So I am planning on doing a 3.5 swap into my 96, but i am at a loss as of what year motor to use and auto or manual trans. I have heard several things that keep me wondering, like don't use a 00 to 03 cause they burn oil and don't do a manual cause the autos are stronger. I am planning on completely rebuilding (all new internals) and then boosting. What is everybody's opinions.

 

The auto trans are pretty good, but they are not bullet proof by any means.

The 6spd manual is pretty good, I still break them, but they last a long time. I drive the hell out of this car too.

I would get one of the altima motors with the HR heads. Looks promising.

 

. Where are you getting your info from?

 

Are you talking to me or the OP?

 

Dude, come on I know you know your stuff ...

The OP.

This had me ing my head:
00-01's aren't known to burn oil, and 00-01's don't have a 3.5L, so that would defeat the purpose of said swap.

02-03's, mmm, might burn some oil, but if you're doing all new internals, this obviously wont be an issue.

04-06 had timing chain tensioners made of silly putty issues, but, read above since it makes the same point, re: you'll fix it when you rebuild it.

If anything, the MT would be considered a bit more qualified to take abuse.

IMO, that would be contrary to most beliefs on here re: AT vs MT. Jime may think differently, but he's got a few add-ons to his tranny to make it slightly more reliable.

Case in point, OP, you don't seem to have done enough research as of yet.

 

So I know that you know that he knows his stuff. Glad we know that.

YES!

 

Just for thread clarity: are you looking to boost a DE-K (00-01) or the 3.5 (02-03). I know you said a 3.5 swap but wasn't sure given the years listed.

 

i plan on boosting a 3.5 that was giving to me out of my friends 03.

 

i want to do an auto as well, what year has the fastest 3.5?

 

anyone know if this site is any good? http://www.automotix.net

 

^Was just reading a thread where a member got a decent low-mileage vq35 from him. He seemed happy.