2008 Nissan 350Z Gains Power With Engine Swap
Owners of 2008 Nissan 350Z models can restore performance by replacing worn engines with GM V8 components.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Car Maintenance
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The Gears and Gasoline team successfully performed a major engine swap on a 2008 Nissan 350Z, replacing the original powertrain with a GM L33 aluminum-block 5.3-liter V8. The project addressed critical mechanical failures, including a lack of oil filtration and internal metal debris in the previous unit.
Why it matters
Engine swaps can revitalize a vehicle that has suffered catastrophic mechanical damage, such as internal metal fragmentation or unstable idling. By utilizing a common GM truck engine platform, owners can achieve significant performance gains while restoring the basic reliability of their car.
The swap features a $280 cam and valve spring kit that provides a 60 hp increase over stock. The new setup includes a remote racing oil filter and custom cooler lines to replace the previously missing filtration system.
The players
Gears and Gasoline
An automotive repair and modification group known for documenting complex engine swaps and performance tuning.
General Motors
The domestic automaker that produced the L33 5.3-liter V8 engines used in various truck applications between 2005 and 2007.
Richard Holdener
An automotive engineer and author who specializes in performance camshaft and valvetrain development.
The details
To complete the conversion, the crew stripped the L33 engine sourced from 2005-2007 GM trucks down to a bare long block before ultrasonic cleaning the intake manifold. They installed the Richard Holdener cam and valve spring kit and replaced the restrictive 2-inch exhaust with a turndown pipe. Finally, the team plumbed in a remote racing oil filter and oil cooler lines to ensure proper engine lubrication.
Timeline
The L33 engines were originally manufactured by GM between 2005 and 2007.
The engine swap project reached completion in October 2026.
The Home Front
The adoption of the GM LS-series engine platform continues to define the domestic engine swap market for aging sport coupes. This project reflects a wider trend of enthusiasts prioritizing proven, accessible truck components to extend the lifespan of performance vehicles.
Owners planning an engine swap should always consult a licensed mechanic or shop to ensure the new powertrain is compatible with their vehicle's specific chassis and braking systems. Verify that all custom modifications meet local environmental and safety standards before testing any high-performance components.
The takeaway
Replacing a damaged engine with a proven powerplant like the GM L33 can be a cost-effective way to restore a non-running vehicle. Maintain a consistent record of all installed part numbers, such as the specific cam and spring kit, to simplify future troubleshooting and maintenance cycles.
Further reading
For more information on engine longevity and performance tuning, visit Car Maintenance.
Source note: This article includes information reported by HotCars.
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