Thread: My VE swap/build list

ok guys.. Bringing my progress thread back..
I am working toward a VE swap into my b13 Se-r. I'm still in the research phase as we speak due to the coming Winter here in NY and realistically trying to debuting it this Spring. I'm looking for an aggressive street car with 180-190whp to start with. Probably will not be taken to the track often (if at all). I know this topic has been brought up several times. I have and am still researching through this and the other forum. I've read my share of threads on the subject, no need to reiterate to "search"

(This list is mainly for me to really put things down on paper but any and all suggestions are definitely welcome if it will help the end result)
So far here is my list:

1. Sr20VE motor (JDMEngineDepot in NJ due to a good reputation and pretty local in case of any problems)
2. JWT ECU (not very familiar with Nistune and Calum has not had the best reviews recently. If I can get a used Calum with a VE program that would be good also.) [How is the VE program on a JWT? What moderate things should I add onto program to get the most out it?]
3. RPM switch (MSD 8969?)
4. MAF Sensor (Stock to start) [N60? Cobra Mustang MAF? Ford Lightning MAF? Maxima 95-99 MAF?]
5. New Clutch kit (Competition Clutch failed on me within 6months ) [Gspec]
6. Urethane motor mounts (mines well) [Gspec]
7. Tune up stuff (spark plugs, oil filter(s), oil, pcv valve, cap, rotor, VE wires, tranny fluid, coolant, etc.) [Do I need others little things?] [Gspec]
8. Cruise control/throttle cable bracket [O.E.M - OverkillEngineeringMotorsports.com ]

Other Misc. items that I just want and would like to change while the motor is going in:
1. Hella air horns (don't ask)
2. Radiator hoses (Gspec http://gspec.com/c-50- engine.aspx?pagenum=4) [I'm guessing DE ones work?]
3. Short shifter (Gspec)
4. WAI Intake (maybe)
5. ???

AM I MISSING ANYTHING? Comments welcome Thanks!!

A couple thoughts --

- ECU's - Calum tune is pretty good for the VE. In my opinion, the JWT tune needs more timing advance a lower RPM. Calum's tunes are available for download and provide a good starting point whether you use his hardware or Nistune. The JWT hardware needs to go back to JWT for reflash. At least I'm not smart enough to figure out how to burn chips for the JWT motherboard. Whatever you use, just know that 1) the bin file and the MAF have to match, and 2) VEs are notoriously unpredictable from car to car with respect to the AFR that will be produced by a tune. It's really necessary to buy or borrow a wide band to check and tune your set up.

Second, you can use the DE MAF or the N60 (Maxima) MAF. Although the N60 MAF has a bigger unrestrcted bore, JWT swears that there is no difference in output.

WRT clutches, I like the CAP clutch. Google it. They have one that is one step up from OEM replacement that I have run for years on a VE -- street and road course.

A flywheel is a very nice mod for a VE - though expensive it really makes that engine rev quickly.

You will need a header. What are you going to use?

Also, you will want a minimum 2.5" exhaust with straight through muffler and resonator.

1st. how much$$ do you have budgeted for the swap?

2nd. forget the jwt ecu! save your $$. you can run the ve on your stock b13 ecu AND maf. advance the timing to 21-23 and you're golden!
my b14 made more power AND driveability was much better on the stock maf and a g20 ecu, than the $jwt ve ecu$/ve maf combo (because of the timing issue billc mentioned). and that was on the stock 333cc ve injectors! i was lucky to unload the jwt ecu.

3rd. add a PAIR of 8969's to switch the cams independantly. it'll smooth your power band considerably over switching both cams together.

Ok, I did hear that the JWT is not as good as the Calum or the Nistune with different programs on it. I will check out the n60 maf if that will be a simple add on to the swap. I have a light(er) flywheel installed from a sr16 which is about 5lbs less than stock but a real light weight one would be premier. I also have a SSAC header/dp & 2.5" str8 back custom exhaust installed now so I should have no problem with that. It breaths pretty well now.



My budget is extremely tight. Not having to buy the jwt ecu would definitely save me lots. I just want to ensure it will run fairly good. I have been doing my research on the vvl switch and there's several different options that aren't very expensive such as the msd one.

Thanks for the input guys. I have somewhat had a change of heart with doing the swap, at least for the time being. I am going to get a few other things done before swapping (body work & paint on severely damaged rocker panels due to rust. Yes that NY salt & snow). Car has been sitting for almost a year with blown clutch so a new clutch kit is a must to start also. Then a swap maybe early next spring/summer. I will continue my research/list so I am ready to go when funds become available.

That's a nice find. But $41? that is overkill. I made my own based on a b14 bracket.

Other little things are lots of wire connectors, ground your MAF and O2 sensors, coolant and good oil. The engine itself cost around 850 shipped, but when you add all the goodies (flywheel, clutch/PP, header, exhaust, new little things, etc) they all add up to close to $2800. The granatelli rpm switch looks like a good alternative to the msd, since it can control intake & exhaust separately, but I bought the msd before i came across the granatelli.

If you can find a calum realtime go for that. JWT is not worth the money for a poor quality tune that you have to pay money to get re-tuned every time. I use a calum basic, i own a moates burn 1 and an extra set of chips. Going to invest in Nissan Data scan soon so I can monitor stuff on the laptop. I use an SSAC knock off header and dp. MSD 8969 (only 1 right now, i need to get a second one.) AEM Eugo for a wideband. DE maf until i switch over to the z32. Im using a 2.5" ID WAI currently, seems to work well. I have a JGY flywheel, 11lb i think.

There are many different routes you can take with the VE. Some people like to swap over DE injectors, use DE maf and DE ecu. Personally I dont like this method. Why downgrade injectors. Even if you do that youre still not running the right ECU. Throwing the timing forward doesnt compensate completely for the difference in the motors. However if you are on limited budget, you can run VE injectors, DE ecu, DE maf and have no issues. You will run rich but the vehicle will run as I did it for a while when I was broke.

Its all a matter of what you can afford. If you have a high budget toss the money down for some N1 cams. More than worth the 500 dollars.

i have the calum ecu you need..Ve tune and ill even include the maf for $160 shipped...LMK

Thanks guys for the help. I am going to get things together. Sorry no fabrication for me, I'll buy the $41 bracket lol. I have most of the goodies to hook things up but I want to prep for it all. Oh yeah and I'd much rather get a Calum... which brings me to..



..that would be perfect. I might have to take you up on that if you still have it in the next couple weeks as I get things together. Thanks for the promo lol..