Head conversion advice?
 

Hi forum members,

I'm getting ready to replace my engine.
I wish to get a new engine same as present - but deleting the standard cam less intake system, and replace with cams all round.

I've already have a very sound build plan for all else,just weighing up the cost side and not wanting to over spend unnecessarily.

Basically question is, is it cheaper to use my present engine and convert the heads.
Or is cheaper to get a vq35 and stroke to 3.7/3.8 litres.

I will be building a stronger engine internally etc - may look at FI later down the track couple of years.

Thanks in advance.

why would one want to get rid of the vvel?

Too many kilometres track/drags and pushing engine hard that's why.
Reliability.

Hmm didn't know there was any issues with the system.

With a properly set up VVEL System there should be no reliability issues.


As for swapping the heads, your issues will lie with Engine Control, as the 370Z ECU will not run the HR heads, and the HR ECU will not communicate with the 370Z CANbus. The "Cheaper" option will be the HR heads on the VHR bottom end.


What are your power goals? Looking to have an engine built or looking to base this all on a stock engine platform? Do you need the body controls on the car to act as if they are in a stock car or is this a dedicated track car?

Hi Daelen,
Thanks for the reply.
Essentially end result will be a car from dd/track to track during the dry season - sometimes driven on street. Because of where I live the requirements of a street legal car - are very relaxed compared to interstate. In saying that, my car would only just be barely legal to get registered which is good for me end result - as long all is engineered and certified.
I need to get the car to the track anyways.

The bare basics of the car will be kept ABS etc - but most else stripped out. Considering lexan (sic) glass except windscreen - although that in itself poses a small hurdle..$$$$. Roll cage are not allowed but a roll bar is acceptable by law.

Having had my car a long time it's been fun - but I've got an absolute ****on for cams......
Have all the running gear/suspension/wheels etc in storage waiting to go on.

At the end of the day I'm going on a built engine with stand alone ECU. 300+whp is my base line for power - but reliable at that without worry of breakage - as long as i don't do anything stupid. Semi bullet proof toys are always better to have. My power baseline requirements as stated, anything more will be a bonus - but i heavily depend a lot on good set up handling wise etc - so end solution is a well rounded vehicle not lacking anywhere.

From reading your post - I think my answer would be at hand to have VHR block built with HR heads specced to suit. Thinking more about it - you can't really 'cut' corners.

Posts are nothing without pics - so I'll update as I start to proceed later in the year.

Any body with suggestions - most welcome.

Safe motoring people.

Cheers.