I have a spare VQ30 from a 99 maxima and was wondering if all of the sensors and etc. are the same as a 97? I plan to swap the engines in the near future, and don't want to come across any complications.

 

The EGR system is definitely different on the 99 model. All electric as opposed to vacuum operated on the 97. There may also be subtle differences in the TPS and IACV connections. Not sure on that one.

I can tell you that the entire upper intake and EGR system can be substituted on either engine to correspond to the correct year chassis wiring harness. I just completed a swap of a 99 engine into a 97 car. This was exactly what I had to do in order for the engine to be compatable.

Fortunately this procedure is relatively easy with the engine out of the vehicle. Also a good time to clean out the EGR transfer tube and change your knock sensor.

 

Everything is the same except EGR...basically

 

the 99 motors also are calispec, which means that they have the butterflys in the lower intake manifold, as well as having a swirl control valve. Which can be removed with very little effort.

 

Not so fast there, not ALL 99 Maximas are Cal. spec. Some are, some are not.

If it is, the front(radiator) side exhaust manifold will have a catalyst built into the manifold. This is the easiest way to tell at a glance.

 

True - my original '99 engine was Fed Spec, and a replacement '99 Infiniti engine was also Fed Spec.