Help with VQ37VHR/VQ35HR SWAP ON FC RX7
03-27-22, 02:08 PM
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Help with VQ37VHR/VQ35HR SWAP ON FC RX7
So I just bought a fc rx7 shell and I’m interested in doing a VQ swap, I already have a VQ37 that came out of a Infiniti G37S 6MT trans as well. Is this swap even possible and if so what are the main issues that I might have ? I have the complete G37 as a parts car, I want to do a drift build with the RX7
03-27-22, 04:14 PM
#2
Rotary Freak
There was someone on GrassRootsMotorsports doing a VQ35 swap, so that would be a good starting point. I think there was an old thread on this forum months ago under the "non V8 engine swaps" section.
Obvious things you'll need to address: Engine mounting, transmission mounting (if using stock transmission for that engine, cd007 I think?). If you want to use the Rx7 transmission you need a custom flywheel, clutch, bellhousing, etc. Then you need an ECU (maybe stock Nissan stuff will work, not sure if it's happy when it's not seeing the other Nissan electronics). Then you need a custom shifter (I highly doubt the cd007 shifter will end up in the same place) or hole in transmission tunnel if you don't care about the looks. Also custom driveshaft.
Then you'll need to figure out the plumbing for oil fuel and coolant, but that's not too big a deal in comparison to the above.
The serious issues come from the differences in shape and size of engine. The VQ35 is a tall engine, especially once you add intake and oil pan. The 13B meanwhile is a very short engine, almost square-ish, and not very long front to back. Combined with clever chassis design, this results in the 13B sitting fairly low and far back in the chassis. You can see this in the extreme with the Rx8, but on the FC it still sits with the main pulley right behind the front axle-line. This helps handling by keeping the weight towards the center of the car and as low as possible.
This is why V8 swaps are so popular. The size of an OHV V8 like the LS based engines is fairly comparable. While slightly heavier and longer, they don't extend much farther forward than the 13B once installed, and there is plenty of side-to-side space for headers and such. At the end of the day it just fits super well in the space.
You want a VQ. This forces you to do a few things that are nearly non-negotiable:
- Completely custom low-profile oil pan and pickup, as the stock part won't remotely fit. I also believe stock VQ is a front-sump, but you'll need a rear sump (don't quote me on that, not a Nissan guy).
- Mount engine higher and further forward in the chassis, because even with the custom oil pan you'll have reduced ground clearance.
- Probably a custom intake. Certainly you will need to cut the hood frame for clearance, probably a custom intake, or a hole in the hood.
So this leads me to the last two pieces of advice I have for you:
- Don't do it.
- If you do it, post a build thread so we can see, because uncommon swaps are always a fun read
Good luck
EDIT: Here you go, check out page 2 for the clearance issues:
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/build-projects-and-project-cars/vq35de-350z-swapped-fc-rx7/97717/page1/
Obvious things you'll need to address: Engine mounting, transmission mounting (if using stock transmission for that engine, cd007 I think?). If you want to use the Rx7 transmission you need a custom flywheel, clutch, bellhousing, etc. Then you need an ECU (maybe stock Nissan stuff will work, not sure if it's happy when it's not seeing the other Nissan electronics). Then you need a custom shifter (I highly doubt the cd007 shifter will end up in the same place) or hole in transmission tunnel if you don't care about the looks. Also custom driveshaft.
Then you'll need to figure out the plumbing for oil fuel and coolant, but that's not too big a deal in comparison to the above.
The serious issues come from the differences in shape and size of engine. The VQ35 is a tall engine, especially once you add intake and oil pan. The 13B meanwhile is a very short engine, almost square-ish, and not very long front to back. Combined with clever chassis design, this results in the 13B sitting fairly low and far back in the chassis. You can see this in the extreme with the Rx8, but on the FC it still sits with the main pulley right behind the front axle-line. This helps handling by keeping the weight towards the center of the car and as low as possible.
This is why V8 swaps are so popular. The size of an OHV V8 like the LS based engines is fairly comparable. While slightly heavier and longer, they don't extend much farther forward than the 13B once installed, and there is plenty of side-to-side space for headers and such. At the end of the day it just fits super well in the space.
You want a VQ. This forces you to do a few things that are nearly non-negotiable:
- Completely custom low-profile oil pan and pickup, as the stock part won't remotely fit. I also believe stock VQ is a front-sump, but you'll need a rear sump (don't quote me on that, not a Nissan guy).
- Mount engine higher and further forward in the chassis, because even with the custom oil pan you'll have reduced ground clearance.
- Probably a custom intake. Certainly you will need to cut the hood frame for clearance, probably a custom intake, or a hole in the hood.
So this leads me to the last two pieces of advice I have for you:
- Don't do it.
- If you do it, post a build thread so we can see, because uncommon swaps are always a fun read
Good luck
EDIT: Here you go, check out page 2 for the clearance issues:
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/build-projects-and-project-cars/vq35de-350z-swapped-fc-rx7/97717/page1/
Last edited by WondrousBread; 03-27-22 at 04:17 PM.
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