4th Gen engine in a 3rd Gen. maxima?
05-13-2009, 02:57 AM
#1
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 37
4th Gen engine in a 3rd Gen. maxima?
Can you put a 96 maxima engine in a 94 maxima?
My 94 is almost at the end of it's journey as far as the motor is concerned. A friend of mine has a wrecked 96 that asked if I wanted the engine. I didn't know if the swap was possible but I didn't think it would considering that they are different generation maxima's.
Any help would be appreciated. Truemax
My 94 is almost at the end of it's journey as far as the motor is concerned. A friend of mine has a wrecked 96 that asked if I wanted the engine. I didn't know if the swap was possible but I didn't think it would considering that they are different generation maxima's. Any help would be appreciated. Truemax
05-13-2009, 03:45 AM
#2
Whats the mileage on your current engine?
Our engines have a fairly long life, unless theyre abused...several 3rd gen owners on this forum have exceeded 400'000+ kms are still running with no drama.
Putting a VQ30DE in a 3rd gen has been done before.
There is even a VQ35DE swap in progress (very close to completion now).
It would be alot of work though.
You'd need the engine, entire driveline, ECU, new speedo, not sure about how engine mounts are done in this conversion.
Our engines have a fairly long life, unless theyre abused...several 3rd gen owners on this forum have exceeded 400'000+ kms are still running with no drama.
Putting a VQ30DE in a 3rd gen has been done before.
There is even a VQ35DE swap in progress (very close to completion now).
It would be alot of work though.
You'd need the engine, entire driveline, ECU, new speedo, not sure about how engine mounts are done in this conversion.
05-13-2009, 06:18 AM
#3
Can you put a 96 maxima engine in a 94 maxima? My 94 is almost at the end of it's journey as far as the motor is concerned. A friend of mine has a wrecked 96 that asked if I wanted the engine. I didn't know if the swap was possible but I didn't think it would considering that they are different generation maxima's. Any help would be appreciated. Truemax
My 94 is almost at the end of it's journey as far as the motor is concerned. A friend of mine has a wrecked 96 that asked if I wanted the engine. I didn't know if the swap was possible but I didn't think it would considering that they are different generation maxima's. Any help would be appreciated. Truemaxyou need everything from the a pillar forward on the donor car sans body/frame.
05-13-2009, 07:01 AM
#6
Unless you have some very good fabrication skills, I would say swapping a VQ into your car is either going to be extremely difficult or extremely expensive (for a shop to do the work).
My suggestion would be to help your friend part out his car and split the profits with him. You should be able to buy a JDM engine that was designed for your car and put that in.
My suggestion would be to help your friend part out his car and split the profits with him. You should be able to buy a JDM engine that was designed for your car and put that in.
05-13-2009, 07:58 AM
#7
If you're going to track down a "JDM" engine, just find a VE, and add a turbo.
Remember that VEs are DOHC and put out 190bhp, the same as early VQs...the only difference is their weight, but a turbo will fix that little problem, it would be something different and alot easier, with way more support and information available.
Adjust the timing for higher end power, and set the turbo to cover low through mid RPMs - You can't go wrong
Remember that VEs are DOHC and put out 190bhp, the same as early VQs...the only difference is their weight, but a turbo will fix that little problem, it would be something different and alot easier, with way more support and information available.
Adjust the timing for higher end power, and set the turbo to cover low through mid RPMs - You can't go wrong
05-13-2009, 08:24 AM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 162
Yeah, i think the VQ conversion would be more trouble than it's worth. The VE would be the better option. But if you don't need this to be a daily driver, than go for it. Take the time you need and do it right.
05-13-2009, 08:37 AM
#9
Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: New York
Posts: 80
When my VE crap out on me last yr I had a 4th gen parts car that I got my harness, axles, 5 speed tranny,Ecu and crossmember. I just cut the side engine bracket out the 4th with my sawzall and then weld them in my 3rd. I used 3.0 timing for my 3.5 swap instead of the route that aaron92se took.
Last edited by mmg23max; 05-13-2009 at 08:42 AM.
05-13-2009, 08:41 AM
#10
When my VE crap out on me last yr I had a 4th gen parts car that I got my harness, axles, 5 speed tranny,Ecu and crossmember. I just cut the side engine barcket out the 4th with my sawzall and then weld them in my 3rd. I used 3.0 timing for my 3.5 swap instead of the route that aaron92se took.
05-13-2009, 09:28 AM
#18
Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: New York
Posts: 80
lol yep he does. I love my 3rd gen over the 4th and i like the independent suspension plus i love the sleeper look, nobody really expects a 3.5 gen with boost. I like being different also i don't like driving what everyone else drives.
05-13-2009, 10:29 AM
#19
if you REALLY love your 3rd gen then do it....but don't think it's a weekend swap.
