Would you guys put a "new" engine in your car or buy a 4th gen max. Been debating about this and it's a tough one for me. I like the 3rd gen alot but hate the VTC knocking, ticking noise. 4th gens don't have that, but....so on so fourth.

Would love a 2k2 but to rich for my blood.

Just wanted to know what you guys think.

 

4thGen:
+ Compared to the 3rdGen, there is a vast amount of readily available power modifications. I think some of those guys are running LOW 14s NA.

- Minivan axle in the rear, lower build quality, cheap paint.

3rdGen:
+ Better build quality, great paint, IRS, timeless design.
+ VLSD
- VE30DE is expensive to maintain. There aren't very many power modifications readily available.

Personally, if could afford either car, I would buy a VQ 5spd.

 

why put a new engine in if all thats wrong with yours is VTC's just replace or rebiuld them and fix them for good since even a JDM engine with lower miles will start ticking in a few years

 

also a 4th gen can't handle as well as the 3rd gen
Besides we are coming out with new upgrades all the time for the VE.
Just wait til you see what's next

 

stick with the 3rd gen. just like the car better. Soon they will be more powerful than a 4th gen if we just keep gettin performance parts coming out for them

 

I don't know if it is just the vtc but I can also feel the engine knocking throughout the it. It feels like maybe the pistons not getting enough oil for it to run quietly, but it could be both or just the vtc not really sure though.

 

Uh oh. Say good by to one of your main bearings

 

Aw Jeff don't say uh oh. Sounds critical. What are the symptoms of main bearings going bad and is it hard to replace or have someone do it for you?

God knows I've replaced and repaired so many things in the max, but I keep saying one more and it'll be good like new. That was like 10 repairs ago.

 

How long as it been knocking? Big oil usage? Low on power? Run it low on oil recently?

 

Recently I've changed my oil. at first no tick, knocking, midget hammering in my engine. Then 4-5 days later it happens, when I touch the engine I can feel it, like a midget is insided hammering away to get out. Then after a long drive it goes away, but to come back after I start the car again.

Feeling and hearing the engine like that worries me alot. Feels like one day the engine is going to explode, it's embarrassing too when people can here it.

 

if its that randum then its not main bearings its proboly VTC's

 

I think someone put it, Sounds like a diesel truck on steroids or something like that.

just out of curiosity, what are symptoms of main bearing problem?

 

Have you tried the VTC rewire mod? It may help the noise go away, especially if it is bothering you. Otherwise just turn the stereo up, or get a really loud exhaust... A "new" engine would be too expensive and the VTC noise will eventually occur. Not sure how long the rebuilt VTCs are lasting, maybe someone will post.

 

that my friend is VERY VERY bad vtc's been there done that

 

How long ago have you had your vtc rebuilt and has it given you any problems since?

has any ticking, knocking reoccurred?

 

take a look at how much you are willing to spend on a new (or used) car and go from there. The progression from gen3 to gen4 shouldn't be a "given".

 

i beg to differ sir. being a former 3rd gen owner i speak from expirience. when i totalled my third gen i got my fourth gen. it was the greatest thing i ever did. the difference is day and night. not saying the 3rd gens arent amazing cars, because they are, and i loved having it, but the 4th gen is quite an improvement. the handling is so much better and the power is awesome. id say if you can get the fourth gen, get it... you wont be dissapointed!!! either way good luck. peace out.

 

Care to bring yours on over and go for a ride?
I'll send you home with your tail between your legs

 

whoa guy. you dont have to get on the defensive here. i wasnt trying to put the 3rd gens down bro. i was just saying from experience, the fourth gen is better. you, my friend, have not owned both gens, therefore you have no comment. have a nice day. =)

 

Sez who?
my challenge still stands

 

How heavy are the 4th gens and how does that stack against the 3rd gen?

I have heard in numerous reviews that the 4th gen is indeed softer than previous models and took some of the sportiness out of the maxima. This may not apply to the SE as I have never driven a 3rd or 4th gen SE.

I have a 3rd gen GXE, my dad had a 4th gen and I drove it quite a bit but its been a while, and I am a previous owner of a 88 SE. 4th gen has more power for sure, but the added weight? c'mon, we all know that weight is the enemy when it comes to handling. Did you put your car on a diet?

Looking at the bigger picture, if you want a AWESOME handling car, your marquee loyalty might have you blinded from the best options. You might like a nice BMW M-series or 3-series if you can swing it. There is absolutely no comparison (handling wise) between a max and a well tuned bimmer.

 

Why do you think a lot of us drive 3rdGens? B/c we are rich?! While I am sure that a BMW M or 3 series is God's personal chariot, your suggestion is similar to telling someone who drives a Civic to buy a nice Corvette or even a Z06 if they can swing it.

 

The prices are probably less than you would think.

An e36 (95-99) M3 can be had for $13,000 and up. That may be more than a used 3rd gen, but how much did you guys spend on your cars when you bought them? Just two or three years ago a 4th gen non-SE could get close to $17k. Don't tell me you guys just bought your cars yesterday. Original sticker on my 93 GXE was over $20k.

a used 3-series can be had for less than that... much less. An e30 (pre-92) 325 might cost you less than $4k, and could even be newer than some 3rd gen's.

You might be surprised how affordable some used cars have become.

 

I agree, I paid around 8K for my max 4 years ago (only 50k miles). But for another 4K I could have gotten a sick ride (BMW or infinity Q45 etc...)

I personally dont like the styling of the 4th gen at all. They aren't that fast either, I've raced a bunch of them a couple years back and was either neck and neck, or a car length ahead (they were also autos).

 

really?

You like having no top end?
How about that floaty ****?
gosh I love modding that beam so much too.
how about the ebrake digging in to your thigh?
oh, cant forget about those gauges 20-40-60-80 with no marks in between.
how about the door panels you can push in cause they are so cheap?
lets not forget about that great braking power.
another thing I like is the door panel console that doesnt fit anything in it.

 

Another satisfied customer LOL