The VQ30DE was arguably the smoothest motor nissan put out until the DE-K was released. Nissan reduced the clearance between the main journals and bearings to reduce noise and vibration with incredibly linear power delivery to boot due to the revised camshaft profiles and VI. As far as smoothness is concerned, DE-K > VQ30DE > VQ35DE.

 

It would be interesting to find out from those who did the swap if their car is still reliable and how long it took for people to tweak things til it is just right and if the car ran consistently well after that or is the car consistently going back to the shop for adjustments here and there.

 

Mine runs strong. Only things to note are that the idle is 1300-1400 rpm, and I have to gas it a bit when starting in the cold (less than 35 degrees) Both most likely related to me not having an IACV.

 

thats the funniest thing i have heard... really, if your gonna do the swap i don't think that you would be doing it to improve the gas mileage...

 

High idle means you probably get less MPG because the engine is winding up a lot higher during idle. Do you have cooling issues, it would be interesting to see this during hot summer months.

At this day and age where gas prices are escalating ridiculously, to many, that is an issue. Of course, you gain some and you loose some in life. That's just the way it is. It's anyone's choice. You can't expect a perfect balance of reliability, power, and fuel effeciency by doing swaps. Unless you are an automotive engineer and you can design an engine from scratch.

 

 

I remember reading that a 4th Gen is quicker off the line. However, a 5th Gen has a better top end. Is being quicker off the line due to less weight?

 

My car is reliable. Havent been to a shop for any VQ35 related work. My idle is dead nuts on. So yeah its a reliable swap. I have put about 20,000 miles on it.

 

Less weight for the 4th gen, and better intake for the 5th gen.

 

No cooling issues whatsoever, even in 90 degree weather.

The decrease in MPG due to the high idle would only be slightly significant, as you are only at idle at stop lights, stop signs etc, for short moments of time. When driving, it's the same RPM as any other 5spd Maxima.

If I wanted a perfect idle, (and alot of people would prefer that) all I would have to do is reconnect my IACV, and use a PF TB. But it's not a big enough issue for me to worry about.

 

There's precisely zero MPG when you're not moving. 0 miles/X gallons=0. Your statement is invalid either way.

 

I heard u the first time. And you are right....no MPG when u r not moving. But your engine is still using up fuel when its idling. Ever idled at a spot with your AC running in a hot summer day (AC on = high idle)? Sit at the same spot for 30 min to an hour and the engine will use up gas. I know the MPG that Nismo3112 is speaking of is minute. And I get what he said as well.