Swap in a VQ35 from an 06 Max?
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 251
Swap in a VQ35 from an 06 Max?
I need a new motor, and the 03 VQ35s are all over $1,000 with 200k+ miles on them. I found an 06 with 44k for $600 so I want to get it instead. I've heard that there are some minor differences - EGR port on the UIM, knock sensor, fuel rails and wiring harness are different. How straight forward is an 03 to 06 VQ35 swap? Keep in mind, this would be my first engine swap. The reason I am replacing my engine is due to a spun bearing/rod knock, so the relevant parts (UIM, knock sensor, fuel rails, wiring harness) can be swapped from current engine to the new one. My questions are: Is this considered an "advanced" swap? What is different about the wiring harness? the end that connects to the ECU, or the connectors to the individual sensors?
I plan on pulling the trigger on the engine later today, and purchasing a crane, engine stand, compressor and air ratchet this weekend(I already have a big 1/2" impact gun and a smaller 3/8" Impact). Any other special tools/parts I will need? Do I also need a new RMS, or can I reuse mine(no leaks, although that might change after I unbolt the tranny).
Finally, how hard are the Exhaust Manifolds to separate from the rest of the exhaust system? This is the one part I am worried about, as exhaust bolts are ALWAYS a PITA.
I plan on pulling the trigger on the engine later today, and purchasing a crane, engine stand, compressor and air ratchet this weekend(I already have a big 1/2" impact gun and a smaller 3/8" Impact). Any other special tools/parts I will need? Do I also need a new RMS, or can I reuse mine(no leaks, although that might change after I unbolt the tranny).
Finally, how hard are the Exhaust Manifolds to separate from the rest of the exhaust system? This is the one part I am worried about, as exhaust bolts are ALWAYS a PITA.
I need a new motor, and the 03 VQ35s are all over $1,000 with 200k+ miles on them. I found an 06 with 44k for $600 so I want to get it instead. I've heard that there are some minor differences - EGR port on the UIM, knock sensor, fuel rails and wiring harness are different. How straight forward is an 03 to 06 VQ35 swap? Keep in mind, this would be my first engine swap. The reason I am replacing my engine is due to a spun bearing/rod knock, so the relevant parts (UIM, knock sensor, fuel rails, wiring harness) can be swapped from current engine to the new one. My questions are: Is this considered an "advanced" swap? What is different about the wiring harness? the end that connects to the ECU, or the connectors to the individual sensors?
I plan on pulling the trigger on the engine later today, and purchasing a crane, engine stand, compressor and air ratchet this weekend(I already have a big 1/2" impact gun and a smaller 3/8" Impact). Any other special tools/parts I will need? Do I also need a new RMS, or can I reuse mine(no leaks, although that might change after I unbolt the tranny).
Finally, how hard are the Exhaust Manifolds to separate from the rest of the exhaust system? This is the one part I am worried about, as exhaust bolts are ALWAYS a PITA.
I plan on pulling the trigger on the engine later today, and purchasing a crane, engine stand, compressor and air ratchet this weekend(I already have a big 1/2" impact gun and a smaller 3/8" Impact). Any other special tools/parts I will need? Do I also need a new RMS, or can I reuse mine(no leaks, although that might change after I unbolt the tranny).
Finally, how hard are the Exhaust Manifolds to separate from the rest of the exhaust system? This is the one part I am worried about, as exhaust bolts are ALWAYS a PITA.
-You need your old UIM.
-You need your old Upper Oil pan
-Use your old wire harness, engines usually don't come with them.
-Uhhh changing transmissions do not cause RMS leaks... but since you're changing oil pans......
-With the motor out and an impact... You're not going to have any problems w/ exhaust manifolds, if you do... You're going to be in for a long swap.
This is not an advanced swap unless you consider pulling an engine advanced by default. There are tons of threads on this already. Keep your original intake manifold, original exhaust manifold, motor mounts, and upper oil pan. Drop the motor in and turn the key.
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 251
What exactly are the differences between the 06 and 03 upper oil pans? Do they NEED to be swapped?
