Hello everyone. I'm thinking about doing a 3.5 swap in my 2000 nissan maxima. I currently
have a 3.0 with a 5 speed manual transmission. I just had a few quick questions I wanted to
clear up.

I plan on using my stock 3.0 ECU :

I have to put the 3.0 inner and outer timing case on the 3.5

I have to use the 3.0 chain on the 3.5

I have to use the 3.0 sprokets on the 3.5


Next if I want to use the 3.5 cams :

I have to enlarge this hole in order to use the 3.0 timing cases



What exactly is that hole for. And how much do I need to enlarge it by?


Next drilling the intake cam I dont think that is something I want to do on my own.
I'll pay Tilley to do that for me.

Next if I want to use 3.5 cams I have to use the JWT cam spacers?

How much do they cost?

Next is the throttle body.

I can use a 01-02 pathfinder throttle body or mod the 3.5 throttle body.

I think I will buy a pathfinder throttle body.

Next on the list is the fuel I think I understand the diagram.


When swapping in the 3.5 into a maxima that came with a 3.0 I can use the 3.5 oil pan,
or should I swap on the 3.0 oil pan onto the 3.5 engine?

Can I use all my 3.0 parts on the 3.5, such as the compressor power sterring alt?

Replace all injector harness connectors with VQ30DE-K or VQ35 connectors.

You many correct me if i'm wrong. I'd like to know 100% of everything before I start this
project.


Also I plan on using the 3.0 ecu. Which wiring harness do I use the 3.0 or 3.5 harness?

Which MAF do I use?

Which flywheel do I use?

Should I use the 3.0 stock exhaust manifold on the 3.5 motor?

Right now I can get my hands on a 3.5 engine with very low miles for cheap. But the thing
is the timing cover is broken. But after reading the FAQ about the 3.5 swap I have the use
the timing cover from my 3.0 so it is no longer a big deal that the timing cover is broken
on the 3.5 thats if there is no internal damage.

 

Correct.


That hole isn't for wether or not you use 3.5 cams. You need to enlarge those holes so that the rear 3.0 timing case can be installed properly. Enlarge it just enough so that the bolt can go through. There is a corresponding hole on the other side of the case as well.


You can either drill the cams AND use spacers, or not drill them and use adapters.

Depends on where you get them drilled/who you buy them from.

Either or but for simplicity why not just use the 3.0 pan, I think the 3.5 pan has to be modded somewhat.

Yes.


Don't do anything to YOUR harness.

Stock one.

Stock or aftermarket for a 3.0

You can do that, or get headers, but you can't use the 3.5 manifolds.

 

Alright thank you for all the help.

where can I get the cam adapters from that you were talking about?


So I use the 3.0 ecu and the 3.0 wiring harness

And use the 3.0 maf?

 

Yeah, the adapters you can get from Stephen Max, but just to warn you, my buddy had these and they broke on him causing the cam not to spin. On the other hand other people have them as well and are having no problems with them.

 

you can keep the 3.5 oil pan and use the 3.5 cps so you don't have to shave down the oil pan. you use the 3.0 maf and wireharness. If you're going to use the pathfinder tb you're going to need the adapters from stephen max. cost about 120ish. for the best flow you should get some hotshot headers if you have the funds, if not just stick to the 3.0 manifold.

 

good luck with the swap

 

VQ30dek injectors and plugs are interchangable with VQ35's they are pretty much the same thing but use the injectors from your dek they have more ultimate flow over vq35 injectors .

I was alittle confused with your post because the injector harness plugs on a dek are already the same as the vq35 ones and you have a dek so........

 

Alright guys thank you for all the help.

The motor that I had lined up to buy with the broken timing cover the guy now wants too much for it. So i'm just going to try to find one somewhere else. I'm finding them for 500-850

Also what kind of power do you think i'll make with a 3.5 5 speed intake test pipe greddy evo catback b&m short shifter 3.0 stock exhaust manifolds. And what would be a good guess for 1/4 mile times?

 

^ Probably 220 ish whp and high 13's.

 

So, for someone doing this swap, is it safer to have the cams drilled and use the spacers? Do you know if anyone has had any problems with this option like some people are having with the adapters? Does anyone other than Tilley provide this service?

 

^ I had my car done this way about 2 years ago and as of today no problems yet.