Sorry, No Nissan GT-R engine for your 510
Even though its MSRP is well shy of $100,000, the GT-R is still Nissan's most special model, and as such, it carries an air of exclusivity. Because of what the car is, and what it can do, Nissan has been exceptionally iron-fisted on some issues, and now the grip is tightening further.
Citing the fact that the GT-R uses bits and pieces that are "highly engineered, using technologies unique to Nissan," it is now impossible to order, say, a GT-R engine unless you're a dealer doing work on an actual GT-R. All of your dreams crate motor swaps? Gone. And it's not just engines – the transmission, electrical system, fuel system, and chassis parts are also restricted to a GT-R -specific ordering process that reads like a ransom demand. It's not such a big deal for most owners, we'd guess, as they're going to to back for dealer service anyway. Tinkerers and tuners are the ones that will be mainly affected, and we're betting that ingenuity (or a few wrecked examples) will win the day with a workaround. Of course, it's easy enough to not blow up the engine, but about that tranny...
Gallery: Review: 2009 Nissan GT-R
[Source: NAGTROC]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
woootles 12:37PM (1/21/2009)
As far as I'm concerned, there are a few certain crate engines that are better than that V-6TT anyways... And also, they can keep that tranny tyvm. Manual tranny only ftw
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s13hybrid 1:03PM (1/21/2009)
I agree, there are better options than this motor for a swap, I wouldn't even bother with one in a 350/370z, you can just build those motors and slap turbos on them (etc etc) for probably less than what a crate motor would cost. Or buy other motors like the RB26dett (known to reach 1000hp built).
But I would assume tuners would want to buy up those transmissions so they can tinker and build them to handle more power/launches.
why not the LS2LS7? 1:12PM (1/21/2009)
Why would I buy an RB26DETT and then have to take it apart to change the pistons so I can run 40psi when I can just buy this and tweak it externally with a lot less effort?
TurboPanzer 2:23PM (1/21/2009)
LS2LS7: Because the RB26DETT is a tried&true block that can deliver over a grand of horsepower with proper parts and tuning. Same goes for the 2JZ from the Supra.
The VQ38DETT, on the otherhand, I'm not so sure at this point.
TurboPanzer 2:32PM (1/21/2009)
Correction: I meant to say VR38, not VQ. Got them mixed up.
Travis 12:45PM (1/21/2009)
There goes the entire opening sequence / plot to F-n-F 5, then...
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why not the LS2LS7? 12:46PM (1/21/2009)
"highly engineered, using technologies unique to Nissan," sounds like BS much like the Steve Jobs' "sophisticated tests have shown I am fine".
This is an odd move from Nissan. I cannot see how it can be interpreted except as an attempt to keep the powerful motor from ending up in 350Zs and other smaller cars and making the GT-R look a bit pale.
It's pretty sad. GM will sell you a crate motor. Why not Nissan?
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IK 12:51PM (1/21/2009)
lots of people have put rb's into the silvias
and that never made the gtr seem pale.
Adam 2:30PM (1/21/2009)
Its not that Nissan won't sell you an engine, its just the new VR engine that you cant get your hands on. Sure GM will sell you tons of crate motors, but I wouldnt expect them to start selling a crate LS9. You've got to keep your halo engine on your halo car for it to be the halo car. Imagine being able to order a LS9 to go with your body in white Camaro. You could build a way cooler car that the ZR1 for half of its cost. That basically nullifies the need for a ZR1.
(Yes, I do realize that there is way more technology in a ZR1 than its engine.)
Nick 2:59PM (1/21/2009)
That's funny, GM offers an LS9 crate. Autoblog even ran an article on it during SEMA coverage.
kal326 3:18PM (1/21/2009)
@Adam
You can get a ZR1 LS9 Crate motor
"LAS VEGAS - The LS9 6.2L supercharged V-8 is the power behind the most powerful and fastest production car in GM's history - the 2009 Corvette ZR1. In the third quarter of 2009, it will be available as a complete crate engine package from GM Performance Parts. It delivers a stunning 638 horsepower (476 kW) and 604 lb.-ft. of torque (819 Nm).
The LS9 crate engine will be the ideal all-in package for enthusiasts and racers who want the ultimate LS power plant for their project cars, from resto-modified vintage Corvettes, muscle cars and street rods to late model F-bodies and "shoebox" Chevys. The supercharger and charge cooler are integrated in the engine's valley for a lower profile, allowing creative builders to fit the engine in a variety of applications with plenty of hood clearance.
The engine's 6.2L displacement is shared with the LS3, but the LS9 is built for high-revving power with a supercharger. It uses stronger cylinder head castings and steel cylinder liners that are honed with a deck plate installed to maximize performance and cylinder sealing.
High-rpm-validated lightweight reciprocating parts, including titanium intake valves, are used, along with high-flow cylinder heads that draw the charge forced on them by a sixth-generation supercharger. A new, four-lobe rotor design delivers greater power at the low end and sustains it longer through the rpm band for broad, on-demand power, whether off-idle or at speed. A dual-brick charge cooler is integrated on a unique manifold system that mounts the "blower" in the engine's valley, with charge cooler on top.
GMPP's LS9 crate engine assembly comes fully dressed, including the ignition system, supercharger assembly, exhaust manifolds and more. It also includes the production dry-sump oil pan and provisions for the charge cooler's liquid cooling system. Builders will need an external oil tank, external coolant tank (for the charge cooler) and an ECU/wire harness."
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/28/sema-preview-gm-performance-parts-638-hp-ls9-crate-engine/
In2uition 12:46PM (1/21/2009)
People will just pay a premium at the junkyard.
FYI: "as they're going to to back for dealer service..." that part of your article does not make sense and needs revision.
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MajorGeek 12:47PM (1/21/2009)
Glad business is so good your turning down sales. +1 for why not the LS2LS7?, I would LOVE to see this engine in a 350z or maybe a 300z for fun :)
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BigMcLargeHuge 12:54PM (1/21/2009)
Swap out a G35 or G37 (even the sedan) and you could have had a true 'Skyline GT-R R35' tuner special.
MajorGeek 1:10PM (1/21/2009)
Exactly, my cars are more old American muscle but I have owned 280, 300Z and they are fun to tune. The possibilities of this engine remind me of the cars you can build with a crate Hemi or Vette motor, for example.
gshb 9:57PM (1/21/2009)
darn, no vr38 g37s
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Red 12:50PM (1/21/2009)
Aftermarket TT'd 350Z/6MT with upgraded clutch and Nismo > stock GT-R with launch control. You can keep that stank ass engine, tyvm.
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Red 12:53PM (1/21/2009)
Nismo* LSD
And you can still keep that stank ass engine.
IOMTT 12:55PM (1/21/2009)
Hmmm, that in a 510? If you could figure that out, more power to you. I did see a 510 with a NA 3 liter Nissan V6 from a late eighties Z car. Even then, I was amazed at the packaging.
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Adam 2:29PM (1/21/2009)
I've seen a VQ in a 510, so I'd imagine this would fit if you could relocate the turbos since this is basically VQ+ engine.