With the ever-increasing prices of popular JDM drift platforms such as
the s-chassis, there’s no surprise that enthusiasts are hunting down the
next best reasonably priced car to throw down sideways.
As much as it pains us to admit it, gone are the days of finding a
$1,000 240SX that needs some fixing up before rubbing doors with your
buddies at the track. Even if you did decide to empty your pockets and
pay the scene tax, you’re likely to be left with a rusting shell that
has a destroyed KA which has spent its years being bounced off the rev
limiter.
Not only does it offer great looks on the outside, but it also has a
stylish, modern interior and many of the comforts you’d expect from a
modern car in a sleek, refined package.
Created by Nissan in 2002, the Z33 was their return to the sports-car
game after ceasing production of the 300ZX six years earlier. It
immediately took the market by storm, which is all the better for buyers
in the present day with so many reasonably-priced options featured on
the used marketplace.
With the modern-day 370Z entering the game, they’re currently out of the
price range for most drift enthusiasts, so we’re going to look at one
way of maximizing the true potential of its older sibling in the form of
a controversial V8 swap.
Now, don’t get us wrong here, both the VQ35DE and HR are great engines,
and with the addition of supercharging
capable of becoming a true weapon.
However, we’ve witnessed first-hand just how expensive aftermarket
forced induction on a stock engine can become. If you’re lucky enough to
have deep pockets it is undoubtedly a solid choice.
But what if you want to stir up a little controversy, create stupendous
amounts of noise and have enough power to comfortably throw it down
sideways at the track, whilst maintaining reliability? LS-swapping is
certainly nothing new, and 350z owners have been doing it since the
early 2000s, but with today’s off-the-shelf products, it’s more
affordable and convenient than ever.
Sure, you’re going to upset your JDM fanboy buddies while you feel the
need to scream ‘LS THE WORLD!’, but you’ll soon forget about that when
you’ve got a smoke trail billowing from the rear tires and you can
comfortably make the round trip to the local track day without breaking
down.
Why are the LS engines so popular?
LS1 motors have been around since the early 90s and this notorious,
affordable block has been swapped into just about everything imaginable
since. They’ve since become the most commonly-swapped variant for
350z’s, and also the most convenient.
One of the best features of the LS engine is the ability to swap over
parts from other LSx variations, providing cheap and effective upgrades.
As an example, simply fitting an LS2 head onto your LS1 essentially
creates an LS6 engine which then provides better flow as it squeezes out
additional ponies. Result!
With either a lightweight, all-aluminium or the heavier cast-iron LS1
block offering to choose from, both would soon become immensely popular
in just about every form of motorsport across the world. With the
eventual capabilities proving insane horsepower figures, with some
tuners hitting the 1,400hp mark.
To obtain this crazy horsepower figures, you might want to check out our
LS1 turbo kit guide
Sure, you’re going to need to throw some serious cash at it to get
anywhere near these kind of figures, but just like the VQ, there are the
forced induction or stroker
wish to achieve bigger power, whether it’s now, or further down the line
when that lust for more power begins rearing its ugly head once again.
drifting 350z
Once you’ve added all of the bolt-on mods that are available for a
naturally aspirated LS1, you can expect to get around 420hp, which is
more than capable of spinning up the tires and putting a huge grin on
your face in the 350z.
If you’ve been offered a cheap LS2, it’s certainly worth considering.
You can check out our thoughts in our LS1 vs LS2 guide
This great video from TampaBay Builds provides a great summary on
modifying the LS1 if you’re considering doing so:
Which cars came with the LS1 from the factory?
GM’s LS1 engines were produced between the 97 and 04 model years in the
U.S, and into 05 on the international market. If you’re looking to bag
yourself a cheap LS1, they can be found in the following cars:
* Chevrolet Corvette C5
* Chevrolet Camaro
* Pontiac Firebird
* Pontiac GTO
Is the LS1 the best choice?
The LS1 is certainly a fantastic powerplant, but the selection of cars
GM placed them in certainly leaves a lot desired in the quest for a
solid handling chassis, which is why the far lighter, nimble 350z is the
perfect, affordable base for your upcoming project, especially given its
price range.
