Ok, so our cars are now going on around 10 years old, so the miles are probably starting to add up for many of us. I recently replaced my engine, and wanted to start a thread as a resource to others who might be looking to do the same thing. Others who have done this are encouraged to add their experiences, so that it will be much easier for anyone else who wants to do a swap. I would also like to see this thread generate a list of CONFIRMED engines that can be swapped into our cars (though I think that any transverse mounted VQ35 would work). If you can add to the discussion, please include as much of the following info as possible (thanks seastone14 for the list):

1 Your Max(year,mileage as of swap,trans,oil consum Qts/miles)-
2 Donor Motor(year,model,mileage,trans,price)-
3 Parts Transferred to Complete Swap-
4 Parts Purchased to Complete Swap(part,price)-
5 Preventative Maintenance(job,hours)-
6 Performance Mods Completed(part,price)
7 Labor(hours, total cost)-
8 Mechanic(Name or Name of Shop, Location)-

9 Swap Tips-

10 Satisfaction Level(1-100[highest])-



I did my swap on my 2002 auto when she had around 290k on the clock due to a bad head gasket. She was burning about a quart of oil (full synthetic since first oil change) every 1300 miles. The new power plant came out of a 2007 Quest (under 50k miles) minivan automatic that I found in a local yard for $600. The items my mechanic swapped were the IM, fuel rails with injectors, and I believe there were some transaxle braces that were slightly different from my max. My mechanic also purchased another gasket (I think it was for the IM) and new plugs. He was able to reuse the other gaskets on the engine. I also purchsed the parts for the secondary tensioner TSB for 6th gen engines for just under $70 (if you use a 2004-2008 engine this is HIGHLY recommended). The engine mounts also look to be EVER SO SLIGHTLY different. All in, he charged me for 15 hours of labor to do everything, which ran me $600, plus the parts he purchased, so I totaled out at around $1375 (I thought I made out like a bandit all things considered). I realize in most areas the labor is probably the largest variable. My engine was completely stock, though I might start playing around with it now. The biggest tip I can give anyone since I didn't directly do the work, is to take your time and find a mechanic you trust.

As far as how satisfied I am with the swap....Wow, its almost like having my car when it was new. I always thought that my engine still had good power considering the miles on her, but I didn't realize what had been lost. That said, I am about a 9.5 in terms of satisfaction.


Please, if you can add to this thread, post your experience, and help out others!

 

290K miles ? WOW .... Congrats on the "new" engine ......

 

9.5 out of 100? lol jk awesome man!

 

my 02 just passed 68K

 

This thread is very encouraging to keep my Max. Reaching 190K and hope to save up for a 3.5 Engine and 6sp. This car has been nothing but trouble for me since I got it 7-8 years ago so I've been having a love/ hate relationship with her (my maxima).

Congrats on the new engine. Question though, why not change from a auto to an MT?

 

DAMN IT NOW THAT IS SOME SUPER LOW MILES.....

 

Mine just passed 75K.

290k??? That is a lot of miles for a VQ.

 

Have a 03 Auto, original engine died a little under 153,000 miles oil burner about 1 1/2 qt. ever 1500 miles or less, burnt up cams....got a 04 Maxima Engine, 800 bucks with 62k on it, just switched the upper intake manifold and oil pan, my mechanic charged 500 bucks for the labor total was 1388 with fluid for radiator, engine and labor....all in all very happy done with adding oil and more oil, just changed the oil today and it was so nice to see all the oil come out, and to know it ain't a oil burner only drove like a 1,000 miles on it so far....

 

I am about to hit 80k

 

Many VQ's are upwards of 300k now. Mine has 243k.

 

You basically have 1 hp for ever 1000 miles.

 

No, because that is my 95 that has never been dyno'd.

 

I have a 06 vq35 and it burns oil like crazy

 

Oh yeah I see that now, my bad

 

I was just laying on the sarcasm in that the general statement of VQ's w/ 290k is not uncommon. This is because the VQ has been commercially available since Model Year 1995, build date probably late '94 and there are plenty of 4th gens with a ridiculous amount of miles exceeding 300k.

Now I think it's a little rare for a VQ35 to survive with that many miles just given their track record as of late.


I hope mine does. I might have a little hope being that in general it seems as if pre-cats tend to be a catastrophic failure point, and mine were removed with 38k on the clock.

 

i have 130k on my o3 with a terrible lifter chatter at low rpms but let me tell you it still bangs hard and i still race ppl and win plenty hahah. but im trying to find anoth vq35 with a 6 speed to swap really soon

 

1 2002 Maxima 6MT current mileage 107k, mileage when swapped 61k miles back in 2007, old motor burned 3 quarts in 1200 miles
2 Nissan provided motor under power train warranty, new/rebuild
3 Parts Transferred to Complete Swap-
4 Parts Purchased to Complete Swap(part,price)- $0
5 Preventative Maintenance(job,hours)-$0
6 Performance Mods Completed(part,price)-$0
7 Labor(hours, total cost)-$0
8 Mechanic(Name or Name of Shop, Location)- Star Nissan

9 Swap Tips-

10 Satisfaction Level(1-100[highest])- 100%

 

bump. I know a lot of you guys have had this done. Let's get the info out.

