could i successfully swap my 2002 maximas engine with a vq35de from a 2006 maxima? some say i can and some say i cant. any thoughts?

 

I wouldn't. The 04-08 isn't an upgrade and has more issues than the 20-03.
I've seen a lot of issues with the timing tensioners and chains on those engines.

If you want an upgrade, look into the 09 engine swap.

To answer the question though, I believe it would go right in.

 

I concur with Derrick. 07-08 Altima is a bit easier than 09 Maxima though.

https://maxima.org/forums/5th-genera...03-maxima.html