cdhicks99 Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 (edited) Yesterday I was given a four-bolt main Chevy 350 for my cLE project. Originally I wanted to keep it as much Nissan as possible, so I would not taint the great Nissan badge. However I have MANY years tinkering with the SBC and know far more about it. The motor is in perfect running condition, all I would do is replace the low-end bearings as a precaution. I would not even consider this swap if it were not for the weak Nissan A/T. If I go this route I have an unlimited supply of Chevy drivetrain components. The question is, would I be turning my back on the great Nissan name? And, would you all still love me if I didn't have a purebred? :confused: Edited August 30, 2006 by cdhicks99 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harbinger Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 Do it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
94extreme Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 it's your choice. you may put that POS in there if it tickles your fancy. and who said we loved ya anyway? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cdhicks99 Posted August 30, 2006 Author Share Posted August 30, 2006 Well MZ, I didn't know you felt that way.....I guess I'll have to start hanging out at myjeeprocks.com....*sniffle* maybe they'll like me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
94extreme Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 lol.. not sure what kind of welcome you'd get from jeepers with that POS under the hood. but hey, you'll never know unless you try it. j/k Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 Oh, come on MZ......a SBC is SURELY an upgrade over any Heep engine!!!! But seriously, cdhicks........why go through all the trouble? The VG30 is a great engine, not powerful, but very durable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slick Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 if you don't want the engine i'll take it sly 4BM......... daaaaaaaaaaaamn......... DO EEEEEEEEEET!!!!!!!!!!!! :bow: :bow: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fordsho90 Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 What does your sig say??? "DONT GO REDNECKING UP THE PATHFINDER CORY" save the sbc for a buggy or something Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Casey.T Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 (edited) To be honest if I had to choose again on motors for my 91, based on cost, time and location..... I would drop a 350 in it...... Pathy tranny blows after 350 intall, guess what I am looking for.... If I blow the engine in the 95, I would be looking for a 3.0/3.3 cross, VG30DE or even a 3.5. Daily driver I would want some reliablity with the capacity of a Sleeper Edited August 30, 2006 by Casey.T Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zonianbrat Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 As long as it is not a DD I say hell yeah. GO FOR IT!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cdhicks99 Posted August 30, 2006 Author Share Posted August 30, 2006 Like I said in the original post I wouldn't even consider it if I had another AT option. I refuse to use a MT when hill climbing, I go to enjoy myself, not to be slinging gears all day long. I actually love the VG30, it's whats behind it that bothers me. In the past I have thought about getting another VG to set on the frame to make swapping over the cab a little quicker. This way I can have all suspension, engine, and drivetrain all in place before popping the cab loose from the existing frame. I think I am going to go ahead with this, since the VG was going to get an overhaul anyway, this will be my cheapest route both in the long and short. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
94extreme Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 MT is the way when hill climbing. i rarely shift.. mostly 1st or 2nd only and this baby goes and goes.. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Casey.T Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 Down Hill I would much prefer a Manual... On my 88 I had to redo the brakes every other year in and around October/November... Lots of updown stuff getting away from the no hunting signs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cdhicks99 Posted August 30, 2006 Author Share Posted August 30, 2006 Quick analysis. SBC Mains bearings $50 Rod bearings $50 Cam & lifters $140 Timming gears $120 Gaskets $20 Propane conversion $600 $980 VG30 Main bearings $50 Rod bearings $50 Cams $550 Timing belt&tensioner $70 Gaskets $150+ Head work $400 $1270+ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cdhicks99 Posted August 30, 2006 Author Share Posted August 30, 2006 A 350 Turbo AT with manual valve body works great! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
94extreme Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 $290, is it really worth the future headaches? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fordsho90 Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 (edited) hehe MZ and CD Edited August 30, 2006 by fordsho90 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cdhicks99 Posted August 30, 2006 Author Share Posted August 30, 2006 $290, is it really worth the future headaches? Or I could just run gas and be a whole lot cheaper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
94extreme Posted August 31, 2006 Share Posted August 31, 2006 damn, i missed the propane thingy.. just go diesel and forgetabouit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
94extreme Posted August 31, 2006 Share Posted August 31, 2006 hehe MZ and CD no man, i am just giving him grief becuase he is working towards cd mama's wishes. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cdhicks99 Posted August 31, 2006 Author Share Posted August 31, 2006 No, I enjoy giving my mom ulcers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iLLlegal Posted August 31, 2006 Share Posted August 31, 2006 if I had a 350 I would so put that in there. I mean I would want to stay import or something and put something else in there but. I want a sleeper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zonianbrat Posted August 31, 2006 Share Posted August 31, 2006 More power is just plain more fun in most cases. Sure the dependebility is one thing but if you have a good SBC then let the good times roll. And besides if you blow it later on you will still have the VG right? No worries. Plus it will be cool to be able to smoke the tires all four if you want..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cdhicks99 Posted August 31, 2006 Author Share Posted August 31, 2006 Wow has everyone had a bad experience with SBCs? Since when is one of the all time greatest engines unreliable? In my case the low-end torque will be a great addition to a heavy crawler. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zonianbrat Posted August 31, 2006 Share Posted August 31, 2006 I agree with you cd. The SBC is an all-american work-horse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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