Crack pipe alert: Nissan Z24 engine swap?

I've managed to obtain enough spares (including a 231EF) to keep the jeepster on the road for some time. So, my attention has returned to my first jeep.

I took Dan's crack pipe when he wasn't looking, and now I've got this idea stuck in my head. A Nissan Z22 or Z24 4cyl in my 3B, adapted to the T-90. I have owned both of these engines in Datsun/Nissan trucks. Of all the things I tried to kill them, the only thing that worked was a ruptured oil filter on the interstate. They love high RPM's - perfect for the low gearing of old jeeps.

Don't get me wrong. I love the :hurrican: . It sounds like an old tractor engine. But if I am to keep the 3B, I have to be able to drive it on the highway (60-70 min around here, else you get run off the road). I have watched for development of davet's turbo f-head project with great anticipation. However, it seems to me that while possible, that option will be impractical and unreliable without a sizeable investment. (not meant to discourage davet! Press on brother!)

The only thing I can forsee as being difficult about the swap is the bellhousing. I've never seen a Nissan 4cyl bell that wasn't integral with the trans. I hope to be able to cut the bell off of a junk trans, mill it to the proper depth, and weld it to an aluminum adapter machined to fit the t90. I will post seperately in the fab section with questions concerning the welding.

Please, gentlemen, lend me your thoughts. I welcome all - proponents, nay-sayers, and everyone between.

Don't worry Dan, your pipe will be cleaned and returned before you know it's gone :twisted:

 

Why not a Ford Ranger/T/Bird 2.3?
Like to rev as they are a modern version of the Pinto 2300
Should be inexpensive,
Can get with fuel injection and 2 plugs per cylinder
Adapters should be available to mate to a T-90

The Z motor sounds intriguing, but maybe there are easier/cheaper swaps that may work as well? If you decide to go forward with this, please keep us informed on your progress and problems/solutions you run into. It is an interesting idea. Nickmil.

 

I say go for it. If you can figure out how to do it you will have a killer motor. Those things from what I have been told can handle 400HP stock so I bet they are indistructable at stock HPs. I would be interested in this swap if it can be done for another JEEP. Maybe with a big old turbo and intercooler 8)

 

x2

 

Jeff's crack pipe holds more rocks than mine! R)

 

R) yeh big old rocks.

 

Shoot, if you're going to all the trouble of adapting one of those sake-sippin' engines, you may as well go DIESEL! Check out this article from the Karachi off-roaders. http://offroadpakistan.com/tech/motivation_equa.html

Used to be you could get good used engines from Japan... I think we've discussed that before. Japanese law makes it uneconomical to keep cars on the road more than a few years, so there's good motivation to export late-model drivetrains.

 

but but but but a screaming 4cyl motor is just too cool.
Tim you have a good point there.

 

I would like to see something like that done , last year I was seriously thinking about doing a isuzu disiel swap. I think a toyota R22 would make a good jeep pusher too

 

x3

But personally - if I was going through the trouble of a swap I'd opt for more power (ugh ugh)!

 

Same here.
If you want to be an oddball, swap in a small block Mopar.
The 2.3 Ford swap would be easier and alot less fab work, which means less $$$.

 

And 2.3 Ford + turbo = more power.

 

Yup!

 

I have seen a sentra SER with nearly 350HPs All that was done(basicly) was a turbo added water to air intercooler added, light cam changed and cam timeing changed so intake and exhast cams overlap just slightly. Stock the 2.3 fords has more power but hey what is fun about stock

 

Jeff look at www.esslingeracing.com
They have the BADDEST Ford 2.3 on the planet!!

 

Hey it is a good motor with a ton of power but the Nissan is different and has major potental for mixing the turner car world with the offroad world( which I think is cool) that is my opinion and most people probably think it stinks.


edit: oh yeh the biggest problem with the 2.3 pinto motor in my head... it is a Ford 4cyl. I have had a few and I tell you they are the most underpowered motors ever. Had a 2.3 in my Topaz, the thing could not get out of its own way and the motor was dieing at 120K.

 

The OHC 2.3L that was in the Pintos and Mustangs is a totally different animal than the HSC 2.3L that was in the Topaz and Tempo.

 

ricers Jeff. Now I'll catch all kinds of hell about how good they are and how reliable and how much power they can make. Doesn't matter I cringe at the thought of one in an all American Jeep. No two ways about it it's just sacralidge. With the availability of the 2.3 Ford in it's many forms, the Iron Duke Pontiac or even the four cylinder Mopars. Lot to choose from. I'd rather see it with a Volvo than one of the noisy aisian fours. won't even sound like a Jeep.