350z ls swap bay
Of course, if you have big bucks to spend, there are plenty more insane
LS engines available, and if you’re looking for big power figures then
the more expensive choices are capable of 700hp straight out of the box.
Or crate, for that matter.
To keep this guide simple, we’ll stick with the mighty LS1 and show you
exactly what is needed to be done to make your V8 transition as smooth
as possible. With the same blocks being used for all of the LSx series,
chances are this will fit others too, but it’s worth double checking first.
Let’s take a look at what we need for your 350z LS swap
Thankfully, our friends over at Enjuku Racing
going to need to slide the LS1 into your shiny engine bay (you have
cleaned it up before it goes in, right?!).
ISR Performance 350z LS/T56 Swap Mount Kit
350z ls swap transmission
* *Manufacturer:* ISR Performance
* *Fitment:* Nissan 350Z (Z33)
* *Purchase link:* Buy the ISR Performance LS/T56 Swap Mounts for
Nissan
*Our comment:* Now that you’ve removed your VQ and your LS1 is sitting
there eager to get into its new home, you’re going to need the ISR
Performance LS / T56 Swap Mounts for Nissan 350Z Z33 kit.
This is ISR Performance’s one-stop solution to getting the LS mounted
into your Z33 chassis and it does so fantastically well. With their
provided urethane engine and transmission mount bushings, these dampen
the engine vibration without being overly stiff, which is the perfect
answer for both daily driven and track cars alike.
By utilizing a small base mount pedestal and separate mount bracket,
these mounts can pivot to provide the perfect fitment and easy
installation to your subframe.
Also included in this kit is the ISR T56 350z shifter relocation kit for
those of you that are intending to stick with the stock LS1 T56
transmission, and this allows it to fit into the factory position on the
350z. However, the OEM CD008/009 gearboxes may well be a better shout,
so we’ll also show you what’s required if you wish to go with the modern
alternative further down.
If you’re looking to buy the full kit, you can also add the ISR high
ground clearance headers, which bolt to the stock 35z Y-pipe location so
that you can keep your existing exhaust setup. However, if you’re also
looking to upgrade your exhaust setup at the same time, you’ll want to
check out our 350z
On top of this, the final option in the Enjuku package deal also
includes the oil pan which you’re going to need eventually, which we’ll
also discuss below. As you can imagine, buying the package deal comes in
at an unbeatable price, so we highly recommend doing that if you’re
intending to buy them all anyway.
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Transmission
ISR Performance Transmission Adapter – LSx to 350Z CD00x
350z ls swap transmission
* *Manufacturer:* ISR Performance
* *Fitment:* Nissan 350Z (Z33)
* *Purchase link:* Buy the ISR Performance Transmission Adapter – LSx
to 350Z CD00x
*Our comment:* This kit is perfect for mating to any Gen III/IV LS
engine to the factory 350z transmission to save you needing to use the
GM T56.
Also included in this kit is a billet aluminium flywheel and hi-torque
starter. This also allows for a 350z clutch kit to be used, which is
super convenient if you’ve already upgraded your clutch. If you’ve not
upgraded this yet, it may be the perfect time to do so. We’ve taken a
look at the best on the market in our 350z clutch guide
Here’s everything that’s included in the kit:
* Billet Transmission Adapter Plate
* Billet Aluminum Flywheel
* Hi-Torque Starter
* Starter Heat Shield
* Pilot bushing
* Shifter Bracket
* Linkage adapter
* Flywheel Bolts
* Dowel Pins
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Collins Adapters – LS/VQ Adapter Plate
350z ls swap adapter
* *Manufacturer:* Collins Adapters
* *Fitment:* Nissan 350Z (Z33)
* *Purchase link:* Buy the Collins Adapters – LS/VQ Adapter Plate
*Our comment:* If you’re purely looking for an adapter plate, Collins
Adapters offer an alternative which allows you to retain all of the
LS1’s stock clutch and flywheel components.
This requires you to cut the existing bell housing from your CD00x
transmission and bolt the adapter plate to the LSX bell housing. This
then bolts to the LS transmission.
This kit comes with a clutch disc, a new input shaft seal, every
required bolt and a pilot bearing adapter.
