Disassembly of the 40+ year old Datsun was actually easier than the 14 year old G35x.
- 620Engineless.jpg (172.25 KiB) Viewed 8132 times
Once everything was apart, my measurement were proving to be pretty close and the project feasibility was still viable. I'd like to credit countless hours of watching 'Iron Resurrection', 'Texas Metal', 'Dirt Everyday', 'Diesel Brothers', and 'Faster with Finnigan' on MotorTrend App for COMPLETELY skewing my perspective of what is possible.
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The VQ35de is quite compact and thankfully will fit within the truck's engine bay, it's the the front axles that are about 4-5" forward of the 620 wheel arch that is the most concern. The plan is to move the engine foward 2" relative to the engine cross member, and then notch the 620 firewall for the balance (sourcing the G35x's if need be).
Since the G35x brakes were shot I took the opportunity to replace them with more capable Nissan 350z drilled & slotted rotors, stock 350z calipers, and stainless brake lines. For the automatic transmission I plan to add a Transgo automatic valve body upgrade. I've got the high-flow OEM Y pipe and plan a high flow cat too. Lightened pulley and plenum spacer will add a little more kick.
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Difference in track with is only about 5" which means that moderate 2" flares should cover the G35x powertrain.
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Because of the G35x rust, the engine cross member had to be cut out. That means the new 620 frame rails will have to be welded to the cross member instead of bolted on. I'll be using 3" x 2" rectangular 120 tubing.
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Also, the shock towers were not removed as a single unit (with the G35x frame rails), and so I'll have to build up new frame rails to the towers. In the 620 we managed to get 10 degrees of castor vs the G35x's 14 degrees.
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With the G35x shock towers butted up to the 620 cabin firewall (or, close enough so the cabin can still be removed), it's apparent that a remote brake booster will have to be used. I'll likely go with a hydraulic remote booster using the G35x power steering pump to power it, and implement an electric power steering assist in lieu.
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Speaking of steering, the rack is nearly straight down from the 620 firewall so the plan is to use a Toyota steering bevel to provide a sharp turn from the firewall down to the rack.
Honestly, I had goals of retaining the G35's ABS/Traction/Cruise/AC but lack of room, and interest in getting this done ASAP, means that this project, like pretty much all Datsun projects around the world, will be one with perpetual improvments.
