How long should it take to swap a dead VE engine for a running one out of another car? Ive never done an engine swap but I can figure it out... I have access to the correct tools and people who have done swaps, just never on a maxima...

...What would be the best way to go about it? Pull the engine out from the bottom from each car and then bolt them back in the reverse order I took them out (I know its not that easy)?

How much would I expect to pay if I had someone else do it?

 

it is actually pretty easy, with the tools and all that

It's easier to drop it from the bottom. Main thing with it is just having the proper tools. I've done it before with jacks (taking one out that is).

 

I've helped a great deal in taking one out and putting one in N34JZ's car. Wasn't too bad just that it was done at a shop with all the correct tools. Also the Ve motor is very heavy, it put a lot of strain on the engine hoist, even when we swapped an M3 motor which is an inline 6 cylinder the hoist didn't have too much trouble with it.

 

damn our motors are that heavy ?

 

yes very, me and my mechanic were like what the f*ck, why is this thing so heavy and he's impressed they can move so well with all this weight.

 

I dont think so, I can lift the block my self, just dont get in my way when I'm walking with it, because I'll probably throw it at you because it isnt too light, lol.

Just for reference, the bare VE block is heavier than the VE 5spd tranny but lighter than the auto.

 

and that bent the engine hoist ? what kinda hoist was it a crap-on ?

 

no idea the same hoist was used to lift the BMW motor and it didn't struggle as much and the thing is a new hoist.

 

So if I use a backhoe or forklift as an engine hoist.. then I won't have to worry about breaking my uncles hoist? Any thing I should change definately
on the engine while I have the engine out of the car.. timing chain, coil packs, vtcs, cps, etc...?

 

if you got the cash tehn change it all, if your on a budget "if it aint broke dont fix it"

 

At the very minimum, you should check all the hoses and may even want to replace the ones that are toughest to get to. Check your water pump closely as well. They sometimes have hairline leaks. Like me, you too have a VE, so st least you don't have to worry about the timing belt....you ain't got one! Three robust chains instead!

 

knock sensor + harness

 

I just finished doing mine tonite. It takes about 2-3hours to drop one. It takes about 6-8 hours to one in. That is straight swapping. The hardest thing is lifting the engine back in. I did it alone, I don't recomend that. They are heavy but not that heavy. No more than a V8.

There are no "good" places to hook chain to these engines. they are lifted on jacks into car. It would be simple with a hoist, and tranny jack. The engine has to go up tranny first or you will fight the rear mounts. then you push it back and line up cross brace. The rear mount is the only hard one it wants to hit the frame.

While you are there it is a good time to look at all timing components. Taking the front cover off with engine out takes like 15 min. When it's in the covers are a bear. Then it takes about an hour. Plus they glue on so if you do it in the car you can't get them as clean as when out. VTCs are right there, $30 each and a vise can rebuild them. I was told it took a press and all that jazz, BS. Dealers say that because they want you $40 ea to assemble, for 20 min job.

Check the Clutch, and rear main. This is the best time for these too!!

NEVER FEAR A FEW BOLTS......SOMEONE PUT IT TOGETHER BEFORE IT CAN BE DONE AGAIN!!!

 

So if I run out of time to do this my self, how much should I expect to pay someone else to do it for me?

 

My mechanic charged N34JZ to remove his motor and install his motor and install all the bolt ons about $800.00 labor.

 

well it sounds like I'll be doing it my self so that I can save that money I would pay in labor to buy new coil packs, new belts and hoses, and anything else my spare motor may need... How can I tell if my VTCs have been grounded?

 

There will be a ground wire attached to the yellow wire on the solinoid. There should only be two wires to each.

If your coils aren't cracked keep them.