Gears and Gasoline Swaps V8 into Nissan 350Z

The team installed a GM L33 engine into a 2008 Nissan 350Z Coupe to resolve mechanical failures.

Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Car Maintenance

Bold vector editorial illustration of a custom V8 engine block, clean and technical, representing automotive hobbyist engine modification. — The Gears and Gasoline team successfully replaced a faulty engine in a 2008 Nissan 350Z with a GM L33 V8 powerplant. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Gears and Gasoline crew has successfully replaced the engine in a 2008 Nissan 350Z Coupe with a GM L33 5.3-liter LS V8. The project addresses severe mechanical issues identified in the previous engine, which was found to be operating without an oil filter.

Why it matters

This engine swap addresses critical mechanical failures that left the previous unit compromised by metal contaminants. By integrating a more robust powerplant, the team aims to resolve persistent issues like unstable idling.

The swap utilizes a 5.3-liter aluminum-block engine sourced from GM trucks produced between 2005 and 2007. The installation of a Richard Holdener cam and valve spring kit, which costs $280, is projected to add 60 hp to the vehicle.

The players

Gears and Gasoline

This automotive media group specializes in complex engine swaps and mechanical performance modifications.

The details

The crew stripped the replacement engine down to a bare long block before integrating a remote racing oil filter and custom oil cooler lines. They also performed ultrasonic cleaning on the intake manifold and replaced the original exhaust setup with a new turndown pipe configuration.

GM manufactured the donor L33 engines between 2005 and 2007.
The article was published on October 25, 2026.

Roadmap

The project continues the industry-wide trend of swapping versatile GM LS-series engines into imported sports cars to bridge performance gaps. This reflects a broader shift toward using modular American V8s to revitalize aging Japanese chassis.

Owners of older sports cars can expect significant performance gains by sourcing powertrain components from salvaged domestic trucks. However, custom cooling and filtration setups are necessary prerequisites for ensuring the long-term reliability of such engine swaps.

The takeaway

Mechanical projects involving major engine swaps require careful attention to auxiliary systems like oil filtration to avoid recurring damage. Identifying a reliable donor platform can provide a cost-effective path to achieving substantial power increases.