Scott LaRock

iTrader: (5)

As you guys know, I blew my head gasket from my lack of concern about my car. I didn't take care of my car and it costed me. After a little bit of thought as far as keeping the car or getting something else I've decided to keep it.

I'm trying to get a engine asap, a couple members recommended the VQ35 to me. That sounds nice but I'm on limited funds right now and I can't afford to have anymore car problems.

How reliable is this engine in the older maximas and what is required in order for this engine to work? Is it possible that everything will hook up to the stock 3.0 internals? Will I be required to do any drilling or cutting?

Thanks...

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

Check the AM stickys.

pmohr

iTrader: (26)

It's just as reliable as it was in the donor car...

And as NmexMax said, there's tons of info about this all over the place.

Here's a great writeup from NYCMaximas - http://forums.nycmaximas.org/showthread.php?t=19270

Scott LaRock

iTrader: (5)

Cool, I might just get a regular engine (98 maxima) for now, is there a write up on how to put in a engine? Can the engine fit in the truck? Or do I need a pick up?

pmohr

iTrader: (26)

Yes, the motor can fit in a truck... or did you mean trunk? No, I would doubt it.

R&Ring the motor is easy, remove the wiring harness, ac, ps, fuel lines, axles, motor/trans mounts, exhaust, the usual stuff up top (batt, intake, etc), yank her out and throw the new one in there.

Have you ever done a motor swap or anything relatively in depth like this before?

Scott LaRock

iTrader: (5)

No sir, never done that before.

Scott LaRock

iTrader: (5)

up to the top

pmohr

iTrader: (26)

What else did you want to know?

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

Read the aforementioned stickys before going to the top.

D-Bo

iTrader: (9)

Do not pass go, do not collect $200...

Scott LaRock

iTrader: (5)

LOL, I gotcha

Fr33way™

iTrader: (23)

I say don't. Sounds like you are on a budget and obviously not religious about taking care of your car. Spare the headache and possible finacial disaster of half-as5ing a VQ35 swap.

t6378tp

iTrader: (69)

agreed

Nealoc187

iTrader: (23)

if you managed to blow up a vq30 from neglect, putting a vq35 in the car is not a wise idea.

urmab

iTrader: (7)

I have a 3.5 swap it had it in there for about a year now I love It, no issues at all. From what I hear some 5th gen engines burn oil but it all depens on the engine you get. Other then that the swap is not really hard the hardest part is probably doing the timing.

f550maranello2

iTrader: (2)

dude dont listen to these guys telling you to drop the 3.5 in there....

just get a 97+ motor in there and dont ever think about it again.... u wont have any issues like u will with the 3.5...

goldtooth

iTrader: (56)

whatever such "horrible" issues could you possibly be referring to?

Scott LaRock

iTrader: (5)

I put in a 98 I30 engine with 72,000 miles.. bought from a salvage, car runs good... now I just have to get off my *** and show some love for my car... need to take better care of the car.. my fault the engine blew due.

Some questions.

1. Do I have to run 93 octane?
2. Can I get away with some cheap brakes from DAP?
3. Should I switch to synthetic oil?
4. I run 20/50 should I switch to 10/40?

Thanks...

pmohr

iTrader: (26)

1. No, but it's generally a good idea.
2. All brakes will cause you to stop, with different characteristics. Personally cheaping out on brakes (even though I'm rocking the JDM tyte autozone pads) isn't exactly a great idea.
3. You can if you want, or you can leave it as is.
4. Why do you run 20w50 in the first place? 5w30 or 10w30 are recommended, depending on climate. Supposedly 0w30 syntec is great stuff, if you can find it...

Everything above is personal preference, nothing really we can answer for you.

Scott LaRock

iTrader: (5)

Thats cool, how much are those pads? Autozone is pretty far away from here....

heynow

iTrader: (1)

Now that you have a nice, low-mileage engine. Treat it right!! Do one full Auto-RX treatment and switch Mobil 1 EP Full Synthetic (that's only my preference) and watch your VQ run like NU!!!

Mctwist77

iTrader: (2)

A+++ engine

f550maranello2

iTrader: (2)

Hmm let me think...

uh.. hard starting when its cold...
messing around with cam adapters...
let see....

crappy fuel maps/ ignition maps...


face it its not a direct swap... its 1000x easier and cheaper to just replace the 3.0...

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

That can be fixed by using common sense and setting the FP to stock A32 specs vs A33B specs.

What issues do cam adapters have? I don’t recall any dominant/persistent/common problems.

Nothing different from A32 maps, so


Anyone with a half a brain knows it's not a direct swap.

f550maranello2

iTrader: (2)

point is that the guy want to just get his car running.. and all of you are telling him to swap in a 3.5...

from what he says he doesnt wanna go through all the hassle..

thats all im saying... no need to jump on my *** about it...

this is what the man said...

"I'm trying to get a engine asap, a couple members recommended the VQ35 to me. That sounds nice but I'm on limited funds right now and I can't afford to have anymore car problems."

made in china

iTrader: (7)

I wouldn't doubt that the 3.0 is more reliable than the 3.5. Most 3.0's last way over 200K miles. Mine never gave me any trouble, I pulled it out at 203K miles when I did the 3.5 swap. I had an 02 QX4 and those have the 3.5, mine went thru coil packs, cam sensor and a trans rebuild under warranty. I also hear the 3.5 eats rings. Whatever, I wanted the power of the 3.5, when it breaks i'll fix it.

You on the other hand (OP), you better stick with the 3.0, keep it simple and cheap.

urmab

iTrader: (7)

Well it all depends on who's going to do the labor if you going to do it your self 3.5 is not going to be much more expensive then just getting a 3.0 . Now as far as reliability going from my understanding only 2k2-2k3 and not some of them end up burning oil. I have 2k3 in my car no oil burning issues here. There are some members who have already did 200k miles with their 3.5 with out a question. So you cant really say that their are not dependable, they are lets face it its a VQ.

GStrength

iTrader: (4)

everyone keeps telling this man about a 3.5 this and a 3.5 that. how come no one has even suggested or recommended getting a DE-K instead. Look if you are looking for an upgrade that will fit straight on, get a 2000-2001 maxima engine, there you'll be very happy. Also I would prefer a 2000-2001 maxima engine over a 3.5 any day.

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

Any legitimate reasons?

GStrength

iTrader: (4)

for a 4th gen i would prefer the 00-01 because its less hassle. I never experienced the 3.5 still, from others that have placed one in there 4th gen there's allot of problems that comes along with it. I raced 06 maximas before in my 4th gen and i wasn't impressed, it was a neck to neck race anyway. perhaps it was the other drive or my ability to switch faster and more efficient, but I just simply wont go all out my way to put a 3.5 in until i know how to complete dissemble and engine and put it all back together. for those that know mechanics a whole lot, its coo sure, but for someone thats learning how to work on engines, that swap is a little too advance.