Hey guys,
I'm contemplating whether or not I should drop in a new (used) engine into my 95. The engine burns oil at a rediculous rate and the coolant seems to dissapear also. If it doesn't cost too much then I'm going to consider it.

My question is:
1. How much should I expect to pay for a used VQ engine w/ 100k or less and where can I find them?

and...

2. How much should I expect to pay to pull the old engine out and replace it?

Anyone with a 4th gen and has done this or knows about it, please let me know. I don't want to be ripped off so I figured I'd ask around first. Thanks.

 

1. www.car-parts.com

2. roughly $1000

 

if your gonna do a swap... den u mite as well drop in a 3.5 while u at it!

 

3.5 definately, make ur puppy into a beast

 

You're looking at labor anywhere from 500 to 1000 dollars (I would say more toward the upper end). Engines with mileage less than 100k will probably be $600 and up. Then you also factor in a whole bunch of gaskets and seals (front/rear main seal, cam seals, valve cover seal, etc) as most of those junkyard engines have been sitting too long without lubrication. Upper and lower radiator hose should be changed at this point. You might factor in a clutch if it is a 5 speed. The gaskets and seal will probably run you another $200-300. You must remember that the junkyard only warranty the engine mechanically. If any seal is leaking you are not covered.

I would say that the swap would run you a total of about $2000.

 

I do not know if 97-99 engines will fit, I'd think so. But, check this out. It is funny you posted this. I was thinking about doing the same.

http://rochester.craigslist.org/pts/268944445.html

 

get an org member to do it and save a whole lot more money.

 

Thanks for all the informative posts.

I would love to put in the 3.5 but that just means more money and my car would be the ugly maxima that could. The car is only meant for driving to work/school and back. What I really want to buy is a 350z but for now, the Max is a little more affordable.

MDeezy, how much lower are you talking about?

 

thats going to depend on the person and how much they want to charge. I wouldnt charge you $1k to install. I'd charge $300 to drop it in, you save money I make a little, and you have a working car again. Advantages of the org, and hungry org members will to do work for a good price.

 

MDeezy, if only you were closer because $300 sounds like an excellent price.

What else do you have to check for when replacing an engine besides gaskets and seals? (fed spec, cali spec, etc?)

 

man if you came down to atl mdeezy and i would help you do it! it would take like a day..I have a couple motors and I know marlon has a 3.5....

 

hollllld on

I'm glad to see you're in mass...

I got a 1997 vq30de with 64k on it for 400. Runs amazing and had a warantee

atlantic salvage in lowell mass! look them up they have a site.

Also, all engines stored in a warehouse not out in the mud like a junkyard

 

uhh thats obviously a fraud. noone from greece is going to try to sell an engine in america.

 

haha no, greece is a town in ny

 

oh haha whoops...

 

Funny how I knew of Atlantic Salvage but I totally forgot about it. Where did you get your engine dropped in Foxracing and how much did they charge you?

 

Isn't there a Mexico, NY also? Weirdness

 

China, Maine...and yes its completly off topic.

But, Id just like to say that if you are about to spend $1500 to do an engine, consider selling the max and just getting a newer one. Depending on mileage of your current car, sell it for cheap, add the 1500 that you would of spent on a swap, and get a half decent newer Maxima. Just my .02

 

Well I considered doing it myself but at the time I didn't work at a shop. I do now but I couldn't wait long, so I paid a shop that was supposedly reputable to do mine. I won't mention the name, I do not reccomend them in the least bit- poor quality and many many many broken parts that I won't begin to list because I'll get angry. Anyways.. they charged me 850 for engine swap and replace oem clutch with 150k on it (i bought clutch). Not bad pricing but horrific quality. Overall though I'm glad I kept my max, Yeah I'd rather have a 2k2 6 speed or something but I do love my 4th gen.

Overall I'd say call up atlantic, theyre really great over there and high quality. If I had a home garage I'd definately offer to help you do the swap but unfortunately im a driveway warrior. Find a trustworthy shop or another boston area org member who has a garage

 

yes there is...



If you were close to Buffalo NY I could do the stock swap for you if you had a replacement engine...

 

i spent 3200...got a engine with 31k on it, new water pump, new timing chain, new gaskets, spark plug wires, knock sensor and new transmission seals.... I have just a warpspeed y pipe and magnaflow cat and custom b pipe. Wish I knew somebody that could install a 3.5 in it.