Nissan Off Road & 4x4 Forum

Rugged Rocks => General Discussion => Topic started by: B.C.Fab on November 07, 2011, 07:38:42 AM



Title: Need to know of a good engine swap for more power n my '87 Pathy 3.0L
Post by: B.C.Fab on November 07, 2011, 07:38:42 AM
Hey ya all,

I am new to this site but not to building up crawlers. Recently I been starting to notice how many factory parts for this lil VG30i in my pathy arent available except through junk yards. I was wondering if there is a good strong engine swap out with transmission that will line up relatively well with the frame mounts. I dont mind having to fab new brackets or mounts but would like something that would fit in the engine compartment without much trouble. As to all the sensors, wiring harnesses and ECM; I aint all that worried over it. So if ya all have any recommendations please lemme know.

Thank you


Title: Re: Need to know of a good engine swap for more power n my '87 Pathy 3.0L
Post by: zachbiz on November 07, 2011, 12:20:36 PM
ls1 th400


Title: Re: Need to know of a good engine swap for more power n my '87 Pathy 3.0L
Post by: SteeevO on November 07, 2011, 01:55:54 PM
lol... ^

How much power do you want?
The easiest swap is a VG33 (3.3L) motor from a Xterra/ Frontier.
They have an extremely mild cam in them (smaller than stock 3.0 cams) it's also available with a super charger you should be able to get around 230 - 240 HP with some work on the 3.3L which is a good jump fro your stock 87 3.0 with about 140HP.
the 3.3L will drop right in and bolt to your stock transmission.

this is the easiest way to go but if you're looking for more power there are other options that will require more work.


Title: Re: Need to know of a good engine swap for more power n my '87 Pathy 3.0L
Post by: Keithwidney on November 14, 2011, 10:23:30 PM
Will that swap fit into an 87 hardbody 4x4 also ?


Title: Re: Need to know of a good engine swap for more power n my '87 Pathy 3.0L
Post by: SteeevO on November 14, 2011, 11:59:15 PM
yes  :thumbup:


Title: Re: Need to know of a good engine swap for more power n my '87 Pathy 3.0L
Post by: B.C.Fab on November 15, 2011, 03:50:18 PM
THANKS STEVE,

I WILL BE LOOKING INTO THE 3.3L... DOES THAT TRANSFER CASE UPGRADE THAT YOU SELL WORK IN MY 331?


Title: Re: Need to know of a good engine swap for more power n my '87 Pathy 3.0L
Post by: SteeevO on November 15, 2011, 04:17:10 PM
what are you referring to as the 331?

The Atlas can be bolted on in place of the stock t-case with the adapter.


Title: Re: Need to know of a good engine swap for more power n my '87 Pathy 3.0L
Post by: B.C.Fab on November 16, 2011, 05:28:35 PM
FORGIVE ME,

I WAS TOLD THAT I HAD A STOCK 331 TRANSFER CASE IN MY D21 PATHY... I HAVENT PULLED IT OUT YET TO CHECK THE MODEL #... THANKS FOR THE INFO ON THE 3.3L... FOUND A 2003 XTERRA THAT WAS TOTALED BUT THE ENGINE AND WIRING HARNESS IS STILL ENTACT ALONG WITH THE ECM... GONNA BE STARTING THE SWAP IN ABOUT 2 WEEKS. THANKS FOR THE INFO STEEEVO.


Title: Re: Need to know of a good engine swap for more power n my '87 Pathy 3.0L
Post by: BlackX on November 16, 2011, 07:20:48 PM
Awesome.  You should post progress on here so we can follow along.