Hey Y'all,

I have a lead on a local '92 Maxima SE 5spd w/approx. 180k for $400. It blew a head gasket recently, thus the low price. The guy says he's recently replaced the radiator, alternator, battery, clutch, clutch pump, cv axle, and the a/c is cold. It is white on tan leather (although the leather is not in great shape) and it also has a sunroof. Brakes and tires are good also.

Anyway, I was thinking to get this car as a parts car for my Silver '89 GXE Auto. I was thinking to swap the VE 5spd and axles and rear disk conversion, and then maybe part out the rest of the car. What do all think? A local shop quoted me $1200 in labor and supplies to swap in another engine and found a replacement VE w/ 57K for $1000. They also said that doing the head gaskets required decking the block, so cost and involvement would be more headache than just replacing the engine. So, again, should I use it as a parts car or try to fix it myself?

BTW, do all VE 5spds have VLSDs?

Thanks,
Mrkanda

 

Personally, I would sell your GXE (after swapping over any parts you might need or want) and run the VE 5-speed with a replacement engine. $2200 for the engine and labor isn't too bad.

All of that work swapping stuff onto your car and it will still be 30 hp less and you will have a bunch of leftover crap. By fixing the VE, you will have two complete cars.

If you put in a new VE engine, just be sure they swap over the variable intake from the original VE (most replacement engines are from ATs) and replace all of the manifold studs while the engine is out of the car.

There are some other things that should be done (water pump, etc) but there is a thread in the stickies about a JDM swap.

 

what Cliff said is basically the best option.

as for VSLD's




v v v v v v

 

Yes,all ve5's have VLSD.

Also,you need to look at the last letter in the trans code,not the first. If the last letter is a "V" then you have VLSD,if it is an "A" you have an open differential.

 

Where do I find the Trans code on the car?

 

The information plate is under the hood,attached to the firewall.

 

Thanks!

As far as replacing the engine in the VE, that unfortunately is currently out of the question- the main reason being I would be getting the car for $400, which is about all I have to spend (if I can even do that!). Any additional money probably wouldn't be available for at least a few months.

The HP difference b/w the VG and VE will be addressed when I build/turbo the VG. Besides, I don't really need or want 2 Maximas and can possibly get back my investment in the parts car by parting it out after I get what I need. Also considering the sentimental value (VG--> Silver on black! Digidash/CC/HUD...).

If I do get a second car I would like it to be an '80s 6-series BMW (RWD, stick, classy and ~300+ HP when modded nicely (M6 or turbo 635csi))

 

If I did fix or replace the VE engine, how much do you think I could do it for if I did most/all the work my self?

 

the cost of tools and parts if you rebuild....and the cost of tools + less parts + engine if you buy another engine. it also depends on what you would replace and what you would reuse from either engine. someone else may have specific numbers, but by doing the stuff yourself in your spare time, you save loads of money, and learn a LOT about the engine, and gain a new respect for it as well

myself, when i rebuild, i'm getting mostly custom hardware (cams, valves, pistons, connecting rods), so it's gonna net me more than a couple grand, over time of course...

edit: and i'm not sure but you may need your heads machined if you rebuild? someone correct me if i'm wrong?

 

a ve would b nice but ur goin to be puttin more than or equal to the cars value in it so if anything happens ur out sum money but 2 maximas would b nice...

 

and another thing.... for VE5

 

I am selling the VE30DE out of my parts car. The guy I bought it from said it pulled hard before he crashed it. Although the engine is undamaged, even the exhaust manifolds.

 

Cool! I was just thinking to PM you about that engine. As I said before, I was looking at the car you got, but you got to it first . If you can PM me about the engine- how much you want, what comes with it, how many miles it has, when I can get it... that would be great. Thanks.

-Mrkanda