I need a new engine, and want to know which years are compatible to drop in...From what I can find any vq35de that is setup for FWD will work. Is this right? Will anything from 2004 to 2008 fit...Also I have 6 SPD MT, will that make a difference?

 

Any FWD VQ35DE will work, you should look for a 07+ engine though since a lot of oil consumption issues seem non existent on 07+ engines.

If you go for a 02-06 engine, if its a 4/5 speed auto, you will need to swap the upper oil pan from your engine so the 6 speed MT will bolt up. If you get a 07-08 engine with CVT, it should bolt up fine without needing to swap the upper oil pan. I have a 07 maxima engine in my 04 MT and i never swapped the upper oil pan.

If you get a 04-08 engine, do the timing tensioners while the engine is out of the car, it will be much easier and save you much time and money in the long run.

 

thats what i figured. i think i will just find a used 08 engine with low mileage...i've found a place that has a refurbished vq35de with a 3 year/unlimited miles warranty for $3900, but i have to wait 2-3 weeks.i found info on the timing tensioner here, do I really need all of these parts or can i just get my with the tensioners?

i've just found out all maxima 2007+ came with CVT is this correct?

 

Yes all 07+ do.

Will a 7th gen engine work in our cars?? Would be sweet to get that stock 290hp bolted to the 6mt

 

290HP because 09 up has EVT and a much different tune ,but CVT robs a lot of the power so the car never has the advertised 290 at the wheels, you'll be lucky to hit sub 220HP.

Not sure if you can implement EVT on 6th gens though another standalone system, you'd have to read up on that.

When i got my engine, it had only 41K miles on it. You can look in my albums to see how the secondary tensioners looked, one of them nearly worn out.

When i did the job, i replaced the tensioner shoes for the secondary chains, the main chain guide for the big chain, the actual tensioner for the main chain, all 3 chains and the whole water pump. You really don't need to replace the sprockets. I replaced all of the oil seals along the way.

Read threads, build a list of items you will need for the job and order at courtesy. You should do the tensioners if you plan to keep the car for a long time. Also, check car-part.com for engines in your local area. $3900 is a bit steep for even an 08 engine.

 

My Idol Surratt with a 5.5gen Max gave the blueprint right here
http://forums.maxima.org/all-motor/6...vq35-info.html

 

5.5gen and 6gen is a whole different beast in terms of electronics and ECU.
His set up might not work for a 6th gen.

 

@L36
when you did the swap did you run into any other issues, like wiring?