1 Your Max(year,mileage as of swap,trans,oil consum Qts/miles)-
2 Donor Motor(year,model,mileage,trans,price)-
3 Parts Transferred to Complete Swap-
4 Parts Purchased to Complete Swap(part,price)-
5 Preventative Maintenance(job,hours)-
6 Performance Mods Completed(part,price)
7 Labor(hours, total cost)-
8 Mechanic(Name or Name of Shop, Location)-

9 Swap Tips-

10 Satisfaction Level(1-100[highest])-

 

Bump... I would like to hear about some more replacements.

15 hours for 600 bucks is CHEAP! 80/hour is cheap nowadays... your rate is HALF that. Nice job on doing this for so cheap!

 

http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...o-5-5-gen.html
http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...ap-2003-a.html
http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...arned-etc.html

 

So would a 09 maxima 3.5L v6 fir in my 03 without having to swap every freaking thing in the car? cause if so im going to buy one of ebay for 2k with 24k miles on it and enjoy the 290hp and 265 torque over my current 255 and 245, plus my engine has 171k miles.

 

That's not how it works.

 

But we wished it was that simple, cause I would have one under my hood....

 

03 6 speed 83,000 miles on orginal motor. So far so good.
Replaced alternator @ 81,000 miles
Replaced front/rear valve cover and gaskets with 04 version.
Regular oil changes with vavoline and car has been bulletproof...
Plan on keeping till at least 200,000 miles

 

Got an 05 Altima engine in mine.. Needed to swap upper and lower oil pan, KS, upper plenum and intake, crank sensor....65k on it....116 on odo

 

Can you please inform me on the swap and what would have to be swapped over if it is possible and if not, what will be able to be swapped over?

 

I know Id have to replace the wirring harness, the gearbox, intake ect...i just want to know if its possibe before I go to "pull apart" and buy a crashed maxima with rear end damage..it was more of an is it possible question and how hard will it be.

 

Explain what your intentions are.

If you're buying a crashed Maxima as you explain it...

Why would you need to replace the gearbox and wiring harness?

 

Very interesting thread. Bookmarked. I have 145k on the clock and love my max so I will be doing this eventually as well!

 

well from what ive heard, id have to replace the harnes because of the technology, like my buddy he got a totaled subaru wagon and orderd a new engine from japan and needed an new harness and ecu, and the transmission is because I drive an automatic (sadly) and if I go up in power and toruqe the standard tanssmission will not handle the power plus its about to push 180k. So my overall intention is to get an engine and gearbox swap, but if im going to do it I want power along with it.

 

No, you shouldn't need a harness. Again, explain in detail what you're trying to accomplish, then we can better help you out.

 

You are not the only one with that issue. What kind of oil do you use?

 

I want to swap all the old and dying parts from my maxima out with a newer one.

 

02 max with 191k on the body

46K on the 05 engine

In the process of doing a tranny swap either a se-r spec-v or a 6th gen tranny whichever I find first

 

 

i was just rear ended while at a stop and the other car was goin
a steady 60 or so. Needless to say my Nissan Altima no longer exists haha.
Now i'm loookin at an 02 Maxima with 170k miles
Im sure soon it'll need a new engine.
Its sellin at $4,995
is this a fair price and how's the maxima treated you at 170 plus

if i swap the engine hows that gonna affect the tranny? if at all.

 

I wouldn't assume that it needs an engine.

 

oh cool, well thats good news then.
Thank you for the feedback

 

I bought my 2003 used a few years ago. It seems it had a couple of bad coils and the engine gave up the ghost months ago. So, I'm looking for a replacement and somewhere that will swap it out for me.

I have a 6-speed and before the engine went, it stopped going into 6th. It started getting harder and harder to put into 6th until I just couldn't even move the shifter into 6th anymore.

That being said, here's what I'm looking to do:

1. Find a reasonably priced replacement engine. New preferably. Where?
2. Do the engines come with the 6-speed manual transmission? Or do I buy the main part of the engine and bolt on all my current parts (Tranny, etc.).
3. Which engine will give me the best bang for the buck? More HP? I have a 2003.
4. Who does this work and how much would it be to swap engines out?

I'm located in New Jersey if that makes any difference.

Thanks in advance for any replies! :-)

NOTE: 97SE 5-Speed still going strong at 205K miles!

 

1. car-part.com
2. You have to re-use your stuff. No tranny comes with an engine.
3. Buy newest engine with lowest miles for the best price. Don't matter power-wise. Unless you want 7th gen engine, which is not direct swap.
4. Any decent shop could do i or you can do it yourself. Cos will depend on he location and shop rates.