Hi all,

I just got my old 2001 Anniv Edition Maxima back in my possession and man the nostalgia is real! Anyway, the thing has 185k miles on it and it has a ton of problems. I'm thinking about rebuilding the thing. I want to start by making it run like new again. Does anybody recommend replacing the engine completely? Can I even buy a brand new engine that replaces the original factory OEM one? I was reading online and it appears that this Maxima runs on a " 222 hp (166 kW) (227 hp SE) 3.0 L VQ30DE V6" but that in 2002 they came out with a better one; "3.5 L VQ35DE that produced 255 hp (190 kW) and 246 lb·ft (334 N·m) of torque". Will the 3.5L fit/mount nicely/easily to my car? Can I even buy these engines brand new anymore?

 

Unless you had a 4gen and wanted the 3.5 swap it's costly but worth it, in your case just find a 3.0 engine and swap , if you want a 3.5 on your 5 gen then just buy a 5.5gen (2002-2003)

What problems are you having??age related?

 

Yeah, the thing has had a ton of work done already. I just don't want to have to worry about any reliability issues down the road if I do this. Also, should I have any concerns about the rest of the car before restoration? That said, can I even buy a new 3.0 L VQ30DE V6?

 

No but these engines are bulletproof if taken care of.. 3.0 is more reliable then 3.5 anyhow...(I'm biased tho)

 

So I can't buy the engine new?

 

Cost more than the car to buy a new engine...

You can look for a 3.0L from www.car-parts.com

If you want a 3.5L, buy a 2002+ Maxima but be warned all VQ35DE pretty much burn some oil

 

Yeah, I don't want to purchase a new car. I just want to see if I can restore my baby.

 

get the 3l replacement 3.5 is mostl likely an oil burner

 

How/where can I buy the 3.0L engine?

 

If I were you I would just leave what you have alone. These cars are pretty reliable just keep up with your fluid changes and just drive the car as it is and don't get into something that you don't really need to....I'm just saying