I've always been a big Z guy and have owned a few including a turbo 240Z.

When Nissan started using the VG30 in the Z31 and Z32 - it seems like their emphasis and focus shifted from their true sports car - the Z - to their touring car - the Skyline - which recieved better engines, tech, etc.

Anyway, what kills me is this: Why in the hell didn't Nissan stuff an RB25/6 into the Z32? Imagine the power potential, where the resale value would be now, etc.

 

I've heard the engine bay in that car is already crowded as it is ... would it even be able to accommodate the inline-6 without redesigning the car?

BTW, the 300ZX is a fantastic looking car. I'm a much bigger fan of its design than that of the 350Z.

 

the car look really nice, but the front light....

 

Oh, easily. It looks at HOME in a Z32. The VG30DETT is super cramped - to the point where the heat screws the electricals, etc - and basic stuff costs a fortune (well when new and people were still having the cars serviced by Nissan).

There are a lot of RB26 swaps out there using an RB25 tranny and adaptor.











VS

 

As the OP said, probably the shift from sport to touring has much to do with it.

Are V6's smoother with more torque vs. I-6's?

 

I-6's have perfect primary and secondary balance, inherently very smooth. The only way to have an inherently balanced V6 is to go to a 180deg V (i.e., flat-6).

As far as torque, neither has an advantage. Torque is largely a function of displacement, not cylinder configuration.

Regarding no RB for the Z32, the bigger question to me is why Nissan preferred to have BOTH the 300ZX and the 240SX die rather than simply offer the SR20DET in the SX in the U.S. and save that car at least

I love the Z32, but IMO it's main problem was being too heavy and overwrought, and the RB engine would not have helped in those areas...

In the end, the balance and styling of the car precluded use of the RB. Half the engine is in front of the front wheels in the RB-swaps above^^^ Wonder what the weight and weight distribution is vs. the VG30DETT?

 

The V6 is definately more compact for sure but placement is always going to be similar to the RB swaps above - with proper suspension tuning the Z32 would have been fantastic with an RB26.

Here are some pics to show placement of other I6 cars - the engine always being in front of the cross strut towers.

S30



M3


Skyline



Supra

 

everything looks cramped compared to old muscle car engine bays and even our S2000's

 

300zx vs. 260zx.

 

Proper suspension tuning is of course important.
Point is, drop an RB into a Z32, and it will have a more forward weight distribution.

I'm well aware of well-balanced cars with I6 engines which have a cylinder or two forward of the strut mounts, I have a street/track '71 240Z
49/51 with me in it, just like my S2000.

The Z32, designed around a V6, will be nose-heavy with the RB.