Not a huge amount of visible progress for the day’s work, but I've made the decision to try to get the VK56 running on an engine test stand with the standalone ECU.
I spent practically the whole session just removing unnecessary bits and pieces off the motor, then measuring and documenting what little pieces I need to get to allow it to run. Hoses, clamps, bolts, belts, etc.
I did put the stock inline-6 L28 + automatic transmission for sale on CL. If anybody here is interested, it has 127k miles, a leaky headgasket, and maybe a cracked head? Some sales pitch…
I won't be running power steering off the crank (if at all), nor a/c, nor a fan pulley, so I measured for a serpentine belt to run on the new pulley configuration for the test stand. I will have an alternator, but not for the test stand, so that was left out of the measurement. Just the crank, water pump, and tensioner. Short belt.
I'm going to try the Walmart (!) engine test stand to start. I'll have to fab up some sort of engine mount adapter, but I won't do that until the stand is together.
It's proving more difficult than I'd hoped to get an ECU ordered. After much research, consultation, and deliberation, I’ve decided to go with an AEM Infinity 708. It’s a pretty modern offering that has some nice features I really like at a reasonable price (at least compared to MoTec).
For purchasing, I want to use a local shop / AEM dealer, but when I call to get a quote, they always ask what car it's for. The conversation sort of degrades into them not being terribly interested in supporting this particular project because nobody has ever worked with this engine and they'll call me back. Which they don't.
If I can't get someone interested enough to help me even put together a quote, I'll just order from Amazon or something? Then I’ll really be on my own.
Thanks for reading!
damen
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All Datsun Posts: 600HP V8 Datsun 280Z
Even for a non-competitive track day, I need new brakes. Nik has some to try, but will they fit?
The mini-harness doesn’t seem to plug in to the wideband sensors. I guess I need an adapter or something?
I’ve been dreading the task of figuring out how the drive-by-wire throttle body works on the VK56, but it’s gotta be done…
I try to install a new ECU, load up the COBB tune, and then install the wideband UEGO sensor…
After working through some mental blocks, I was able to start on the custom wiring harness that will get the VK56 V8 running on the stand…
Finishing the dissection of the OEM V8 harness, then tying up some odds and ends around the engine…
Getting the car side of the gauge wiring sorted, then plugging the gauges in to see if they work…
Moving right along, re-installing the dash, troubleshooting some check-engine lights, and sorting out gauge wiring.
Making some custom mounts to get the Nissan VK56DE V8 on a stand meant for a small-block Chevy…
I plugged the dash in to see if there were any codes. There was 1. I tracked it down to WAIT WHAT HAPPENED HERE?!
I was dreading it, but ultimately got the steering issue fixed. Extra time and extra help meant i got the harness bar in, too!
A big step! I picked up the engine that will get those 600HP’s! Eventually. I think. I hope.
I think I finally tracked down an engine to pickup, but it didn’t work out quite as planned…
Not a hugely progressive update here, but necessary disassembly work to get the engine out at some point…
Brakes = Solved.