05-13-2009, 11:19 AM
#23
Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: New York
Posts: 80
Here is a vid of my brother 3.5 gen(monstorc28).
http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-kM1NkV5yU
Mine has the the motor out because i'm going turbo and i decided to build the motor before i put it back in the car. When i finish i will put pics up.
this is pics of when we first finish the swap last yr.
http://photos2.hi5.com/0025/729/213/B6otuZ729213-02.jpg
http://photos2.hi5.com/0026/058/409/1kDgX9058409-02.jpg
http://photos1.hi5.com/0024/510/972/8aNdRO510972-02.jpg
http://photos2.hi5.com/0024/921/901/ZTjT7n921901-02.jpg
http://photos4.hi5.com/0026/859/927/JBcPJG859927-02.jpg
http://photos4.hi5.com/0026/991/063/2c.DwU991063-02.jpg
http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-kM1NkV5yU
Mine has the the motor out because i'm going turbo and i decided to build the motor before i put it back in the car. When i finish i will put pics up.
this is pics of when we first finish the swap last yr.
http://photos2.hi5.com/0025/729/213/B6otuZ729213-02.jpg
http://photos2.hi5.com/0026/058/409/1kDgX9058409-02.jpg
http://photos1.hi5.com/0024/510/972/8aNdRO510972-02.jpg
http://photos2.hi5.com/0024/921/901/ZTjT7n921901-02.jpg
http://photos4.hi5.com/0026/859/927/JBcPJG859927-02.jpg
http://photos4.hi5.com/0026/991/063/2c.DwU991063-02.jpg
05-13-2009, 11:23 AM
#24
Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: New York
Posts: 80
yea that's true it's not a piece of cake but as we see it can be done. When aaron92se motor took a crap at 1st he didnt want to do the swap, but then I told go for it you won't regret it and now he went through with it and it's a beautiful feeling when your project comes to life.
05-13-2009, 02:26 PM
#25
in my area I've had more luck finding a cheap 4th gen than a cheap (non-VG) 3rd gen.
05-13-2009, 04:53 PM
#26
If you're going to track down a "JDM" engine, just find a VE, and add a turbo.
Remember that VEs are DOHC and put out 190bhp, the same as early VQs...the only difference is their weight, but a turbo will fix that little problem, it would be something different and alot easier, with way more support and information available.
Adjust the timing for higher end power, and set the turbo to cover low through mid RPMs - You can't go wrong
Remember that VEs are DOHC and put out 190bhp, the same as early VQs...the only difference is their weight, but a turbo will fix that little problem, it would be something different and alot easier, with way more support and information available.
Adjust the timing for higher end power, and set the turbo to cover low through mid RPMs - You can't go wrong
for anyone wondering, aaron HAS driven his 3.5gen, and just has to wire up the TPS so his transmission will shift properly (automatic) and then he's done. he's got debuloz cams, headwork, HR valve springs and head gaskets, full ECU swap, and is still using his original VE VLSD automatic transmission (after i suggested to him that the 04a and 04v might have the same bellhousing-to-tranny-case bolt pattern) with a 4th gen bellhousing.
Last edited by CapedCadaver; 05-13-2009 at 05:01 PM.
05-13-2009, 05:06 PM
#27
4th gen and even 5th gens are getting super cheap around here now, as dan said, unless you are madly i love with your 3rd gen
, i personally see no point in going through all the trouble swapping a VQ series engine..Some examples..
http://nashville.craigslist.org/ctd/1157669523.html
http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/1168454848.html
http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/1157517817.html
http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/1157110976.html
http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/1134314420.html
05-13-2009, 05:14 PM
#28
Yea they basically have the same engine, and like every1 is sense 4th gen value is dropping so if u really want 2 do that just get a 4th gen..... IMO I would rather the 3rd gen because the 4th is driven by everyone 
05-13-2009, 07:33 PM
#29
dont bother swapping a vq30 in their the engine its not really better than a VE the VQ 30 gets a lil more torque but the VE is proven to get higher top speed than a VQ
i would love a 3.5 swap especially if u can fit a 7th gen vq 3.5 that makes 290hp but obviosly that engines gonna be a lil pricey till the jdm's start showing up
VE
190 hp @5600 rpm
190 ft-lbs @4000 rpm
VQ30
190 hp @5600 rpm
205 ft-lbs @4000 rpm
VQ35 (2002 model)
255 hp @5800 rpm
246 ft-lbs. @4400 rpm
VQ35 (2009 model)
290 hp @6400 rpm
261 ft-lbs. @4400 rpm
this is what nealoc187 had to say in an old thread:
3rd Gens still get love.
With Nissan's Gen1 NVCS system in place (assuming the VTCs are still working ) and the variable intake manifold on the manuals, the old VE motor has better top-end than the popular 4th gen VQ30DE. The gearing is the same between all of the 3.0's, and the VE can hold the torque curve flat enough that you can pretty much shift at or close to redline in all gears with perhaps only very slight short shifting needed.
