viking89

I recently bought a 2002 SE with 95k on it from a dealer. I find out weeks later its burning a MASSIVE amount of oil. I've filled it up 3 times in the month Ive had it, something is leaking.

Its being taken to Nissan tomorrow to diagnose, but it's likely that the engine is just shot and needs a swap. Luckily I have a 3000$ engine warranty.

If it needs to be swapped, should I put another 2002 or 2003 motor in? Or should I go with an 04/05?

I know the 04/05 are less likely to burn oil, but they have timing chain issues from what I've searched so far

How compatible are these engines? I dont want it to be overcomplicated for the shop thats doing it, resulting in more problems. This cars been a massive headache already and I want this to go smoothly. But then again I dont want to swap a motor just to get another oil burner...

Any advice? Things I should tell the mechanics before swapping?

Please help, you guys havent failed me yet

viking89

bump - the engine swap may happen very soon and i'd need to be able to make some informed decisions

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

Before bumping, maybe try skimming through or searching.

Look what I found,

http://forums.maxima.org/all-motor/6...it-my-car.html
http://forums.maxima.org/6th-generat...fferences.html

grey99max

iTrader: (12)

If you just want to install a comparable newer engine, then a 05-07 Maxima with low miles (and a warranty) would be the easiest swap. the 04-05 (maybe higher) have intake manifolds with EGR ports which you don't have, so use your original INTAKE manifolds. If you're worried about timing chains, stick with the latest engine you can find or have your mechanic install new timing chains, guides, and tensioner - water pump as well - in a replacement engine. Personally, I would grab the latest and lowest mileage Maxima engine you can find, swap the intake manifolds for your present ones, and drop it in the car.

You can always check on Courtesy Nissan Parts (Google it) in Richardson TX to validate exactly which parts are the same and which have upgrades. Their Parts web page is very useful for tracking OEM parts and will show when parts have changed over different years.

Good luck...

viking89

Thank you very much for the advice. I'll try and get a low mileage 05 - 07 and I'll keep my manifolds. I'll have them look at the timing chains and water pump as well.

I think I should be able to get a decent engine with the 3k warranty budget

kenc15

iTrader: (1)

yeah I bought two vq35s for $1300, you should have goodies with yours for $3000.

Max streets

iTrader: (11)

02-08 are the same engine execpt with little variations but as far as the timming chain and oil burning can happen to all of those engines u wanna get a engine were maybe those things were inproved or different swap in the 7thgen engine or just get urs and rebuild the engine with the 3k warranty and ull have a brand new engine with 0 miles new timming chain and some good pistons with heat coating on the skirts and that will help the burning oil issues.

viking89

So I've suggested to the owner of the shop that they put in an 05-07 engine and replace the timing chain beforehand.

He's concerned that they aren't totally compatible and it'll cause further problems, so he wants me to triple check.

The ONLY difference between 02 & 04/05/06/07 is the intake manifolds? I'll keep my 02 VQ35 intake manifolds, and the entire rest of the motor is plug and play? I'm not an engine guy

We just don't want any headaches, I take you boys' word for it, but he demanded I triple check before we go ahead and buy an 05-07

Just need a confirmation

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

Check this for oil pan compatibility.

http://forums.maxima.org/all-motor/6...it-my-car.html

maxima.713

iTrader: (7)

You going to have to swap upper oil pans too.

Will

iTrader: (2)

Will swapping in an engine from a different generation or year always result in a check engine light remaining on? If I had an '03 Max but found an engine (with transmission type taken into consideration) from an 02, are there certain VIN ranges that will trigger/not trigger a CEL?

I'm not opposed to replacing my engine if I ever had to, but if a Check Engine Light was crhonically lit, I couldn't drive it.

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

02-03 should be fine with no SES, same with 04-08 in an 02-03.

Not sure where this theory came from. As long as the appropriate actions are taken on the 04-08 in the 02-03, everything should be fine.

viking89

Ok so what Im seeing from the above posted guide is that I can swap an 05-06 manual transmission engine from either an altima or a maxima into my 02 and only have to swap my old intake manifolds on to it. Its the 07 year where oil pans need to be swapped as well, so I'll leave 06 as the cutoff.

You guys are so helpful

viking89

And if I'm wrong, I'll just tell them to keep the old engine for spare parts in case I need my old oil pans

Max streets

iTrader: (11)

Oil pan is the same were did that theory come from.any engine from 02-08 is fine just change any sensors.they are all vq35de nothing really changes but a sensor or two.as far as for the tranny manual or auto u just put ur flywheel or torque converter.I think 3k is way to much money Thats the cost of a 3.5 swap with 3.0 timming would cost ants including the engine.

viking89

^ Now you're confusing me...

The oil pans being different theory came from the guide posted by NmexMax above. it states that some are different depths and won't fit. Nobody has mentioned up until this point that any sensors are different...

I need a straight answer before I tell my mechanic, they're relying on me to do the research.

All I'd need for an 05/06 max engine in my 02 is INTAKE MANIFOLD and UPPER OIL PAN?

If anything else is needed (sensors), would it just be swapped from the old engine? I can't have them ordering parts

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

Keep your sensors, use the oil pan guide, and use your IM.