a budget. Thanks in advance! :)
Great build!
Thanks!
Awesome video! Thanks for the info
I like your air filter
How reliable is the ls swap ?
Does getting an oil pan from somewhere like LOJ negate the need to drop the front subframe to allow for the oil pan to fit?
I don’t think so, it’s only 4 bolts and the strut towers not a hard to do though
@@TreyHerrera what oil pan are you using?
^
ten years ago i argued with my ex about a '02 Chevy trailblazer on how terrible it was....... i just bumped into her and she still have the truck...... she said she would trade it in but the dealers are only offering $500........ she then said "that damn V8 is killing me in gas!" all this time i thought it was a v6... i gave her $1000!!! SO I WILL SEARCH THESE FILES AND TRY THIS BUILD. I GUESS(HOPE) I NEED JUST A MOTOR MOUNT,EXHAUST AND A TRANNY ADAPTER? I HAVE A '93 ZX, WITH A SIEZED MOTOR. SHOULD I GO FOR THE HOLLY WITH ECU AND DASH ? OR IT IS REALY A PAIN TO PULL THE HARNESS OUT?
Just picked up a 300zxtt roller, got a full 6.0 with 4l80 and ecu, u reccomend staying away from 4l80 and go with 4l60 due to size and modifications?
Both are big and a lot of tunnel mods needed. Go with a manual box, its a sports car
I’m just so done with this engine and all it’s mishaps but also broke so :(
Hey bro, I seen your videos a while back. I’m just getting around to swapping my 300 ZX with an LS. My question is. I’m using the original five speed transmission It’s still mounted and it’s stock location. Do I have to relocate the transmission , when installing the LS with an adapter plate …Can the transmission stay in the same place and just add motor mounts to my motor any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
You can but it’s very tight with the oil pan.
This is the best summary I've seen! Thanks man! I just purchased a super clean NA z32 and my mind is fixed on getting it swapped. Currently swapping a 5.3 on a squarebody S10.😎🤙 I appreciate you Brotha! I subscribed and ready to see more!
Is the s10 4wd? Did you make videos of swap progress
@@lildad919 2WD, I'll have some videos posted soon on progress.
@@onedadsgarage3561 my father has a extended s10 and we just got a 4wd donor for the frame sofar I read about plenty clearance issues to do a a ls 4wd swap
Hey man, what did you do for a fan setup?
Very valuable information, you earned a subscriber 🤗
How strong are z32 transmissions. Would it handle 500whp in a s13 240sx
the z32 tranny is very strong, but if you're going to buy one get the 98 spec, it has upgraded synchros
Nice ride bro
I have a 3.5 EcoBoost out of a 11 f150 with 211k on it which is nothing for those engines I’m looking for a old Supra or 300 zx maybe even a old Rx7 for the swap I also have a 6 speed out of 12 Mustang v6 so hopefully everything works out lol
Im looking to buy one already completed... found one that went for $17,500 - if it were still available, id have jumped on the first flight there then ubered my way to him from the nearest airport or rented a car to go grab it.
as a high schooler , what do you recommend the first be if I get a z
Definitely an NA 300zx or 350z, theyre pretty reliable and are decently quick for how much you can pick a clean one up for. Just graduated high school and daily drove my 300 with no issues. Just make sure not to cheap out on maintenance.
@@nishokmk3 yeah I really want a 300z but idk how much it'd be for one, or maintenance, lol as a broke highschooler 🗿
@@antonyram4866 if money is your main issue then a de 350z would be your best option as its more reliable and newer than a 350z so parts are alot cheaper
@@nishokmk3 ah nice, I'll see about that then
Hey man, just came across your video. Been looking to do this for a while. Will this work with a 2+2? How does the 5.3 compare to the NA motor? Lastly do you have a write up on this?
Yes
Where is write up of your build at
Hey Trey been watching your videos for a few weeks now, great content. Im doing a 90 na build from the ground up right now, which will soon be swapped out for a 5.3 I have for it. Do you have power steering? What setup did you use? TIA
Nick Lalk yes I’m using a stock 5.3 truck pump with a ict bracket
Hey appreciate the reply, one more thing, the standalone harness that you used, will the Z gauge cluster mate to it? And or did you just do a different dash setup
Vg is getting pulled this week. Have been referring back to your videos to get the whole plan going, great content
Hey awesome video was just wondering what radiator parts you bought to make stock radiator work? Maybe links for the parts to make the hoses work👌🏻I have all my parts coming in for my turbo ls swap but now I just need radiator work to be done.
Where in Colorado are you? I'm in the Springs and have a '90 n/a manual.
Denver area
Bro I been looking for a video like this thank you 🙏🏻
How does the Holley Ecu hook up to the stock trans ?
Looking good brother
So what if I can only drive an automatic---what transmission will work for the LS swap?
4L60E
Is that intake plenum off a 5.7 from a gto is the factory truck plenum on a 5.3 too tall to use
The truck manifold is too tall
Would it pass smog in California
If you go to a shady smog shop that will smog a buddys z and send your car's info off to Sacramento...
California is a shithole and californians should ve strapping up and heading to sacramento..
What Ls swap you used?
What about the wiring harness from the stock engine ?? I’m currently working on a 300zx. Also would I have to remove everything from the engine bay ??
Wheels next
Looks like ur in Cali
My z32 transmission just took a shit 😢
👍💪💯
Caleb Perry thank you!
What trans mount and shifter mount did you go with?
Brad Guettner stock cross member and I made the shifter mount
Lol did that trunk open up 😂
There’s so much space under the hood
Do a jz and be done
I’m taking donations
What accessory setup do you recommend that will fitnwith the na radiator?
I’m using truck accessories with the ict billet adapters. It’s tight but it works