Note the optimal 3-4 shift point for the VE at 95 mph vs the 4g VQ at 89 mph. This means that the VE will be able to hold 3rd through the 1/4 mile whereas the VQ will either be wheezing at the top of 3rd struggling to finish, or having to get shifted to 4th which costs time. Overall due to more torque and lighter weight, the VQ is a tad quicker, but the VE is no slouch and will give a VQ a good run from a roll. Note also the higher calculated top speed of the VE in the low-140 range vs the high-130 range of the VQ. VE power!
i would love a 3.5 swap especially if u can fit a 7th gen vq 3.5 that makes 290hp but obviosly that engines gonna be a lil pricey till the jdm's start showing up
VE
190 hp @5600 rpm
190 ft-lbs @4000 rpm
VQ30
190 hp @5600 rpm
205 ft-lbs @4000 rpm
VQ35 (2002 model)
255 hp @5800 rpm
246 ft-lbs. @4400 rpm
VQ35 (2009 model)
290 hp @6400 rpm
261 ft-lbs. @4400 rpm
this is what nealoc187 had to say in an old thread:
3rd Gens still get love.
With Nissan's Gen1 NVCS system in place (assuming the VTCs are still working ) and the variable intake manifold on the manuals, the old VE motor has better top-end than the popular 4th gen VQ30DE. The gearing is the same between all of the 3.0's, and the VE can hold the torque curve flat enough that you can pretty much shift at or close to redline in all gears with perhaps only very slight short shifting needed.
Note the optimal 3-4 shift point for the VE at 95 mph vs the 4g VQ at 89 mph. This means that the VE will be able to hold 3rd through the 1/4 mile whereas the VQ will either be wheezing at the top of 3rd struggling to finish, or having to get shifted to 4th which costs time. Overall due to more torque and lighter weight, the VQ is a tad quicker, but the VE is no slouch and will give a VQ a good run from a roll. Note also the higher calculated top speed of the VE in the low-140 range vs the high-130 range of the VQ. VE power!
05-13-2009, 08:12 PM
#30
the 3rd gens age is its major killer at this point... as im in the beginning stages of a JDM VE swap, im realizing all over again certain things that make me want a new-ish-er car... wear/tear, rust, battle scars, etc
But if i were to replace it and get something new(er) im going to be a picky bastard and want what i want and thus it will be quite pricey. So for now i stick with my 3rd gen and keep up on it since id rather have this than any new car today in its class
if you do swap to VQ id go whole hog and do the VQ35 or else stay with a VE if you dont want to invest a ton of time/money
But if i were to replace it and get something new(er) im going to be a picky bastard and want what i want and thus it will be quite pricey. So for now i stick with my 3rd gen and keep up on it since id rather have this than any new car today in its class
if you do swap to VQ id go whole hog and do the VQ35 or else stay with a VE if you dont want to invest a ton of time/money
05-13-2009, 08:42 PM
#31
I just got it running on Monday for the first time!I put 30 miles on it today driving it around. I am trying to get more videos though for everybody.
But yeah, the amount of wires and schematics that you have to deal with is a lot. It takes a LOT of research and patience. I now know the 02 Maxima FSM pretty well. But I'm happy to say that the engine is in and running. I hope to have my exhaust completely tomorrow so I can drive in peace instead of with open headers.
05-14-2009, 09:20 AM
#34
Thanks guys.I worked every single waking moment on this engine to have it done well before MAXUS 09. I still need to tune this thing. Only 43 days to MAXUS! I gotta hurry if I want it to be a contender in the Drag Showdown event!
05-14-2009, 12:21 PM
#35
Another +1
4th gen and even 5th gens are getting super cheap around here now, as dan said, unless you are madly i love with your 3rd gen, i personally see no point in going through all the trouble swapping a VQ series engine..
Some examples..
http://nashville.craigslist.org/ctd/1157669523.html
http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/1168454848.html
http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/1157517817.html
http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/1157110976.html
http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/1134314420.html
4th gen and even 5th gens are getting super cheap around here now, as dan said, unless you are madly i love with your 3rd gen
, i personally see no point in going through all the trouble swapping a VQ series engine..Some examples..
http://nashville.craigslist.org/ctd/1157669523.html
http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/1168454848.html
http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/1157517817.html
http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/1157110976.html
http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/1134314420.html
I bought my last 4th gen for $260 (sold it sans radio for 340)
last years 4th gen was $700
this years I30t was $1650
I have NO luck finding a drivable VE for less than $1500. A driveable VQ under $1500? no real problem. I am waiting for a guy to get back to me on a 96 for $500
05-14-2009, 03:19 PM
#36
gotta agree, im bumpin 405k with absolutely no major repairs ever done. these cars can last to 600k-800k or possibly 999k as long as theres no abuse. the people who complain on ebay that these cars have crap engines are the ones who rev at 6k for no reason and do neutral drops
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