Like I said, I found a cheap-ish motor for $600 from an 06. Once I pull my motor (possible spun bearing), I will get the crank machined and install new oversize bearings. I then want to sell the engine for $800-$1000 (the going price that I've seen for an 03 VQ35DE with MUCH higher miles). I think I have to put in ~$110 for machining, $40 for an UIM, $35 for bearings and $40 for an upper oil pan. So not counting time or tools, it looks to be a net profit on the swap. Is this possible? Is it a bad idea to try to sell the old motor?(like can there be pieces of bearing in other parts of the engine?)
Also spun bearing has not been confirmed yet. If it was spun, there are little to no symptoms at this point. I briefly experienced Rod Knock 2 weeks ago, but haven't heard it since, and I've put about 1,000 miles on it since then.
Like I said, I found a cheap-ish motor for $600 from an 06. Once I pull my motor (possible spun bearing), I will get the crank machined and install new oversize bearings. I then want to sell the engine for $800-$1000 (the going price that I've seen for an 03 VQ35DE with MUCH higher miles). I think I have to put in ~$110 for machining, $40 for an UIM, $35 for bearings and $40 for an upper oil pan. So not counting time or tools, it looks to be a net profit on the swap. Is this possible? Is it a bad idea to try to sell the old motor?(like can there be pieces of bearing in other parts of the engine?)
Also spun bearing has not been confirmed yet. If it was spun, there are little to no symptoms at this point. I briefly experienced Rod Knock 2 weeks ago, but haven't heard it since, and I've put about 1,000 miles on it since then.
What exactly are the differences between the 06 and 03 upper oil pans? Do they NEED to be swapped?
Like I said, I found a cheap-ish motor for $600 from an 06. Once I pull my motor (possible spun bearing), I will get the crank machined and install new oversize bearings. I then want to sell the engine for $800-$1000 (the going price that I've seen for an 03 VQ35DE with MUCH higher miles). I think I have to put in ~$110 for machining, $40 for an UIM, $35 for bearings and $40 for an upper oil pan. So not counting time or tools, it looks to be a net profit on the swap. Is this possible? Is it a bad idea to try to sell the old motor?(like can there be pieces of bearing in other parts of the engine?)
Like I said, I found a cheap-ish motor for $600 from an 06. Once I pull my motor (possible spun bearing), I will get the crank machined and install new oversize bearings. I then want to sell the engine for $800-$1000 (the going price that I've seen for an 03 VQ35DE with MUCH higher miles). I think I have to put in ~$110 for machining, $40 for an UIM, $35 for bearings and $40 for an upper oil pan. So not counting time or tools, it looks to be a net profit on the swap. Is this possible? Is it a bad idea to try to sell the old motor?(like can there be pieces of bearing in other parts of the engine?)
Esta-vey loko manggg
That's what i'm aiming to pay for on mine w/ alright miles.
And yeah, from my little expierience w/ spun bearings all of the crap is in the oil pan, so you shoudl be good on that, hell any typical motor has metal shavings floating around in it, none is going to be 100% free. As long as your honest and up front about it, go ahead and sell it!
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 251
So two guys who have been here awhile and they both say the same thing... swap upper oil pans and you still ask us if they need to be swapped?
Esta-vey loko manggg
That's what i'm aiming to pay for on mine w/ alright miles.
And yeah, from my little expierience w/ spun bearings all of the crap is in the oil pan, so you shoudl be good on that, hell any typical motor has metal shavings floating around in it, none is going to be 100% free. As long as your honest and up front about it, go ahead and sell it!
Esta-vey loko manggg
That's what i'm aiming to pay for on mine w/ alright miles.
And yeah, from my little expierience w/ spun bearings all of the crap is in the oil pan, so you shoudl be good on that, hell any typical motor has metal shavings floating around in it, none is going to be 100% free. As long as your honest and up front about it, go ahead and sell it!
so true, I have one here in stock, how much does it cost for you? I may be able to beat it...But if you must know, about the oil pans... It's on the forum here already but I'll give in
The holes for the transmissions aren't the same for the oil pans, you may get a couple in, but not all.
And finally most importantly... The hole for the CPS is in the 6 o'clock poisiton, not 9 or 10 o'clock how it is on the 5th gens.
Last edited by aackshun; Nov 17, 2011 at 02:07 PM.
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