2 months ago, I picked up this car as a beater, got it for grand+ a new windshield not bad of a deal if you ask me..I have been rebuilding it back to new the past couple months, thought i would share my build with you guys.

here's some pics of what's been done so far, all mechanical im not too worried about the cosmetics, it will eventually get some paint/body work.
things i don't have pictures of new belts,new antenna assembly (its the old school telescopic type and it was broken off) radiator hoses and minor crap...

started off with...

the suspension just the front so far...

old


new




more pic coming

 

replaced all the boots
the old stuff..

new drive axles (installed)


replaced 1st half of the exhaust

 

new windshield
old

new



headlights bugged the **** out of me...
left/refinished vs. right(clouded)

 

as with the carpet stains(used turtle wax's oxy carpet cleaner A+ stuff
before

after

then the oil leak...replaced the oil pan gasket and the upper pan gasket....

 

I ended up finding a 97 engine that was in better condition and less milage, so i ended up swapping it.

 

Engine pull went smoother then planed...all references said it cannot be pulled from the top....well i pulled it from the top
took 7hours-lunch & beer break

 

i actually like the Copper colored IM and valve cover

where is Crusher, he should take notes on how to replace the I30's engine

 

I finished installing the new engine yesterday, surprisingly it started up real quick!

 

thanks, i just had it laying around, i was surprised that i liked it myself


btw any one that needs a engine let me know, it will be completely rebuilt in a month or so, and has the California emission requirements.

 

gave me a idea. ima paint my intake manifold as well

 

Looking good so far! How's the core support on it?

 

thanks,what do you mean core support? the frame brace in font of the engine?

 

Good work

 

great job so far and nice ride for a grand imo.

 

Looking good.

What references said you can't pull the engine from the top? I've swapped about 5 VQs and only ever pulled it out the top because I didn't have lift access until the last year or so.

 

yeah, the lower rad support. they rust something fierce on 4th gen max's.

 

Thanks.Couple local nissian dealerships

 

Yes, i have a golf ball size hole right in the middle, im just going to cut the rust spot out and weld in a patch..