You will need to ensure that you have the correct bell housing,
flywheel, pressure plate, and T56 slave cylinder.
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ISR Performance LS1 T56 Transmission Shifter Extension Relocation
Kit
350z ls swap shifter
* *Manufacturer:* ISR Performance
* *Fitment:* Nissan 350Z (Z33)
* *Purchase link:* Buy the ISR Performance LS1 T56 Transmission
Shifter Extension Relocation Kit
*Our comment:* If you opt for GM’s OEM T56 gearbox, you’ll want to take
a look at ISR Performance’s Transmission Shifter Extension Relocation Kit.
This enables the shifter to be extender to be moved -7 inches backward
from its original T56 Camaro location, so that it slots in nicely in the
OEM position in your 350z.
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Driveshaft
ISR Performance LS 350z Driveshaft
350z ls swap driveshaft
* *Manufacturer:* ISR Performance
* *Fitment:* Nissan 350Z (Z33)
* *Purchase link:* Buy the ISR Performance LS 350z Driveshaft
*Our comment:* Whether you’ve decided to opt for the CD00x OEM Nissan
gearbox, or the GM T56 for your build, the ISR driveshaft has got you
covered!
This uprated shaft features larger, replaceable and greaseable u-joints
which are capable of handling up to 650whp. This is perfect for most
setups unless you intend to run huge power figures.
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Oil Pan
ISR Performance/Canton Racing Oil Pan Kit
350z ls swap sump
* *Manufacturer:* ISR Performance/Canton Racing
* *Fitment:* Nissan 350Z (Z33)
* *Purchase link:* Buy the ISR Performance/Canton Racing Oil Pan Kit
*Our comment:* Next up in the must-have parts list is the baffled oil
pan kit. We’d highly recommend getting this in the package deal above to
save some money for additional parts!
Created in a collaboration between ISR Performance and Canton Racing,
you can count on being in good hands with this baffled oil pan, which
helps to prevent oil starvation during heavy track use, or drifting.
This is for use with the ISR mount kit, so if you don’t opt for the
other parts in the ISR/Enjuku kit, it’s worth checking if this will
definitely fit to avoid potential disappointment further down the line.
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Headers
ISR Performance High Ground Clearance LS Headers
350z ls swap exhaust headers
* *Manufacturer:* ISR Performance
* *Fitment:* Nissan 350Z (Z33)
* *Purchase link:* Buy the ISR Performance High Ground Clearance LS
Headers
*Our comment:* These awesome customized headers allow for higher ground
clearance when fitting your LS1 and are produced from high-quality 304
stainless steel. These are once again designed to go with the rest of
the ISR kit, and we highly recommend purchasing it along with that and
the oil pan for maximum savings.
These are designed to fit your existing 350z exhaust setup, so you can
settle with your current setup, or get yourself a shiny new one while
you have everything already removed.
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Wiring Harness
Wiring Specialties LSx Canbus Pro Series Wiring Harness
350z ls swap wiring harness
* *Manufacturer:* Wiring Specialties
* *Fitment:* Nissan 350Z (Z33)
* *Purchase link:* Buy the Wiring Specialties LSx Canbus Pro Series
Wiring Harness
Buy the Wiring Specialties Pro Series LSX GEN IV Wiring Harness
*Our comment:* Wiring is always one of the trickiest and most
inconvenient parts when it comes to engine swaps, however, the guys over
at Wiring Specialties have had so many requests for 350z harnesses that
they’ve produced this off-the-shelf setup!
This enables full functionality of your 350z interior and won’t cause
any issues with CANbus in a convenient plug-and-play package. If you
read any old threads online which states that the tacho, engine temp or
fault lights have been causing issues, you won’t need to worry about any
of these issues with this awesome kit.
With a huge number of variables to choose from in the selection process,
we’re certain that the Wiring Specialties kit will be perfect for your
needs.
For those of you that are lucky enough to be considering the LSX Gen IV
swap, they’ve also answered your prayers with this kit
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Oil Filter Mounts
Canton Racing Remote Oil Filter Mounts
350z ls swap oil
* *Manufacturer:* Chase Bays
* *Fitment:* Nissan 350Z (Z33)
* *Purchase link:* Buy the Canton Racing Remote Oil Filter Mounts
*Our comment:* If you’re intending to use your LS-powered 350z for track
racing, canyon runs or drifting, we highly recommend opting for the
remote oil filter mounts.
