one_mil_2010

iTrader: (10)

So I got a 99 maxima 5spd with around 215,000 miles (not sure exactly because the odometer doesn't work). The engine seems like it's life is coming to an end and so I decided to swap in a new engine in a few months. Just not sure what to get - 97-99 vq30, 00-01, or really open up my wallet and get the 3.5 I would like to know how much it would cost to do each one so I can see the price difference and to see if the performace difference is worth it. I would like to spend around $2000 but the less the better obviously.
If anyone has the 00-01 or the 3.5 engine please share your experience with the whole process and any recomendations. Thanks

Mxrider52

iTrader: (8)

All your answers can be found here. Search is also your friend. Use it.

http://forums.maxima.org/forumdispla...sprune=30&f=79

KRRZ350

iTrader: (29)

open up your wallet? you'll pay another $300-450 for a 3.5l compared to a run-of-the-mill vq30de, it will be much newer, and have less miles as well, If you're doing all the work yourself you should be able to handle the swap for well under $2000, including motor........ Recomendations, car-part.com, and DON'T buy any motor from any junkyard until they give you a VIN for it and then you take the vin and run a carfax on it to verify mileage.

MDeezy

iTrader: (27)

not only it depends on you budget, but know how as well.

If you have the know how, comon sense, tools, time, and money, do the 3.5

spn350z

If changing engine to 3.5 would it require changing engine management computer (EMC) to accommodate newer engine?

I would love the extra power but not sure if I could go all the way and change the computer.

MDeezy

iTrader: (27)

nope. you'd retain your stock ecu.

check the stickie in the all motor section, to get a good feel for what will be needed of you to do.

99BlackMaxMS

iTrader: (85)

Go for the 3.5. Its a newer engine for a few hundred bucks more. Way more power and I would definitly do a 3.5 if i were to do a swap.

blazed SE-L

i would get the same moter the car came with yes the 3.5 has a little more stock hp but the 3.0 with a little work you can boost that power up. it is a hard one. good luck with the car im getting up there 154,000 on a 99 se-l

ethnic6

iTrader: (5)

why is this even a poll? of course go for the 3.5 conversion... its like choosing which brand of car u like better... Lexus or Geo?

HighMiles

iTrader: (6)

3.0 = reliable ------- 3.5 = zoom zoom
what do you want more? longevity or power?
up to you man.

EnervinE

iTrader: (11)

What are you tryin to say?

OnEBadAsSi30

iTrader: (1)

My friend has a 1995 maxima with a 03 3.5 liter and still retains his stock ecu from his 3.0. yeah sure he loses horsepower, fuel maps, and a couple hundred revs (cause the 3.0 redlines sooner) it will work but you may eventually want to get a new computer.

MDeezy

iTrader: (27)

redline is still the same.
Tuning is a big help once the new motor is in
power is gained with the 3.5 swap, not lost.

a piggy back is your friend.


3.5 can last just as long as a 3.0 just gotta take good care of it.

Grand_hustle17

iTrader: (22)

3.5L, the 00-01 VQ i think you'll spend a lil too much for the hp you'll get IMO, it's also ok to just do your regular VQ30 to me, but i think if your going to take the engine out just get the VQ35

ZaxWhite97Max

iTrader: (4)

It depends on if you can find a low enough mile'd VQ30. I found one with 9k documented miles on it for a grand (that included instal too) Granted we knew the guy that sold it to us but eh. . So i bought that one over the VQ35 that had roughly 110 documented miles. (was cheaper too)

Grand_hustle17

iTrader: (22)

man thats a great deal, thats probebly one of the best auto deals i've heard of... couldn't go bad with that deal

HighMiles

iTrader: (6)

I agree that the 3.5 is a good motor and can last a long time. but the 3.0 is a GREAT motor if you are talking longevity. no one can deny that.

I have both a 3.0 with 199K and a 3.5 with 130K and I take great care of them. but with the 3.5 I still have to listen to the timing chains slap around on a cold morning and I add about 1.75 quarts between oil changes, pulls like a beast though.
those are mild things but fact is the 3.0 has absolutely no issues at almost 200K.

MDeezy

iTrader: (27)

a lot of 3.0 have the timing chain issue as well. I've actually never heard of the 3.5 having the timing chain issue, but if one were to do the swap, a new tension and guide would cure any/all noises derived from the timing chain.

both motors can last well into 300k pending maintenance.

HighMiles

iTrader: (6)

k....... well i've heard and experienced the opposite.
don't get me wrong.... I voted 3.5 in the poll. I prefer it, but just because I like rocketships. not because the 3.5 is a much better motor.

I do agree with your last statement.

MDeezy

iTrader: (27)

guess it just depends on the person and how there experience was.

3.5 is a better motor in certain ways, it has it advantages and disadvantages, but I agree with you, it goes like a rocket ship

phenryiv1

iTrader: (19)

How did I miss this one?