nick

iTrader: (10)

First time owning a VQ35DE motor (2003 I35 with 127K) besides the regular maintenance (good oil, sparkplugs, coils, CAM sensors, Crank Sensors, valve covers) what should I check/do to help it last for a while?

Few things that I am aware of so far courtesy of the .org and www.my4dsc.com

-Valve cover leaks (so far I am not seeing any active leaks)
-NWP plate block off (not sure if a daily driver would benefit from this mod)
-Oil gallery gaskets? (I might hook up oil pressure gage next time I am on the lift)
-Oil burning? (I'll keep an eye on oil consumption)
-Oil cooler leak (good so far)
-No timing chain rattle at cold start so far
-4th Gen MAF vs 5th Gen MAF
-Coolant Bypass to Protect ECU
-Disconnect two electronic engine mounts to prevent ECU failure
-Replace fuse #58 (15A, labeled ENG CONT1) in “Fusible Link and Fuse Box” by the battery with a 7.5A fuse

Any other major things that I should be aware of?

uptownsamcv

mine made it to 330,000 miles and still running when I pulled the engine to swap in the 7th gen engine. the biggest issue i had was throw out bearing failures which it turns out most of them was my fault, I didn't lube the proper spot that the throw out bearing plastic slides on. also had oil pan leak. I also had valve cover leaks but I don't consider that major.

oil pan half moon seal leaks can be mistaken for a rear main seal leak

if you start having cam position sensor issues see if the connector has oil inside them. when the o-rings for them get stiff they start seeping oil onto the connector.

only use OEM MAF sensor, aftermarket ones will get you going but not as perfect as even a used OEM one. power output even feels better...

drain and refill coolant annually along with all other fluids. fresh fluid makes everything last longer. water pump failures are normally caused by bearing failure and antifreeze has a lubricant in it for the water pump bearings. you don't want to have to change a VQ water pump..

I've had good luck with cheap valve covers but not with the cheap outer gasket that comes with them. if the valve cover gasket isn't blue don't use it..

if your alternator ever goes bad get a higher output 95 maxima one, they have higher output of 125 amps instead of 110 and it actually made an improvement when I crank up my stereo..

I recently ditched the oil cooler in the swap process..

nick

iTrader: (10)

Great tips! Thank you!