Engine swap/replacement vg33

[Totalld21]

I've already pulled the vg30e from my truck and am wondering the easiest process for putting the new one in.

Is it better to put the headers on before or after I put the engine in. Also debating if it is worth dropping the transmission to bolt onto the new engine. Just not sure how easy it would be to slide the engine back into place.

Any opinions, tips or tricks are welcome! I will post up some pictures later.

[jp2code]

I put headers on mine before dropping it in, but then I could not get the engine with the headers to go around the engine mounts - so the headers had to come back off.

Now you know.

[Totalld21]

Originally Posted by jp2code

I put headers on mine before dropping it in, but then I could not get the engine with the headers to go around the engine mounts - so the headers had to come back off.

Now you know.

So engine and then headers gotchya. Are you using v-type belts, or the other flat grooved style. Also wondering what your accessory and crankshaft pulley looks like.

Did you pull the transmission or just unbolt at the bell housing?

[jp2code]

Originally Posted by Totalld21

So engine and then headers gotchya. Are you using v-type belts, or the other flat grooved style. Also wondering what your accessory and crankshaft pulley looks like.

I upgraded to the Serpentine belt, which meant that I had to buy mounting brackets and equipment for each accessory (power steering, alternator, and air conditioner).

But you know what is better?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/184321144643

If I had known about that adapter plate, I could have saved a lot of money.

[Totalld21]

Originally Posted by jp2code

I upgraded to the Serpentine belt, which meant that I had to buy mounting brackets and equipment for each accessory (power steering, alternator, and air conditioner).

But you know what is better?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/184321144643

If I had known about that adapter plate, I could have saved a lot of money.

Does the adapter go in place of the harmonic balancer im guessing. Someone shared the same link int he face book group. I have a vg33er I might pull the crank pulley. I'm not running ac tho, so it makes life a bit easier. Moneys not an issue anymore I just want my truck back on the road.

Its bored .50 over and decked on the block and heads so it should some good zip. How do you enjoy your swap, still holding up well?

[jp2code]

Ok, that Facebook post is probably the one where I learned about the adapter. I don't know, but I would think that it would mount to the vg30 harmonic balancer. The vg30 has a larger diameter crank, so the adapter would fill in the gaps when used on the VG33E.

But if you are using the supercharger, you are going to use its pulley. So you would probably want to keep the Serpentine belt setup.

I love my swap. I don't notice it all the time, but I know it makes a difference when I pull a trailer. That extra 20 ft-lb of torque makes a difference when it comes to hills.

[Deerhurst]

I built up the motor headers and all before dropping it in. Was easier for me that way.



The 4wd and 2wd are a little different up front when it comes to suspension and clearances.



The worst part on the 4wd is getting the front diff back in. Your VG33 oil pan won't work. Just a hair too big to clear the front diff. I massaged my VG30 diff to clear the pickup tube on the VG33.

[Foul_Mouth]

Deer, was your vg33e out of a pathfinder or truck?

[Totalld21]

Originally Posted by Deerhurst

I built up the motor headers and all before dropping it in. Was easier for me that way.



The 4wd and 2wd are a little different up front when it comes to suspension and clearances.



The worst part on the 4wd is getting the front diff back in. Your VG33 oil pan won't work. Just a hair too big to clear the front diff. I massaged my VG30 diff to clear the pickup tube on the VG33.

Don't you mean you massaged the oil pan in order for the pickup tube to fit?

do u smash the bottom of the oil pan for easier installation? Or is it mandatory to remove the front diff? I got the original engine out but it was damn tight.

And foul mouth my vg33 is out of a pathfinder. Just bought that adapter on ebay, so im going to go that route, make it look as oem as possible.

[Foul_Mouth]

I dropped my front diff to drop a sc xterra engine into my 92. I have not gone to reinstall the diff yet so I do not know if i am going to have a clearance issue yet. I suspect I won't mainly because I don't have a pathy pan.