I’m putting a JDM engine in an ‘04 Coupe. I don’t know what year the engine is, but it came with manifolds and the 6 wire O2 sensors, so I believe it is an ‘05 engine. Other little things like the AC compressor have different wiring, and even the PS pump is a bit different. I am not using those accessories, just some insight on the fact that I believe the engine to be newer.

Now the question, what gasket kit do I use? I see Z1 has three different kits listed depending on year/build date. What gaskets are different between the different years? One kit is about $160 more.

I’m taking the engine down to the short block to reseal it and checking everything over. Might throw new pistons in it if I can find a deal on some. I just want to buy the right kit and not have to worry about having the wrong gasket in the middle of reassembly. Anything else that is different that I should be aware of? I have searched extensively and it seems that if I use my original accessories and sensors that it should work great.

Thanks for any insight.

 

It’s hard to find complete kits. z1 can make you a list of you call.

If you have the time I would consider HR block mod and HR head gasket

 

This is the kit I was looking at, it’s the OEM Nissan one. But you can see from the drop-down menu that the 07/04 to 11/06 kits are $166 more, and I can’t figure out why since it seems that all the gaskets are the same.

Z1 Nissan Gasket Kit

 

I don't see any reason whatsoever to pull the heads, just put front/rear main seals on, valve cover gaskets, new water pump and timing chain tensioner, knock sensor sub harness, and call it good. Pull the plenum and install ALL your existing sensors, injectors, headers with O2 sensor, throttle body, etc. All you want is the long block from the donor, keep everything else from your existing car. Save those donor parts though, cam/crank sensor, coil packs, throttle body, knock sensor, PSP sensor, etc, except maybe the injectors since I'm sure they're a little clogged up from sitting.

If you pull the heads that's a LOT more work, new head studs, gasket, lots of pieces to keep track of. JDM engines are typically 50k-60k miles so there's no reason to go ripping into the motor that far.

You should think about upgrading to aftermarket headers and polyurethane motor mounts though, that's where I would put the extra money saved from head bolts and head gaskets.

NEW spark plugs unless they have less than 30k miles on them.

 

All the intake plenum and exhaust manifold gaskets are reusable metal type.

 

So I wonder what the difference is between the kits and why one is $166 more? I just want to be sure I’m using the correct gaskets.

 

I wanted to do aftermarket headers, but I think I’ll just do the HR “headers” and matching HFC. I really want to do pistons since I love compression and the lighter weight of forged pistons. But you’re probably right, I should just be sensible and leave the heads on lol.

 

You'ld be surprised at the quality of cheapo eBay headers for these things. The only issue I have with them is they're usually impossible to install with the engine in the vehicle since there isn't good access to some of the nuts. With the engine out though it's a non-issue. Plus they're cheaper than used HR/VHR headers. If you can find HR/VHR headers for a good price then that would be the better option but people seem to be asking a lot for them now.

The biggest benefit to OEM headers is you can also run the OEM heat shield.

As for the price disparity between those two kits. If you look under the text description where it lists all the individual components for the 2003-2004 there's a section called "other necessary gaskets that are required but not included", well on the 2004.5+ kit they do have those gaskets included in the description.

 

I guess my main question is, is there actually any gaskets that are different between the two? During disassembly it seems like everything is the same as the earlier VQ, but I just want to have a heads up as to what gaskets may be different Since I’m not sure what year this engine is.

 

Yep, these ones I circled are not included in the less expensive kit.

 

It says that for both the kits, the only thing different that is included in the early engine kit is the injector O-rings.

 

Ok I just called them, the more expensive kit is the rev-up kit.

 

Also, those are OEM Nissan KITS, not just an assembly of various parts they're packaging together.

 

Wow, thanks for calling them! I was going to do the same but was just looking for a bit of insight first lol. Thanks again man! I’ve got the front cover off to do the rev-up oil pump and the oil pans are off so I can reseal them, just want to make sure I have the correct gaskets.

 

Yeah the description on the website is terrible for that item, but a lot of the data is just pulled directly from the Nissan parts description so...

I don't know why it takes different gaskets though? Afaik they're all technically the same? Maybe Nissan just has a couple of different part numbers for the SAME ITEM and they're marked at a DIFFERENT PRICE?

Wouldn't surprise me honestly, everything about rev-up engines is expensive lol.