Yes, it can be done in a billion different ways. From just trading the radiator cap from the NA to a TT (part numbers are the same - 21430-54P00) to the real deal of getting a VG30DETT and replacing all the 'NA' parts with 'TT' parts. There are numerous items in between to step up the output of the NA... most of which just qualify as performance upgrades (super chargers etc).
In general the full blown conversion is not going to be worth the time or money. But hey, we drive 300s and do goofy stuff to them all the time that would seem to be a waste of time, money or both. To each their own. Sell the NA and buy a TT. I know a lot of people that have taken this route and honestly, I only can think of 4 reasons not to do it that way.. Let's consider 'Why' before 'How'.
1. 2+2 TT in the US. Steve Simmons is doing this very thing. Full blown VG30DETT swap into a 2+2. Still marginally easier to import one then just build it, but during the build you can install all the aftermarket stuff. We will have a full writeup at the end on www.TTZD.com in detail, unfortunately Steve is as busy if not more then I am, so progress has been slow.
2. Convertible TT. Straman Conversions made TTs into convertibles. I'd probably take the opposite approach and turn the NA convertible into a TT.. for the same reasons above. Aftermarket stuff is really nice to install along the way. Same basic end result.
3. Slicktop TT. The Nissan race cars were slicktops. I really don't have an opinion on the slicktop.. it's sleeker and weighs a little less.. but I love being able to remove the lid when the weather's nice.
4. The NA you have now is so trick (wheels, kit, paint, super clean condition), getting a TT to replace it just isn't going to happen... the conversion might be a logical way to make it 'go' without loosing the money you've already spent on the 'show' portion of the car. As time goes on, more and more will find it necessary to take this route because clean TTs are getting more and more scarce.
There are some people who have done a lesser version of a TT. Just bought turbos, manifolds and intake tracting, etc. and installed it. Running stock TT injectors (370cc) and 4-5psi on the stock NA compression. Which made it pretty zippy so I'm told. If you're going to go that far, you might as well take the bottom of the engine and lower the compression by replacing the pistons. This allows the boost levels to be raised to TT levels. The only real difference in the internals is the extra lubrication equipment on the TT block (oil 'squirters' for the bottoms of the pistons). The basics to do a full parts conversion are these TT parts: ECU, Engine wiring harness, pistons, turbos and wastegates, injectors, clutch, flywheel, clutch pedal assembly (booster etc), I think the NA tranny will work in the T configuration, Tom B knows more about it then I, exhaust manifolds, precats (downpipes), main exhaust section (main cats), all intake tracting from the big rubber 'T' behind the mass airflow sensor (including intercoolers), some modification to the front facia to allow air to get into the intercoolers, some modification to the shielding behind the intercoolers to allow air to leave the intercoolers, a boost controller (I wouldn't run boost jets if I were doing this), an oil cooler and it's assembly, and finally, an aftermarket boost gauge and A-pillar mount. Personally, I'd go with the VG30DETT instead of opening up the VG30DE and replacing parts.
Doing the full on VG30DETT (block and turbos) install would be slightly simpler. Just pull the NA engine, intake tract, exhaust to the H/X/presilencer, ECU and wiring harness. Install all of the TT parts listed above, except there's no reason to do the pistons, since those are included in the VG30DETT engine with the TT engine and the lubrication gear is in there for the squirters and the oil cooler attachements.
What it boils down to is time and money. I tell people it's probably going to be a better deal to sell the NA and buy the TT in the long run (at least right now, re-read point 4). But then again.. making the full switch allows for some aftermarket replacments to take place. If you're going to go full blown then maybe it's worth the time and effort to make the conversion instead of buying a TT. Depends on the person, how much time they want to expend and how thick the wallet is. Bravo to those of you (I'm included to some extent) who are doing the conversions in whatever fashion you decided is the best way to get from point A to point B and to those of you who are doing the homework to make your own conversion happen.
BTW, congrats to the guy with the super charged NA. It's pretty trick.. just wish you didn't have to loose the AC in the process. Once he does the intercooler and larger injectors it will be pretty powerful I bet. Something else to consider in the scheme of making the NA quicker.
More info collected:'
More info w/ additional links
Ruzzell's parts list
If you're convinced doing the conversion is what suits you best, post on the forum with *specific* questions after using [ Search ] for most of the info. This question gets asked about once every other day. You'll get a better response then just asking the classic "Can I convert my NA to a TT?" and hearing the collective groan from the other members.
Dallas DamonZ