This is designed for use in high-performance applications and includes
two 1/2″ N.P.T. in and out ports. Unused ports can be used for a
temperature or oil pressure sender.
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Clutch Lines
Chase Bays 350z T56 Clutch Line
350z ls swap clutch lines
* *Manufacturer:* Chase Bays
* *Fitment:* Nissan 350Z (Z33)
* *Purchase link:* Buy the 350z T56 Chase Bays Clutch Line
*Our comment:* For those of you that are intending to keep the T56
transmission and would like improved pedal feel along with improved
engine bay aesthetics, you’ll want to check out this Chase Bays Clutch Line.
This is perfect for withstanding the pressures of harsh driving and is
made from 3AN stainless steel, which travels from the clutch master
cylinder to the slave cylinder. This also includes a 16″ bleeder line
which provides convenient bleeding.
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Clutch Master Cylinder Kit
Sikky Swap Master Cylinder Conversion Kit LS1 350z
350z ls swap master
* *Manufacturer:* Sikky
* *Fitment:* Nissan 350Z (Z33)
* *Purchase link:* Buy the Sikky Swap Master Cylinder Conversion Kit
LS1 350z
*Our comment:* If you’re wanting to get the most out of your clutch,
Sikky have created this full kit which is a perfect all-around clutch
master cylinder conversion kit.
Featuring a CNC billet aluminium adapter plate, you also get a Wilwood
7/8″ master cylinder, stainless braided lines and a Sikky adapter
fitting which threads into the factory GM slave cylinder without any
modifications required. On top of that, there’s also the bleeder line
and custom bracket and all required read more hardware and fittings.
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Power Steering Line Kit
Sikky 350z LS1 Swap Power Steering Line Kit
350z ls swap steering
* *Manufacturer:* Sikky
* *Fitment:* Nissan 350Z (Z33)
* *Purchase link:* Buy the Sikky 350z LS1 Swap Power Steering Line Kit
*Our comment:* The final piece of the puzzle for your LS swap is Sikky’s
Power Steering Line Kit.
This fits LS1 & LS2 power steering reservoirs and allows for full
adjustability with is swiveling design. This is capable of withstanding
maximum durability and heat during high-temperature racing conditions
and is capable of withstanding 48,000 PSI of pressure! This kit also
includes the low-pressure power steering return line with clamps.
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Performance Radiator
C&R Performance Radiator
350z ls swap radiator
* *Manufacturer:* C&R Performance
* *Fitment:* Nissan 350Z (Z33)
* *Purchase link:* Buy the C&R Performance Radiator
*Our comment:* I know, I know… I stated that you’d already completed the
puzzle! That’s because a stock 350Z radiator would be sufficient for a
stock LS1 in typical daily driving situations.
However, if you intend to hit the track or bounce off the redline in
tire-shredding harmony, then an uprated radiator should definitely be on
your to-do list.
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Conclusion
There you have it! With a few small additions such as an air intake,
you’re going to be all set for firing up the V8 powerplant and
experiencing ‘that’ LS roar for the very first time. Well, hopefully!
Be warned that engine swaps require a lot of time and patience. They’re
one of the most rewarding modifications in the long run, but the chances
are that it’s going to constantly test your limits throughout. This is
why we’ve opted for these off-the-shelf parts which have had
comprehensive R&D carried out and have been tried and tested over
hundreds of thousands of miles over the years.
350z ls swap engine bay
If you do happen to get stuck along the way, a quick owners club or
Google search will undoubtedly find owners that have been in the exact
same position previously that’ll be willing to offer a helping hand.
Thankfully with the 350z, it fits three 52mm gauges perfectly in the
dashboard for you to keep an eye on the temperatures and ensure that
everything is operating as it should be. Enjuku has an impressive
selection
for you to check out for that finishing touch!
You can rest easy knowing that should you now crave additional power in
the future, the LS engine has a huge array of modifications, right the
way through to forced induction for those ultimate-power setups!
Tags: 350Z