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Difference in 99 engines?

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Old May 13, 2010 | 09:49 PM
  #1  
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Difference in 99 engines?

what are the differences in the 1999 engine that everyone seems to complain about? I just bought one with 59k and wondering what i should look out for compared to the other 4th gen engines
Old May 13, 2010 | 10:06 PM
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completely different as far as emissions controls go...closer to the 2000-2001 engines in that aspect. the precats are in the headers as opposed to the y pipes in the 95-98, the LIM have swirl valves...etc

in my 95 i hve next to no emissions stuff and i love it
Old May 14, 2010 | 06:43 AM
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Originally Posted by hornepirate
the precats are in the headers as opposed to the y pipes in the 95-98
only the cali spec ones have that.. i have a 99 and both my pre- cats r in the y pipe.




dont lose your key. the 99's have a chip in them and cost $70+ to replace
Old May 14, 2010 | 09:20 AM
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Iirc, the 99's had coil pack issues
Old May 14, 2010 | 10:16 AM
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Originally Posted by hornepirate
completely different as far as emissions controls go...closer to the 2000-2001 engines in that aspect. the precats are in the headers as opposed to the y pipes in the 95-98, the LIM have swirl valves...etc

in my 95 i hve next to no emissions stuff and i love it
Wrong. See below.

Eh? I'd rather have more room under my hood than a huge black can in the way of transmission swaps, just my preference.

Anywhooo.....

Besides the overall awesomeness because we're the youngest 4th gens, Coil packs woes, Imob Keys/NAT system (I was quoted $70 for the key, $10+$30 for cut and copy @ Brigg's Nissan Manhattan, KS), Different emissions setup (You can read FSMs, I'm not detailing the differences), different A/C compressors, according the Courtesy Nissan's site different UIM (I call BS on that for Fed spec models), AMB Feature on the DCC, the rare and elusive SE-L trim and it's unique goodies, pop out trays (right?), 3 point middle seatbelt, super awesome ECU (So awesome that places that do ECU reflashes charge MORE to do a '99)... All I can think of off of the top of the dome.

If you have a cali-spec (use the VIN decoder to figure out which one you have), then add this to the list of wonders.... Pre-cat in the front header bank, swirl valves in the LIM, more emissions stuff, and a surgeon general's health warning to pregnant mothers.

After all of that, you now realize that most of the differences in 4th gens are external to the engine, and not really the engine itself, AFAIK the VQ30DE Block itself and internal engine components are the same.

Last edited by aackshun; May 14, 2010 at 10:28 AM.
Old May 14, 2010 | 11:28 AM
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Man you really know your stuff, I was wondering what the differences were between the newer 4th gens and the older ones
Old May 14, 2010 | 11:39 AM
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Originally Posted by aackshun
Wrong. See below.

Eh? I'd rather have more room under my hood than a huge black can in the way of transmission swaps, just my preference.

Anywhooo.....

Besides the overall awesomeness because we're the youngest 4th gens, Coil packs woes, Imob Keys/NAT system (I was quoted $70 for the key, $10+$30 for cut and copy @ Brigg's Nissan Manhattan, KS), Different emissions setup (You can read FSMs, I'm not detailing the differences), different A/C compressors, according the Courtesy Nissan's site different UIM (I call BS on that for Fed spec models), AMB Feature on the DCC, the rare and elusive SE-L trim and it's unique goodies, pop out trays (right?), 3 point middle seatbelt, super awesome ECU (So awesome that places that do ECU reflashes charge MORE to do a '99)... All I can think of off of the top of the dome.

If you have a cali-spec (use the VIN decoder to figure out which one you have), then add this to the list of wonders.... Pre-cat in the front header bank, swirl valves in the LIM, more emissions stuff, and a surgeon general's health warning to pregnant mothers.

After all of that, you now realize that most of the differences in 4th gens are external to the engine, and not really the engine itself, AFAIK the VQ30DE Block itself and internal engine components are the same.
thats pretty informational, but i'm still a noob with maximas and all those acronyms throw me off cause i dont know what 95% are.

the should be a sticky with all the definitions of acronyms thrown out there...
Old May 14, 2010 | 11:57 AM
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Originally Posted by MaxiNone
thats pretty informational, but i'm still a noob with maximas and all those acronyms throw me off cause i dont know what 95% are.

the should be a sticky with all the definitions of acronyms thrown out there...
http://forums.maxima.org/4th-generat...hread-yet.html go to post #7
Old May 14, 2010 | 12:08 PM
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^^^thanx, but some of the acronyms aackshun used arent posted on there...
Old May 14, 2010 | 02:58 PM
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Oh boy here we go again. Id like to share what I know on emissions and what not.

