Need some advice...

I am looking at replacing the engine in my 96 MAX GXE. I have 198K + plus and the IAC valve is bad, the timing chain cover has a small hole causing an oil leak, the timing chains need to be replaced, and after all is said the engine will still have 198K miles on it.

I was able to find a used 98 engine with 36K miles for like $400, and I was wanting your opinions/comments on what to be cautious of in replacing the engine. There is a place in Maryland that I was going to go to get the job done because they offer a 90 day warranty on the install and 1 year on the engine. I am just looking for direction.

1) How hard is the task?
2) Is it wise to replace the engine with the problems I mentioned above? Otherwise the car is great it is a max after all
3) Certain engines to stay away from or is the lower mileage the better option?

Thanks,
Steve

 

take the engine and put it in, seems to be a good price.

 

Well the IACV is nothing, the timing cover is replaceable, but the timing chain bieng bad is what sucks. Its an expenisve repair, so its prolly just worth it to get a new engine. BTW, what makes you say that the chain itself is bad? Theyre made to last the life of the car

 

IACV = $300.00
Timing Chain cover = $700.00 for labor and parts to replace
Timing Chain = Dealer stated should be changed/replaced

Financially it would seem to replace the engine would be better, but there has to be a downside to it. Nothing I have knowledge or experience to do, and well I am sure that it has been done by quite a few members

 

Thats a nice price on an engine

 

If you've got the timing chain cover off, I'd replace the timing chain. Its not an expensive part, and theres no real reason not to do it in that case.

How much were you quoted to do the engine install?

You could do it yourself if you have another ride and the right tools. It took me about 40ish hours. After you've done it once it would be a lot easier. Its quite a learning experience.

 

Jay25 could do it, I guess he likes to do it, and I think he lives in georgia. Hit him up

 

why don't you buy a new car. say you do all this work and you get into an accident the next day. your car is basically worth ****. its got 200k on it, even know its a new engine its still has 200k on it...which means in blue book value it's crap. which means your little fender bender just totalled your car you bought a new used engine for.

400 for the engine, great price. probably around 800-1200 for the install(a guess). 1.5-1.8k bucks? sell your car, take all the money you have and use it as a down payment for a g35, new maxima, whatever. just my ideas. i'v done tons of thinking about replacing my engine(140k) and what i always run into is its not worth it. also if i was going to put a used engine in, i'd have my silly mechanically inclined buddy rip it apart and clean the whole damn thing. engine don't like sitting around for long periods of time not running. but i don't have the most experience on this subject and this is just my insight. good luck.

 

I was going to tell you to get the engine because that price sounds awesome. But Torgus makes a great point. Unless you know someone that will do the install for $200-$300.

 

Jay25 looks like a cool guy I don't think he charges too much. I think when I will get my hands on a 5 speed tranny I might drive all the way there and swap it, but I think I might attempt it on my own if I decide to do it.

 

If the rest of the Maxima is in good shape, and doesn't have any pending maintence, then 1200 for an installed engine would be decent, especially if the car will last for 3 years. Problem is with those miles, how is your tranny? Or suspension? I guess I'd go for it if you think you will keep the car for 2-3 years.