Z32 / Z33 Nissan Adapter Kits - Using the Right Spacer Plate
Although our Z32 and Z33 adapter kits will work with any series of LS, LSX, or Vortec motors, there are some differences in these motors. For example, the LQ4 series Vortec motors from 1999-2000 have a longer crankshaft. It is .400” in. (4/10ths) longer than later models. The extended crankshafts found on these early models will not work with our adapter plate without the use of a LQ4 spacer plate. If you have an early generation LQ4 with an extended crank, part numbers # GF-LSZ32-S and # GF-LSZ33-SP both must have a special LQ4 spacer plate.
How do I know if I need this spacer plate?
Distinguishing Between LQ4 and LQ9
Your first step in figuring out the crank dimensions for your 6.0L Vortec motor is to determine whether you have a LQ4 or LQ9. Keep in mind, the LQ4 was the only motor to have the longer crank described above. Otherwise, the LQ4 and LQ9 are almost identical except for piston geometry and the crank discrepancies we are discussing.
The way to tell these two motors apart is to look at casting marks on the heads of these motors. LQ4s will have the number 317 stamped into the head while LQ9s will have an 035 (see below). LQ9 Heads are stamped 035 and therefore never need the additional spacer plate.
Another way to know if your LQ4 has the longer crank is by the heads. An early '98-'99 LQ4 engine has iron heads, while the 2000 and later engines use aluminum ones instead.
Now that you are certain of your motor, you can further determine your crank dimensions.
Designation by Vehicle to Help Determine Need for Spacer Plate
Although you can distinguish between these two motors, deciding the year your LQ4 was made is difficult. Therefore, knowing whether or not you need the spacer plate is challenging. Since casting numbers are the same between these years, knowing what car your motor came with can help determine what crank your motor has.
Use the related chart below to determine if the car from which your motor was pulled had an early generation LQ4. There were only three vehicles for which this early generation motor was offered. Please note, although these vehicles were manufactured past 2000, only cars manufactured in 1999 and 2000 were affected.
Designation by Visual Inspection
Casting numbers for extended and short cranks are the same. Therefore, if you do not know what vehicle your motor came from, a visual inspection is the only way to know your crank dimensions. Early generation LQ4s will have a longer crank (pictured first), while models after 2000 will continue to use a shorter crank design (pictured below).
Longer crank-2000 and earlier-requires spacer plate
Shorter crank-after 2000
