I recently converted my 2WD 2003 Frontier to 4WD...after a Winter trip to WY (Never again, will I drive a 2WD truck, with an open carrier, on snow and ice). After adding the transfer case, front diff, axles and other parts...the truck got heavier, and I can feel the difference in the little skinny pedal, on the right. So..inspired by posts about: 1.) the "VG34" that uses 4-valve Infinity Q45 pistons, and; 2.) claims of super thick VG33 cylinder walls... I went searching for flat-top pistons made for bore-sizes larger than the VH45DE. Long story short, I'm using a flat-top 94mm piston (without valve reliefs) and a compression height close to stock VG33E specs.
The next step: buy a JDM VG33E and strip it down, which I've done.
I'm part way through the build, and have endeavored to answer persistent questions and 'Internet conjecture'...like, what's the required depth for valve reliefs? What kind of static compression will I get with flat-top pistons? Can I make the wrist pins fit? How much heavier are the pistons, and is it enough to significantly upset factory balance? Etc..etc..
I've solved some of these problems already, but the motor isn't done yet. I'll keep posting a bit at a time, and as I make progress. Posting takes time.
Inspired by the progress thus far, and urging from one of my brothers (an experienced manufacturing and mechanical engineer), I decided to share the experience thus far...and until I'm done. We'll see how this thing runs...in a month or so, I hope. I'll post more, in steps...as time allows.
The next step: buy a JDM VG33E and strip it down, which I've done.
I'm part way through the build, and have endeavored to answer persistent questions and 'Internet conjecture'...like, what's the required depth for valve reliefs? What kind of static compression will I get with flat-top pistons? Can I make the wrist pins fit? How much heavier are the pistons, and is it enough to significantly upset factory balance? Etc..etc..
I've solved some of these problems already, but the motor isn't done yet. I'll keep posting a bit at a time, and as I make progress. Posting takes time.
Inspired by the progress thus far, and urging from one of my brothers (an experienced manufacturing and mechanical engineer), I decided to share the experience thus far...and until I'm done. We'll see how this thing runs...in a month or so, I hope. I'll post more, in steps...as time allows.
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