VQ37VHR Swap into a 1973 Datsun 240Z

1973 Datsun 240Z

Datsun 240Z (S30)8-page write-up

73 240Z VQ37VHR Swap Build Log

Read the full write-up at 73 240Z VQ37VHR Swap Build Log ↗

A 1973 Datsun 240Z being rebuilt around a VQ37VHR V6 swap

Sanchez is documenting a long-running restoration and engine swap on his 1973 240Z, combining full chassis rust repair with a VQ37VHR V6 and CD009 six-speed transmission swap. The thread covers years of slow progress between body work, wiring sorted out with help from specialist shops, and a first successful engine start, with the build still in progress as of the latest posts.

Specs

As stated in the original write-up.

Engine: Nissan VQ37VHR V6
Gearbox: CD009 6-speed manual (370Z/G37 unit)
Engine mounts: McKinney engine mounts
Wiring harness: Hexa Garage VQ harness
Rear axle: Ford 8.8 from a 2008 Ford
Front suspension: Apex Engineered front subframe and VQ mount kit
Coilovers: Riaction coilovers
Steering: Rebuilt steering rack, column and shaft using parts from ZCarDepot

Parts used

Parts named as used in the original write-up, grouped the way the Parts page groups them. Where one of the shops we index lists the same thing for this car, it is shown underneath with a link to the shop.

Engine 3

VQ37VHR V6 engine
Used as the swap engine, run stock
McKinney engine mounts
Used to mount the VQ37VHR
D&D Power Belts 310K7 accessory belt
Fitted as a 31.75 inch, 7-rib belt for the VQ37VHR with alternator and stock tensioner
In the shops
Accessory Belt (AC & PS), 1990-93 ↗Flyin' Miata· $20.99 USD
Accessory Belt (PS only), 1990-05 ↗Flyin' Miata· $15.99 USD
Accessory Belt (AC only), 1994-05 ↗Flyin' Miata· $13.99 USD

Gearbox & Drivetrain 2

CD009 6-speed transmission (370Z/G37)
Sourced from a 370Z to pair with the VQ37VHR
In the shops
Front Transmission Oil Seal (5-Speed) ↗Flyin' Miata· $7.29 USD
Automatic Transmission Speed Sensor, X300 ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $87.83 USD
Transmission Input Slip Yoke (350Z CD009) ↗Z Car Depot· $84.99 USD
Ford 8.8 rear axle
Used as the rear end for the swap

Suspension & Steering 3

Apex Engineered front subframe and VQ mount kit
Front suspension and engine mounting subframe installed in the car
In the shops
Front Subframe Mount ↗bpnorthwest.com· $5.60 USD
Front Subframe V-Mount ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $39.97 USD
Front Subframe Rear Mount (Mini) ↗bpnorthwest.com· $97.36 USD
Riaction coilovers
Ordered separately to complete the Apex Engineered suspension setup
ZCarDepot steering rack rebuild parts
Used to rebuild the steering rack, column and shaft including rack tube end bushings
In the shops
Steering Rack Stop ↗TRGB· £4.95 GBP
Steering Rack Spacer ↗bpnorthwest.com· $17.10 USD
Steering Rack Boot Kit ↗bpnorthwest.com· $11.02 USD

Electrical 1

Hexa Garage wiring harness
Used to wire the VQ37VHR into the car, required fault-finding after installation
In the shops
Wiring Harness ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $0.00 USD
Wiring Harness ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $0.00 USD
Main Wiring Harness ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $736.39 USD

Photos

71 pictures collected from the write-up, in the order they were posted, shown from 73 240Z VQ37VHR Swap Build Log. A picture opens larger here, with the way through to the page it is on.

Sanchez · 2020-05-21T00:36:33Z 7this post at 73 240Z VQ37VHR Swap Build Log ↗

Sanchez · 2020-05-23T21:59:19Z 3this post at 73 240Z VQ37VHR Swap Build Log ↗

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Sanchez · 2021-03-16T13:13:46Z 1this post at 73 240Z VQ37VHR Swap Build Log ↗

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Sanchez · 2023-05-21T19:04:32Z 3this post at 73 240Z VQ37VHR Swap Build Log ↗

Sanchez · 2023-11-04T19:47:24Z 3this post at 73 240Z VQ37VHR Swap Build Log ↗

Sanchez · 2024-03-01T17:03:52Z 1this post at 73 240Z VQ37VHR Swap Build Log ↗

Sanchez · 2024-04-12T17:37:38Z 6this post at 73 240Z VQ37VHR Swap Build Log ↗

How it was done

Plans and starting point

Sanchez outlined a long-term plan for the 240Z: full chassis restoration and rust removal, a stock VQ37VHR engine with ZFever harness and McKinney mounts, a CD009 six-speed gearbox, a complete suspension overhaul with coilovers, and a rewired electrical system.

Chassis and rust repair

The bulk of the thread covers years of cutting out and fabricating replacement metal for the floor pans, kick panels, firewall and front frame rails, done slowly in limited weekend time, including sandblasting the shell and tackling a badly rusted fan intake chimney area.

Engine and wiring

Sanchez sourced a 370Z CD009 transmission, built up the VQ37VHR with its harness, and eventually had Hexa Garage supply a harness. After a long wiring fault hunt involving a dealer-level CONSULT III scan tool, the engine was successfully started, tracing the fault to a broken Neutral Position Switch wire.

Suspension and drivetrain parts arriving

Apex Engineered supplied a front subframe, VQ mount kit, and most of the suspension, paired with a Ford 8.8 rear axle and separately ordered Riaction coilovers. Steering rack, column and shaft were rebuilt using parts from ZCarDepot.

Progress so far

As of the latest posts the build remains incomplete, slowed repeatedly by work, injury, family and life events; body work on the front half is nearly finished and the car is being prepared for engine and transmission mock-up.

A summary in our own words. The full account, with all its detail, is in the original write-up: read it at 73 240Z VQ37VHR Swap Build Log ↗

Worth knowing

Only a 370Z/G37 CD009 transmission will bolt to the VQ37VHR, not a 350Z/G35 unit
A missing Neutral Position Switch wire to the ECM can stop the engine from starting even when everything else looks wired correctly
Trace and verify unlabeled harness wires carefully before connecting a third-party wiring harness