Hello All...I could use a little input. I have a 91 SE with the VG30E engine (188K). I busted a timing belt and bent 2 valves. The engine runs with 4 cylinders (no compression in 2 cylinders) I was going to have a valve job done but the Nissan service manager said "If you do a valve job, the compression will be like new and will then be so high that the lower part of the engine (rings) would not be able to handle the increased pressure and would most likely blow." So I've been looking for a used engine. I found one but the owner felt that I would probably need to replace the valve stem seals. I called a local machine shop and they said they could do the job for around $250. However, when I told him my story, he said that the valve job causing the lower half to blow was a wives tale. He said that he would go ahead and do a valve job ($350-if I remove the heads and bring them in) instead. Has anyone out there had any experience in this situation? Any suggestions? I'm now leaning toward removing the heads myself and taking them in. I would appreciate any input.

Thanks,

Bobby
Warner Robins, GA

 

I had this done. I had the pulley on my timing belt break. Same effect basically. Valves were shot. I was facing the same dilemma. I Put 2 rebuilt heads on my VG($175 a piece from Cylinder Heads International), but I had the lower end inspected while they were off. I had the heads put back on, and I got 168 lb of compression.

This major expense ($600 labor, since I didn't know how to do it myself) is what got me into refurbing and moding my car. I got a Cold Air intake, switched to mobil 1 oil and I drive much harder now.

I had this done in mid Feb, and it has been running great since. I don't race though because I am mindful of the possibility of the low end blowing out. But everyday driving, and some occasional showing off has not caused me any problems as of yet.

 

ask Matt93SE if he'll sell his old engine to you if he still has it. He use to have a 92GXE

 

93

 

Hey B&W,
Thanks for the info...Since my post, a friend of mine located a 94 engine with 65K for around $500(says he verify that it's a VG30E-SOHC)...that's pretty damn good (I thought). I like the idea of a 65K engine for $500 over rebuilt valves on a 188K engine for $350(although I guess I'm really comparing $1400-65K installed with new everything to $350-new heads on a 188K engine)...plus, I get out of having to take the heads off myself, which I don't mind too much but it can be a PIA. I plan on buying about every thing Courtesy makes for the 3rd Gen (Water Pump, Timing Belt, other belts, filters, plugs, wires, dist. cap, rotor, tensioner and seals) for around $350 and I think I'm going to let the guy who got me the engine(used car dealership owner) install the engine for me(don't know how much for that yet - I figure $400-$500) That gets me into a turnkey 65K engine install with all new accessories for around $1400. I feel obligated to let his shop do the install but yesterday I found out that another buddy of mine that has a 93 SE knows an ex-Nissan mechanic that does this stuff on the side. I'm wondering whether it wouldn't be better to let a Nissan guy do the work rather than a general auto mechanic...the Nissan guy would know a little more about the tricks and specifics of the Maxima. I don't think my used car buddy made any money on the engine and,in fact, said that he talked the salvage guy down from $525 to $425 on my behalf so he may have been expecting to make a few dollars off of the install labor(which I don't mind at all). Well, enough babbling...let me know what you think.