Should I buy a FWD or RWD engine?

[detrik31]

I am thinking about swaping a 60 degree v6 into my Datsun. I was wondering what motor would be better, A FWD or a RWD. Which one would give me the most hood clearance.What is the difference in performance,life,weight and cost? any opinions?

[blk92z34getrag]

I think the RWD 60*v6's are heavier because of the iron heads. Why aren't you putting a 350 in it? My friend's getting a 510 and a 350 TPI to cram in it. Ugly car but it'll be cool when it's done.

[firechiken]

If your going through the trouble of a swap, a 350 would be the better choice, I think, if it would fit. WAY more mods you can do to that than a 60*v6. But a fwd would be lighter, and a 3.4 dohc made more power than the rwd ones, even the ones in f-bodies.

[geoffinbc]

I dont know if you have ever seen the 2.8L twin turbo 510 on the internet. But that thing was way more of a monster than a lame ass TPI swap would be. Plus you gotta factor in the weight and size. If you could get an all aluminum LS6 then go with that. But otherwise I would try and find a 96+3400 it will be lightest smallest and most pewerful of the 660's. I know the TDC engine is more powerful but it is alot bigger and it is heavier.

[detrik31]

It would be for my 68 Datsun roadster. The engine compartment on a 510 is twice the size of mine. I would love to put a SBC in it but it would be way to wide. I have a 93 240sx engine in it right now but have had one problem after another and am thinking about yanking it out. The engine is only about 17" tall from the center of crank to top and barely clears my hood so if i change the motor it will need to be reletively short. I am not sure of the length of the v6 but if it was short enough I might be able to lower it some. Right now the crank pully sits above the front crossmember. The engine compartment is narrow and would not allow for the 90 degree angle of a SBC.

[RebelGT]

put in an RB 2.5T out of the GTS-T!!!, if you need help sourcing one I can help in that department.

[evilmiata]

Man, the 1600s at the autocross events make my Miata look like a '79 Crown Vic wagon. A RWD motor should be easier to piece together, but a FWD will make more initial power with the AL heads. Killer B makes bell housings for FWD conversions. A Ford-style T5 will give you more gearing options if you ever want to get technical.

My 3.4 RWD conversion has some close clearance problems with the tall intake manifold. A 2.8l intake might be shorter. Plus, I shaved over an inch off the height by using a 83-85 Jeep Cherokee oil pan and timing chain cover. Keep in mind that you can't mix a Jeep pan and Chevy timing cover! Plus, the jeep water pump rotates opposite of the 3.4l camaro. Getting things to rotate correctly will be easy if you use V-belts rather than a serpentine.