Now we all know and love the Nissan Maxima, and it's (or, if you prefer, 'her') stock engine, but, in my insane quest for more horsepower, I would think that it's possible to replace the original 3.0 litre six cylinder maxima engine, with a much more powerful 3.0 litre 300ZX TURBO engine? Hmm? Is it possible?
Our little Maxima currently pounds out 190HP at 5600rpm, replacing it with the 300ZX would give it 300HP at 6400rpm, now we're smokin'! At another turbo (if you can afford it..), some heads..etc etc and now the Nissan Maxima is breaking over 400HP.
Obviously it's a lot of work, but if someone wanted to help me through some of the steps that I'm not too clear on, then I'd be willing. There's an old 300ZX at the junkyard (near me), the car's trashed from the rear, but the motor still works, minus the alternator.
I'm also in the process of collecting all the possible mods for a Maxima 4th gen(performance only for now) into one big website. If anyone wants to help me with that, it'd be appreciated. Thanks guys, have fun.

 

did you know that the maxima is a front wheel drive car and the 300z is rear wheel drive

 

I am aware But then again, I can show you a Ford Taurus with a Mustang engine in it too (not mine, thankfully). But c'mon, while I'm talking crazy, why not go all out? Is it possible? I know people have had trouble (different cars now, but hypothetically speaking, for the Max) with AWD to F/RWD, but could a RWD to FWD be done? It's interesting, and I would think that just to blow away some cocky guys in their 2 door sports coupes, it might be worth it..

 

so you want to make the maxima RWD? that's the only way you have a snowball's chance of fitting the engine in. why dont you just buy a bmw 540i or an S4... it's just not worth the money to convert a max.

 

I didn't say that.
For example, though, Porsche's 944 class is RWD, with a front mounted engine (For which it takes a lot of sh*t, even though, in many opinions, it handles much better than the 911's, albeit without the extreme speeds,but I digress..), and it's done simply with a shaft running the length of the vehicle that turns the axle..right. I was under the impression, that while the 300ZX was RWD, it was a front mounted engine...
Also, the later model engines for the 300ZX and Maximas (earlier Maxima, obviously ) are basically similiar, according to Nissan, with various performance tweaks and such, for the high-power 300ZX, this is where I first got the idea, but from what you guys say, it might be too difficult (you'll all pay for this <maniacle laughter) =p

 

well here comes this topic again. must be the 3rd week of the month because we have this discussion EVERY MONTH. It will not work, it's been beaten to death. The only way would cost SO Much money it wouldn't be worth it. So if you want to spend 20k yes, you can. otherwise, this topic is beaten.

 

I always wondered,

Is your name supposed to mean "dumbmaxima" , Dave Matheuws Band Maxima, or what ?

BTW, you are right about the 20k thing. Damn, this guy doesn't know he already has a beautiful and capable engine right in front of him!

 

Save you money and quit spending it on crack...

 

Nonturbo one. Wasn't it FWD?

 

bottom line, too much money, too much work, if your gonna try to do this (which is stupid) just buy a different car instead. Take Care

 

The J30 had a detuned version of the VG30DE from the 300ZX, it was RWD.

 

No, to the best of my knowledge, J30s are RWD.

 

i think the vg30dett was installed into a maxima before, you might want to check the turbo magazine back issues, and if you are lucky enough to find a shop that will do the swap then why dont you just aim even higher and go with a rb26dett???
just my thooughts

 

Im too lazy to read all the replies so Im just going to give my direct reply to this thread:
a) The 300zx is RWD which mean a rear differential, which in turn means cutting out the spare tire well, new strut mounts, driveshaft, new tranny, new exhaust, new shifter..the list goes on.
b) the base motors are identical in both cars. notice how the 300zx non-turbo model makes what, 220hp? thats only because of a higher performance intake and exhaust.
c) My suggestion would be, if your willing to spend that much money, find a wrecked 2002 max with the new 3.5L 255hp engine, and buy a supercharger for it. It'll probably end up being cheaper than a drivetrain conversion, more practical, and more horsepower.

Dont go too crazy or your maxy will be in the shop for years collecting dust.

 

has it been released already???

 

yes in some area. and yes my Name does mean Dave Matthews Band Maxima. sorry for the bluntness earlier. this just has been discussed so many times. the search feature works wonders.

 

for who???

 

#1 You can't put that engine in a 4th Gen maxima.. it doesn't fit and the electronics are different.. you can do it for a 3rd gen.. so if you have one you are in the wrong forum

#2 it doesn't matter if the engine is RWD or FWD you can still use a RWD engine in a FWD car.. (thnx for the info MaximaMike)

#3 no more talk about engine swaps

 

#1 You can't put that engine in a 4th Gen maxima.. it doesn't fit and the electronics are different.. you can do it for a 3rd gen.. so if you have one you are in the wrong forum

#2 it doesn't matter if the engine is RWD or FWD you can still use a RWD engine in a FWD car.. (thnx for the info MaximaMike)

#3 no more talk about engine swaps

 

#1 You can't put that engine in a 4th Gen maxima.. it doesn't fit and the electronics are different.. you can do it for a 3rd gen.. so if you have one you are in the wrong forum

#2 it doesn't matter if the engine is RWD or FWD you can still use a RWD engine in a FWD car.. (thnx for the info MaximaMike)

#3 no more talk about engine swaps

 

i think 3 x is enough....


i think we get the point..

 

had to make sure i got my point across

 

the 300zx is a twin turbo. could you add another turbo as your suggestion above says? (not that this swap is going to happen). the naturally aspirated 300z's are rear wheel drive also.

 

No. Want a reason?

http://ashleypowers.com/Image%20Gall...blockhead2.jpg

Need some help? <hint mode>Look at how big the heads are, not to mention the turbo/intercooler system is huge</hint mode>

Oh, and as for the RWD engine not working in a FWD car, the VQ engine is used in a RWD application in Japan.

 

Hey, I have been thinking about this too. I was thinking if one turbo is good and tt is great, why not put in 6 turbos? I bet it would be REALLY fast then.

 

Thanks for the feedback, guys. I was just wondering if it was possible, didn't expect to give any of you premature strokes . I'll just have to try some other things
(Admit it, would have been cool, though )

 

ya you gotta watch out for spring when you start talking engine swaps, he gets HEATED.

 

Another SIMPLE reason. Look underneath our cars. See that big piece of metal between the two rear wheels? Its called a live axle. How do you figure running the transaxle through it?

Oh and Steve, that DuMBMaxima is classic.

 

 

ya haha.