ISO VG30i Engine - Page 2 - Infamous Nissan

jp2code · 01-18-2021, 01:35 AM

There is a link to my build in my signature. I think OldGreyBeast and Alabama Lowlife have done the swap, and I know Deerhurst has. There are a few others who have done it, and they will probably be upset with me forgetting that.

alpacaox · 01-18-2021, 01:44 AM

Alternatively, I suppose I could just replace the heads. That sounds much easier and much more cost effective considering the condition of my truck. Will heads off any VG30 work?

jp2code · 01-18-2021, 02:17 AM

Sure. VG30 heads from any Hardbody will work.

Maybe heads from a Maxima, 300Z, and Quest.

Deerhurst · 01-18-2021, 02:19 AM

I have a thread on my swap somewhere. Coming from the VG30i to a VG33 and keeping your TBI you need to know that the injectors are not quite big enough. You'll max out at something like 4000-4500RPM under a heavy load like pulling a trailer up a grade in 4th gear with your foot to the floor. Otherwise 5k+ isn't a problem. Just heavy load.

I paid $700 shipped for my VG33 but I also did all the belts, clutch, etc. Anything that is a wear item or a sensor on the engine its self got replaced. I did not go the cheap route.

Yes, any VG30 heads will work. They are the same. Head from. Car will have different cams that will capitalize HP over torque where the truck cams are for torque.

I believe OGB is still VG30. Last I heard he was plotting diesel shenanigans.

alpacaox · 01-24-2021, 08:40 PM

UPDATE:

I have the heads removed from engine! It was a huge pain in the ass but at least the disassembly is complete

I'm now at the stage where I need to decide whether to replace the heads or replace the valves in the current heads. Can anyone offer any insight on this choice?

Are there any risks when only replacing the valves? The engine has never run hot, and I will be checking the head surface with a straight edge.

Additionally, are the exhaust and intake valves for all VG30 engines the same? During my research I could not find any valve for sale that were marketed specifically for my engine model (VG30i).

cadillacdude1975 · 01-24-2021, 08:49 PM

It all depends on how much it will cost to have the heads reworked. The benefit to sensing them off to be done is the machinist will take care of any broken exhaust bolts. Do yourself a favor and order the stainless studs. I will post the link.

cadillacdude1975 · 01-24-2021, 08:50 PM

https://pastpowerparts.com/shop/exha...fold-stud-kit/

26 bucks.

alpacaox · 01-24-2021, 08:55 PM

If I use my current heads I would not have them machined. I would replace the exhaust and intake valves myself and put the head back on the engine.

89'HBV6 · 01-24-2021, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alpacaox

I would replace the exhaust and intake valves myself and put the head back on the engine.

I do hope you know what you're doing with this. Getting the proper valve seating can be hard with new valves/old head. It's not just a matter of "installing the valves".

(just how you worded things......)

alpacaox · 01-24-2021, 09:20 PM

I have a rough idea, but I would say that if this is a delicate job it might not be one that I want to get into. This is why I brought it up here first

Would taking my heads to a machine shop for a valve job/resurfacing be the best option?

Keep in mind that I am trying to stay as low cost as reasonably possible.

01-18-2021, 01:35 AM	#11
jp2code Software Developer Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Longview, TX [USA] Age: 51 Posts: 10,314 Vehicle: 94 LB 2x4 Manual VG33e Thanks: 1,643 Thanked 1,468 Times in 1,289 Posts	There is a link to my build in my signature. I think OldGreyBeast and Alabama Lowlife have done the swap, and I know Deerhurst has. There are a few others who have done it, and they will probably be upset with me forgetting that. __________________ Joe (not a mechanic!) • Don't have an account? EMAIL ME Factory Service Manuals: https://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Hardbody/ Walk-through: Checking Nissan Trouble Codes 1994 VG30E to VG33E with H256 Cams

01-18-2021, 02:17 AM	#13
jp2code Software Developer Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Longview, TX [USA] Age: 51 Posts: 10,314 Vehicle: 94 LB 2x4 Manual VG33e Thanks: 1,643 Thanked 1,468 Times in 1,289 Posts	Sure. VG30 heads from any Hardbody will work. Maybe heads from a Maxima, 300Z, and Quest. __________________ Joe (not a mechanic!) • Don't have an account? EMAIL ME Factory Service Manuals: https://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Hardbody/ Walk-through: Checking Nissan Trouble Codes 1994 VG30E to VG33E with H256 Cams

