How much would it cost OVERALL to swap my 3.0L in my 01 max for a 3.5L from 02-03? By overall i mean the parts, the possible parts that may need to be replaced, and labor for removing + inserting engine... since my current engine has exactly 200k miles im guessing some parts may go bad during the exchange of the engine?
Also.. my mechanic said it would be better to replace the engine instead of buying a new car.. but he is a mechanic so me running back and forth to him would work for his benefit.
Please any help would be beneficial to me!

 

just buy a new/used car

 

You will have to do your own homework here OP.

The prices vary greatly in about everything.

I hope you go through with it.
The world needs more 3.5 swaps.

Ignore george_, almost everyone else has learned to.

 

A hybrid swap 3.5 using 3.0 timming or a full swap? Let's discuss the easier more common hybrid swap using 3.0 timming. Hard to find a mechanic that will do that for a fair price. Used engine price will range from $400-$2500, unless you are crafty and can find one for $185 at a you-pull-it junkyard or someone parting out a car. I found someone parting out a car and got the engine and trans (misc parts, axles, etc.) for $350. But these engines burn oil and mine probably needs rings. No problem because I bought it for a project to do myself and rebuild with cams and extras. So factor in a rebuild which could cost a few grand if you pay someone. Things are starting to get expensinve, eh? This is one of those things where if you can do it yourself it is worth it. I doubt you're rich enough to dump $10,000-$15,000 to pay a "mechanic" to do this. You can also get lucky and find a forum member to do it for you. You are in over your head. You have not done the research involved in something like this. My best advice to you would be to pay the mechanic to swap in a used vq30de-k. $600 is a fair average for a normal shop unless you go high end then you could pay like two grand just for labor. So $600 for labor and $600 for a used engine sounds fair. Good luck.

 

Great info, thank you sir.