Offroad-Express

im looking at repowering my terrano and doing a bit something different. i want to put a v8 in. which motor would be easiest to install? some people have said just change the gearbox to a standard manual and get an adaptor made for between the gearbox and motor while some have said the gearbox, tranfser case and drive shaft will need to be replaced.

Jeff

An LS would be the easiest option but the Terrano gearbox (any of them) are not up to the job. As far as that goes neither is the front diff.
You can bolt the VH41/45 up to the Terrano auto or change to Safari auto and bolt that to Terrano T-case.
I would suggest you would be better off turboing or supercharging the VG30 motor as you'll get similar HP for less money. EG get VG30de pistons, injectors and ecu (or aftermarket ecu) witha good intercooler, exhuast and you should be looking at a good reliable 400hp. That shouldn't cost more than about $5k whereas a V8 conversion is going to cost double that +++++. eg $2k+ for motor, $2k for adapters, it cost me over $1,000 in parts to plumb my first V8 conversion, you'll need custon extractors and exhuast so at least $1,000 etc.

If you're doing it yourself then go for it but if you are paying someone else then budget on $10k or don't start!

FYI I'm fitting a turboed VH45 (plus full Safaru drive train) into a Terrano and that is a massive job. Need to cut out firewall, tunnel etc to make it fit but as I'm basically space framing most of the truck it doesn't matter much to me.

what about a worked rb30?

Jerry wrote:what about a worked rb30?

Have you seen how short a Terrano engine bay is, you'd never fit one of those in there without shifting the firewall and moving the driver to the back seat!

I have seen an RB20 in a Terrano with radiator, electric fans and no mods to firewall and radiator placement.
Tight is an understaement though!!!!!!!!

IMO you'd be better of with a VG30dett as less work to fit. (but still plenty of work)

My dream truck would be a SAS'd terrano, with either a vg30dett or a vh41det, Would be an absolute machine i reckon.

If you really want a v8, stick with nissan and drop a vh in

ive decided not to worry. going to sell the terrano and buy something done already