Shoto925

iTrader: (1)

I am a student so I don't have a ton of cash laying around but I make enough to save up and do something to the max this summer. I have 163K on my VQ30DE and I'm modding the exaust intake etc. Modifying such a high mileage engine is starting to make me nervous (don't want the engine to give up and leave me stranded). I make about $1200-$1500 a month during the summer and I'm looking at a few different options. Let me know what you think.

1. DE-K swap (around 60k miles off ebay or car-part.com)

2. Rebuilding my current engine (overhaul kit on ebay or have it done professionally) + oovi or induction.

3. VQ35 swap. I'm looking at either buying an higher mileage one and refurbishing it or saving up and getting one at about 40K miles


I know that's alot of different choices (none of which that easily achieved within my budget) and ultimately it's up to me. but I really could use some advice from those who have experience doing some of these projects.

input appreciated

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

I modify the holy hell out of my engine and it has 240k.


VQ35 swap all the way

Tatanko

iTrader: (34)

Go with a VQ35 swap. And like NMex said, miles should not worry you.

SmileyFace

iTrader: (3)

vq35 but if you planning on boosting than de-k, it's alot safer on 3.0 engines than 3.5 cuz of higher compression ratio.

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

I disagree. If you know what you’re doing in the boost department, he should be fine. There are plenty of boosted 3.5 Maximas out there. Also, it’s only 0.3 higher.

SmileyFace

iTrader: (3)

i agree but not many ppl know much about boosting so starting out will be much easier with 3.0 and are much cheaper to replace than 3.5's.

SNOMAX

iTrader: (14)

Your mileage is really not that high. As long as you took care of you car, it'll do fine. For yoru money, I would do a 00vi swap and do intake and exhaust mods. It's all fairly bolt on, gives the best value for your money spent and if you save the OEM parts, you can go back to stock when you sell the car.

My advice is: When you mod replace or refurb as much as you can. For example, if you mess with the intake, clean out the IACV and replace the EGR tube, get new spark plugs, etc. You get maintenance and performance at the same time.

Shoto925

iTrader: (1)

I'm gonna go with the VQ35 if I can afford it, and the oovi if I can't...I'm already upgrading intake and exhaust because that can be used with a VQ35 too...I guess it comes down to how much $ I actually get saved this summer

I figure I can do the VQ35 swap for around 2400-2500 if I shop around for stuff and do all the work myself

Thanks for the help, I'll let you guys know how things turn out (and probably be back to ask questions)

black_maxed95

iTrader: (41)

heres my opinion:
1. unless your engine is having problems, I would just do the 00vi swap instead of a full de-k swap
2. again, unless your engine is having problems, why rebuild it? Personally this would be my option...a VI and induction but I doubt induction is within your budget. Plus you want to plan ahead on your exhaust if you are going turbo.
3. Personally not my cup of tea, my preference is to stick with the vq30 but if you do do it, I would save up and get a engine that doesnt need rebuilding. Rebuilding can get over your head and expensive pretty quick. (unless you have the space, tools, knowledge: all the power to ya.)

also if you do all the work yourself like suggested a vq35 swap shouldnt cost nearly $2500. A vq35 is only around $1000, right? (im not really sure).

so like said, my mods of choice would be a VI and induction.

Shoto925

iTrader: (1)

I've been told that adding pressure to a high mileage engine is going to make it explode (not literally) or start failing in many areas at once. That, and price as you mentioned is the only reason I don't take the induction route.

The best prices I can find have me spending 3-4k on a turbo kit, and even more on a SC

black_maxed95

iTrader: (41)

Well like I said, it is most likely out of your price range. First off I want to know who told you that about the engine? There are many people on here with boosted engines with high miles, some over 200k. I guess it depends on how well your engine has been maintained and how reliable you feel it is. My engine has 180k and I plan on boosting it within a year or two. If your engine does blow, it seems like you arent afraid to rebuild an engine based on your other options and replacing a vq30de is pretty cheap, the engines go for approx. $300 at junk yards.

Shoto925

iTrader: (1)

A few different friends of mine were warning me about it. I guess they're underestimating the VQ. well if VQ35 doesn't pan out there may be an oovi in my near future

thanks for the help