01-18-2021, 02:19 AM	#14
Deerhurst 4/86 SE-V6 2 tone 4x4 HB Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Oregon Posts: 7,244 Vehicle: 1986.5 SE-V6 4WD D21, 2003 Audi A4 Avant 3.0 Quattro Thanks: 885 Thanked 865 Times in 791 Posts	I have a thread on my swap somewhere. Coming from the VG30i to a VG33 and keeping your TBI you need to know that the injectors are not quite big enough. You'll max out at something like 4000-4500RPM under a heavy load like pulling a trailer up a grade in 4th gear with your foot to the floor. Otherwise 5k+ isn't a problem. Just heavy load. I paid $700 shipped for my VG33 but I also did all the belts, clutch, etc. Anything that is a wear item or a sensor on the engine its self got replaced. I did not go the cheap route. Yes, any VG30 heads will work. They are the same. Head from. Car will have different cams that will capitalize HP over torque where the truck cams are for torque. I believe OGB is still VG30. Last I heard he was plotting diesel shenanigans. __________________ 1986.5 SE-V6 4X4 D21 Hardbody Pacesetter Long Tube Headers Morimoto Mini D2S HID Projectors and Hella 500s VG33i

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01-18-2021, 01:44 AM	#12
alpacaox Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Knoxville, TN Posts: 22 Vehicle: 1989 Nissan D21 King-Cab V6 4x4 Thanks: 7 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Alternatively, I suppose I could just replace the heads. That sounds much easier and much more cost effective considering the condition of my truck. Will heads off any VG30 work?

01-24-2021, 08:40 PM	#15
alpacaox Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Knoxville, TN Posts: 22 Vehicle: 1989 Nissan D21 King-Cab V6 4x4 Thanks: 7 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	UPDATE: I have the heads removed from engine! It was a huge pain in the ass but at least the disassembly is complete I'm now at the stage where I need to decide whether to replace the heads or replace the valves in the current heads. Can anyone offer any insight on this choice? Are there any risks when only replacing the valves? The engine has never run hot, and I will be checking the head surface with a straight edge. Additionally, are the exhaust and intake valves for all VG30 engines the same? During my research I could not find any valve for sale that were marketed specifically for my engine model (VG30i).

01-24-2021, 08:49 PM	#16
cadillacdude1975 The Gear Jammer Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Chattanooga, TN Age: 48 Posts: 10,239 Vehicle: 87 D21 SE KC V6 2wd 5sp & 87 Pathfinder 4x4 SE Thanks: 425 Thanked 1,278 Times in 1,166 Posts	It all depends on how much it will cost to have the heads reworked. The benefit to sensing them off to be done is the machinist will take care of any broken exhaust bolts. Do yourself a favor and order the stainless studs. I will post the link.

01-24-2021, 08:50 PM	#17
cadillacdude1975 The Gear Jammer Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Chattanooga, TN Age: 48 Posts: 10,239 Vehicle: 87 D21 SE KC V6 2wd 5sp & 87 Pathfinder 4x4 SE Thanks: 425 Thanked 1,278 Times in 1,166 Posts	https://pastpowerparts.com/shop/exha...fold-stud-kit/ 26 bucks.

01-24-2021, 08:55 PM	#18
alpacaox Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Knoxville, TN Posts: 22 Vehicle: 1989 Nissan D21 King-Cab V6 4x4 Thanks: 7 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	If I use my current heads I would not have them machined. I would replace the exhaust and intake valves myself and put the head back on the engine.

01-24-2021, 09:20 PM	#20
alpacaox Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Knoxville, TN Posts: 22 Vehicle: 1989 Nissan D21 King-Cab V6 4x4 Thanks: 7 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	I have a rough idea, but I would say that if this is a delicate job it might not be one that I want to get into. This is why I brought it up here first Would taking my heads to a machine shop for a valve job/resurfacing be the best option? Keep in mind that I am trying to stay as low cost as reasonably possible.