Quote Originally Posted by thursdaybuff
there's different things you have to consider with both choices though.

if you give it to z1 think of how long do you think the actual swap will take them, or how long it will take before they actually get to your car because i've heard they have quite the line-up, especially after z-nationals last weekend. and also is 8k the base cost of the swap or will they add more should they need more parts along the way (ie new motor mounts, etc..)

or if you do it yourself would you even have the slightest idea of what you're getting into? like everyone said, the vg motor has not always been the most friendly especially when you're taking the whole thing out. if you did it yourself no doubt you'd need to know what you're doing but also you'd need to know exactly how much to modify from the vg30de to the vg30dett, because the differences are a big deal.

if you know what you're doing, no doubt you should do it yourself, you'd save a shit load but if you don't, you either need to have a shit load of patience or send it to z1 because they may charge a lot, but they know what they're doing and can do it right.
Thats why I was asking is it just a clean swap minus ECU, stearing column, radiator, and other needed things. Or is it like hacking at core supports and the frame and stuff like that. If its a relatively clean swap just difficult because of how tightely packed everything is then I think I can do it myself. If there is alot of different difficult steps to swapping this engine then I will just pay to have it done.

And I know the VG30DE/TT is a large engine and fits very tightely in the bay. I have one and since this engine is such a pain in the ass to pull and swap it also makes the cost for installation of certain parts that need the engine to be torn down/ pulled very high. Thats why im trying to learn as much as I can about how to do that so 1) I can swap out this beast and 2) After I swap it if I decide to add new cams, or a rebuilt engine or anything somewhat demanding in the knowledge area of the engine...I can.

Now alot of you have told me "its a beast to pull out", or "just buy a new Z'. I know all of that and am looking for what the difficulties of the swap will be. If its just dissasemble everything, pull the engine, then maybe drill a little and hack a little (emphasis or a little), then dop in new motor and re-assemble. Then I can handle that and it will be somewhat easy as long as I have a good set of instructions and some pics, but hey thats why we have the net, right? But if it is much more difficult than that then I need to know. Thats the info I am wanting.

I have heard all the stories of how people will never want to do the swap again, and im okay with that. As long as I can find out if I have the ability to do the swap on my own then I will consider either doing it or letting someone do it for me.

Not trying to be one of those people that are all "Well I can do anything cause Im the man so dont worry." Im just like the rest of you, interested in making my car ALOT faster. Im just trying to learn how my car is setup along the way. Also gaining a bit of experience.

I appreciate any info that is given to me whatever it is im sure it can help in some way or form. Thanks.