95 Fed spec is stripped down, very little emissions, mostly mechanical and vacuum operated. Easiest way to spot a 95 fed spec is no MAP sensor, mechanical EVAP (missing purge valve on top of upper intake manifold), & EVAP box near brake booster. 95 Cali and all 96 are the same, more emissions, more electrically operated sensors and such. The EVAP canister is under the trunk opposite the muffler. 97s are transitional from what I have seen. Early 97s are like 96; later 97s are like 98s. I could be wrong as I have little experience working on 97s actually. All 98s seem to be the same, also close to 96 cali but there are some minor differences with added sensors and wiring. Now the 99 is a cluster. 99 fed spec is similar to the 98. The 99 cali spec is far more electrically operated, especially the EGR, and the swirl valves which add more sensors, vacuum lines, and solenoids.

Strictly speaking about the motor for a swap:

Re use EVERYTHING bolted to your motor if you want the least amount of issues. EGR, EVAP, IACV, vacuum gallery and solenoids, throttle body, front manifold, both intake manifolds yes upper and lower, a/c compressor, hoses, and anything else that looks different. I can tell you for a fact my 98 upper intake and TB is different than my old 96. There are ports in different locations and of different sizes. For instance: my 98 has a fitting to pressurize the intake to check for leaks. My 96 did not have that. I dont think 97s had that but 99s do. There are many many little things to swap, but they are all external. Just take your time. Also dont forget about flex plates and fly wheels or front motor mounts.

There are internal differences. For instance, the oil pump is different in the 99. Bearings are spec'ed differently for 97-99's. Does it matter for a swap no, but to say there is no difference is wrong.
Old May 14, 2010 | 06:11 PM
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took all my cali spec crap out.
Old May 14, 2010 | 06:45 PM
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Originally Posted by aackshun
Eh? I'd rather have more room under my hood than a huge black can in the way of transmission swaps, just my preference.
you make a transmission swap sounds like an air filter change - roooaaght, its getting a bit warm, time to throw in that 5sp
Old May 14, 2010 | 11:24 PM
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Originally Posted by MaxiNone
^^^thanx, but some of the acronyms aackshun used arent posted on there...
Most were on that list, still need help/confused? don't be afraid to get @ me on AIM/PM/Skype/Whatever.


.... I let my friends roll on rotas

Originally Posted by JSutter
There are internal differences. For instance, the oil pump is different in the 99. Bearings are spec'ed differently for 97-99's. Does it matter for a swap no, but to say there is no difference is wrong.
Word? Didn't know... someone needs to compile an epic list of differences, not too long ago I learned 95s had PSF coolers....

I forgot to mention the gauge cluster differences, ECU pin differences, and so on... Meh....


Originally Posted by 96i30azn
you make a transmission swap sounds like an air filter change - roooaaght, its getting a bit warm, time to throw in that 5sp


I don't know why i find this soo funny but I'm about to fall off of my chair laughing!!

In all seriousness, I got tired of knocking around that big black can during my friend's Auto tranny removal/6spd install.

Last edited by aackshun; May 14, 2010 at 11:32 PM.
Old May 15, 2010 | 01:57 PM
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well i dont have a 99 just a 99 engine. and i dont think they did anything with the exhaust but idk. the car is a 97. and i think they just took out the old motor and put in the 99 but idk. they could have did it the way yall say and tear down the 99 and put everything off the 97 on it because they did have the car for like a month. also, whats up with the coil packs on the 99?
Old May 16, 2010 | 07:39 PM
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I have a 96.. gettin ready to go in for a engine swap... I havent gotten the engine yet.. but the mechanice said he would get it.. how do i know if he put a 99 or later engine??
Old May 16, 2010 | 08:33 PM
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99 gle I just did a engine swap die to a bloWn engine. The junkyard gave me a 97 motor with 100k for $350. The swap was a ***** due to me doing all alone. There are a coupeknof sensors that were different oiekt he swirl valve n my car is a ny car so idk y it has if it's only available in ca models but watever. I changer my whole intake manifold and the fuel rail part cuz that's where the swirl valve was connected to. I dint wanna have a car with a cel so I'm goin the right route. It was a pain I'm almost done. The exhaust manifolds are also different. Have a extra o2 sensor I believe. Sorry for long story but I jus wt thru hell wit the motor swap cuz I was stuck clueless bout couple o things good luck bye
Old May 17, 2010 | 08:53 PM
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so i understand the 99 engines have bad coil packs, but all that other stuff... good or bad? sorry... newbie
Old May 17, 2010 | 10:05 PM
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Originally Posted by aackshun


Word? Didn't know... someone needs to compile an epic list of differences, not too long ago I learned 95s had PSF coolers....

Theres another acronym thats not on the list!
So whats PSF mean aackshun ? I already have
an idea but I'll let you answer for all of us that
dont know.
Old May 17, 2010 | 10:06 PM
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Originally Posted by youngquazy
so i understand the 99 engines have bad coil packs, but all that other stuff... good or bad? sorry... newbie

Good for the environment, bad for power to the wheels.
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