as some of you know, i spend alot of time on my maxima (95 gle) and am at a point and mileage (211,000) where there's a few things that need fixin. top of the list is the timing chain, water pump job, need a new drivers side axle, ( have new complete axle in box, and trans seals ) and front and rear valve cover gaskets which rear one is leaking pretty bad. im thinking the cheapest i can do all this work is 1,600.00-1,800.00 and then i heard a whine in the front near the alternator ( another 300.00 at least) pushing the total repairs up to 2,100.00 at least. im looking at a 2002 se with 160,000 and needs some work. i can probably get it for 3,500.00, so should i keep maxy and slowly fix or jump on the 02 which has the 3.5 but no leather and no heated seats. i put a thread in the 5th gen section detailing the car with a link to it. i really want to fix maxy, and i did alot of paint and body work this year alone was like 2,200.00 for both. im torn, anyone from pa have a tech/garage i can use that will do this for a good price and reliable??? opinions welcome, tech needed. thanks>>>>

ps, max runs really good, whine is random, and chain quiets down after warm up

 

Well, I checked your profile for pics (figured it might help with my opinion) SInce you recently sunk 2200 into the paint/body, I'd be inclined to recommend a DEK or 3.5 swap. WHile the engine and tranny are pulled you can easily access everything, when you finish it will be exactly like you want it, and if you pick up a low mileage unit (should be easy to source on the east coast)

You could stay close to the budget you stated AND have a lower mileage ride that looks/runs/rides clean.

My .02

 

Sounds like its time to swap powertrains to me.

 

I'd recommend just pulling the engine and swapping in either a 3.5 or a DE-K. For about the same price, you could easily find an engine with under 100K and have it installed.

Why would you buy a newer car for more money, that probably has more problems? If anything I would recommend finding a low mileage 5.5 and enjoy it before you start to run into the problems you're seeing with your 4th gen.

 

QFT. Couldn't have said it any better.

 

and thats why i never jump into something w/o looking and asking questions first. where do i find a replacement motor that does'nt have a million problems and is sooo cheap??? i was told, keep the original block if its running good, to just fix it. i know a couple of places to get a motor, whats soo special about dek???

 

You've got to be kidding me lol Variable intake manifolds fool! That's what's better.

 

I say fix it and keep it. The car is gorgeous. If you decide to sell it make sure it goes to someone who will appreciate it and take care of it. Preferably another org member.

 

Max Rider 41, You've been around the forum for a while so maybe the easiest way to state the difference in common terminology is its a better version of your current engine with 00vi built in, So in short, this is the easy and cheaper route

However, if you could source a good engine from a 5.5 gen and mechanic (.org member in the area?) I would say to do the 3.5 in a heartbeat. A high 12- low13 second 4th gen with fresh paint and daily driver relaibility just sounds too tempting.

Good luck and keep us posted

 

thanks guys, jncoracer, here's why i probably will keep her.....

 

I'm going to jump on the swap the motor idea. The car looks great, would be a shame to give up on it now.

 

KEEP IT!!,

I restate my above assessment and add:
That would be one clean 3.5/6mt candidate! DO IT

PS love the classy understated color and scheme.

 

keep the car. do 3.5 swap, be happy...i believe you can get turn key 3.5 swap done for like $1500-$2000 range

 

PM tavarish, he's an awesome motor swapper in NJ and can do it for around $2K (motor included).