Leaderboard

Yep, cheapest will likely be fixing the existing VG30, unless it's well and truly buggered. Second cheapest would be replacing it with a VG30 that isn't blown up. Third, and the only cheap upgrade, is the VG33 swap. If you're looking for a direct-fit, exact same engine, you'll find it in a mid '93-'95 WD21 Pathfinder or D21 Hardbody truck. If yours is 4WD, the donor should be too. There are a lot of four-cylinder D21s out there, obviously that won't work. '90-early '93 have the same engine, but with square-tooth timing belt sprockets. '87-'89 have different fuel injection. If your truck has California emissions, you may need to salvage the EGR valve off the old engine, as I don't think the federal version ever got the valve with the temperature sensor that the California-spec computer expects to see. Unless you're sure the replacement engine had its timing belt recently, plan on doing that before it goes in. It's doable in the car, but I'll bet it's easier on a hoist or engine stand. If the timing belt slips, valves and pistons have a party and you're back where you started.