Hey! Just joined!

[Maine350zUSA]

Was hoping for some insight on swapping a Berra into my 2005 350z! Any positive insight is much appreciated. I have 15 years auto body experience under  my belt besides that had been the typical RB swaps. Appreciate you all!

[Duncan]

Welcome to SAU!

Is Berra a typo and you meant Barra, ie the engine in most taxis in Australia? If so, I think there has been a couple of people with R chassis swaps, but have you checked physical space in the z engine bay as they are a very long motor?

[Maine350zUSA]

Yes I most definitely got that wrong! Barra there we go! I’ll have to take some measurements once I find the specs. I know there about 6” longer than a 2jz. Also slightly wider I think about 10mm or so. I knoticed they make adapter plates etc for the swap but really didn’t find much on that but haven’t dug too deep yet! Figured you guys would be some of the best info and advice! Cheers from cold ass Maine!

[PranK]

Welcome to SAU! 

Is the engine in the Z dead? Wondering what the motivation is for the swap. Why a Barra btw?

 

[Maine350zUSA]

Well everyone does either the LS,rb,2jz swap. I just want to be different with my build that’s all! My motor actually bone stock 6spd with slightly less that 53k for miles! Figured I can keep it as a spare lol

Edited October 20, 2021 by Maine350zUSA

[PLYNX]

Is it just me or is there something really wrong with the wheel alignment on that 350z ? ? 

[Maine350zUSA]

It’s got some camber to it currently on bags! After a year I’ll be going back to normal!

[30ed32]

I'm guessing you're going to have to push the engine further back (meaning modifying the firewall) or get creative with the radiator.  I put a v8 in a 350z and even that was getting tight on the length.

[Ben C34]

Don't put being different ahead of wasting heaps of money.

 

Barra swaps make sense on Australia as the engines are common and easy to get. In the states you need to pay a premium, so the obvious choice is to use something that is readily available. If you are deviating from readily available there are heaps of other choices that make more sense.

 

Good luck with what ever you decide

[Maine350zUSA]

I understand a lot of people want me to go 20b rotary or do a rb26 or 2jz which is at least twice as much as a barra in good condition. The metal and fab work I can do most but I do have help from a certified welder. I have many years in auto body. But I definitely get what your saying! I really appreciate your advice! What swaps do you recommend then? I hate v8 swaps just my opinion.

[Duncan]

well, vk56 is the go but I guess it is kind of a v8 sort of

[GTSBoy]

As if you wouldn't put a massive Yank crate motor in the thing. This is why the USA exists!

[Maine350zUSA]

Haha a lot of people do yes but not this guy! Haha 

[The Bogan]

If I was in 'merica I would get this new goodness delivered in a crate and bash it in the hole

 

[NCred02]

LS3, but I'm a ol Vette fan.

This Nissan JDM thing is new to me,,,but I'm addicted already

[Maine350zUSA]

Yeah I love it haha! I’m just not a fan of the v8 swaps. I’ll never shoot down anyone’s v8 build. Just not my thing! 

[The Bogan]

On 25/10/2021 at 12:54 AM, Maine350zUSA said:

Yeah I love it haha! I’m just not a fan of the v8 swaps. I’ll never shoot down anyone’s v8 build. Just not my thing! 

 

Watch some of this for super JDM V8 goodness

Whilst a Barra would be "quirky", it would be logistically troublesome for parts, local knowledge, spare parts

Your going to need engine and gearbox to test fit for fab, even before you know if it's going to fit

Barra engines and transmissions are at a premium even her in AU

Enjoy 

 

[niZmO_Man]

What about those 'Blackwing' V6 turbo? Ford's V6 turbo?

If you want inline six... you can always get the new Supra engine (B58)

[D_I_F]

Welcome! Nice car. 

We can definitely tell you're a fellow USA brother, not just by the name but you're pronunciation in writing is also so American like (I'm just picturing in my head the pronunciation of 'Barra' or Berra as you would say when my cousin from NJ would be saying it) 😆

This would def be a cool swap as some of the above said you'd prob have a bit of a challenge on your hand. 

 

[Maine350zUSA]

Haha thanks brother! I know it will be a lot of work! Still weighing on the swap options.