5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003) Learn more about the 5th Generation Maxima, including the VQ30DE-K and VQ35DE engines.

Motor swap

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Old Sep 11, 2018 | 07:35 PM
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Motor swap

Are there any known issues with the newer de motors? I’m planning on purchasing an 08 de motor from a quest to swap on my 5th gen
Old Sep 12, 2018 | 04:14 AM
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What year 5th gen?
Swapping a 3.5 into a 3.0 car will require several mods.
I don't know if it extends to 08 but the 04+ 3.5 engines were prone to timing chain tensioner issues.
The 09+ motor swap is popular too.
Old Sep 12, 2018 | 05:06 AM
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Originally Posted by Derrick2k2SE
What year 5th gen?
Swapping a 3.5 into a 3.0 car will require several mods.
I don't know if it extends to 08 but the 04+ 3.5 engines were prone to timing chain tensioner issues.
The 09+ motor swap is popular too.
I have an 03 max. & the 08 quest comes with a 3.5L motor as well. I was told that all I would need to swap over is the upper & lower intake manifold, fuel rail & oil pans.
Old Sep 13, 2018 | 06:51 AM
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I believe that motor will work. Personally I'd look for a low mileage 02/03 FWD 3.5 instead. This is a case where newer isn't necessarily better. When I worked in a shop I saw several of that gen 3.5 (Maximas and a Quest) with timing issues. It's not a low cost fix either. It's very rare on the 02/03.
Old Sep 13, 2018 | 07:25 AM
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Originally Posted by Derrick2k2SE
I believe that motor will work. Personally I'd look for a low mileage 02/03 FWD 3.5 instead. This is a case where newer isn't necessarily better. When I worked in a shop I saw several of that gen 3.5 (Maximas and a Quest) with timing issues. It's not a low cost fix either. It's very rare on the 02/03.
I was hoping to not settle for an 02-03 3.5 because of the oil issue, which I’m dealing with right now. What if I was to prep the motor & change the timing chain & water pump, would I eventually end up with that timing issue?
Old Sep 13, 2018 | 04:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Angel_a33
I was hoping to not settle for an 02-03 3.5 because of the oil issue, which I’m dealing with right now. What if I was to prep the motor & change the timing chain & water pump, would I eventually end up with that timing issue?
I "think" the timing chain tensioner was fixed by 07. Since the motor is out, just replace the tensioner and guides, upgrade the oil gallery gaskets so you never have to worry about what's under the timing chain cover ever again.
Old Sep 14, 2018 | 05:16 AM
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Originally Posted by freezer
I "think" the timing chain tensioner was fixed by 07. Since the motor is out, just replace the tensioner and guides, upgrade the oil gallery gaskets so you never have to worry about what's under the timing chain cover ever again.
I wasn't aware of that. If that's the case then it looks like the OP is right on track.

A lot of people are saying the cats are the cause of the 02/03 oil consumption. I'd do some research here and make sure the problem is sorted out before you put the new motor in and it gets chewed up too. I went with headers before 100,000 miles and have no oil consumption at 235,000 so I haven't really looked into it. There's a lot of info in the forum though.
Old Sep 14, 2018 | 05:21 AM
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Originally Posted by Angel_a33

I was hoping to not settle for an 02-03 3.5 because of the oil issue, which I’m dealing with right now. What if I was to prep the motor & change the timing chain & water pump, would I eventually end up with that timing issue?
If you're going to do all that it may be cheaper and easier to do the 09+ engine. With a few parts you can have a nice upgrade and you should be able to put one in without having to replace any wear items. Search for 5.7 swap here.
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