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CA WANTED: VQ30DE ENGINE!! in Los Angeles CA

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Old May 14, 2012 | 04:19 PM
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WANTED: VQ30DE ENGINE!! in Los Angeles CA

I have a '98 Maxima with a blown engine, and I'm looking for a replacement. Please let me know what you've got!

Thanks,

John

PS I'm in Los Angeles
Old May 14, 2012 | 04:27 PM
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hit up KC nissan in sun valley
Old May 14, 2012 | 10:13 PM
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Reseda Engines, in Northridge/Reseda area

or try car-part.com
Old May 15, 2012 | 01:59 PM
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Thanks guys, much appreciated. Also, I'm interested in an engine that an ORG member might have for sale. I will call the two businesses listed above now for price / availability - thanks again.
Old May 15, 2012 | 02:19 PM
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No luck on KC Nissan, but he did refer to California Auto Wrecking (also on Glenoaks), and the gentleman, Fred, quoted a price of $750, plus $500 installed, for my Maxima. The engine has 85k, and he has several 4th gens in stock.

Does anyone have experience with California Auto Wrecking?
Old May 15, 2012 | 05:18 PM
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Originally Posted by badmaxx
No luck on KC Nissan, but he did refer to California Auto Wrecking (also on Glenoaks), and the gentleman, Fred, quoted a price of $750, plus $500 installed, for my Maxima. The engine has 85k, and he has several 4th gens in stock.

Does anyone have experience with California Auto Wrecking?
Not a bad price for 85k on the motor...GL man...
Old May 15, 2012 | 09:20 PM
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Originally Posted by badmaxx
No luck on KC Nissan, but he did refer to California Auto Wrecking (also on Glenoaks), and the gentleman, Fred, quoted a price of $750, plus $500 installed, for my Maxima. The engine has 85k, and he has several 4th gens in stock.

Does anyone have experience with California Auto Wrecking?
Do NOT buy from this guy. He is a jerk with a sweet tooth for $$$. I dislike his attitude and business ethics. He does have several 4th and 5th's. That motor isnt worth more than $400, guarantee you he is lying about the mileage too. You can get a DEK for $750 from KC nissan, he's a good guy. Last time i was there he had a 40k DEK he was willing to let go for 700 bucks. Do the DEK swap, its a much better choice with a couple tweaks. There's plenty of junkyards in sun valley, including a pick your part place that has ~3 4th gens. I highly recommend going there and spending half a day in the area to find the best motor. There's literally 30+ yards in the area. 4th gens are well over 13 years old so anything under 100k on a motor would raise a flag for me, make sure you get proper documentation to prove mileage if they quote you some ridiculously low miles.

try this place too

http://www.yellowbook.com/profile/g-...856930900.html

Last edited by QT1 5MT AE; May 15, 2012 at 09:28 PM.
Old May 15, 2012 | 10:34 PM
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3.5 swap? I got my 3.5 from an 05 maxima for $800....


Just saying....
Old May 16, 2012 | 09:47 PM
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Originally Posted by deloa84
3.5 swap? I got my 3.5 from an 05 maxima for $800....


Just saying....
As easy as it might be to "just be done with it" and go with a 3.0L engine, it might be easier in the long run going 3.5, since it will be a much newer and fresher engine. I'm not on the site often, but I assume there might be some stickies for this procedure? Any advice on this; where to find a 3.5L and how-to's for the do-it-yourselfer, would be much appreciated.

Also, could I use my '98 automatic transmission without mods or expensive part changes? In other words, how "bolt-on" is this job, or is it?
Old May 16, 2012 | 10:24 PM
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3.5s have more oil consumption and timing chain issues than the 3.0
Old May 16, 2012 | 10:41 PM
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Okay, doing a bit of research and just figured out that DEK refers to the 5th generation Maxima engine, and not the 3.5L. I assume with this engine, there's a better chance I can use my old tranny? How plug and play ready is this swap?

Thanks guys.
Old May 16, 2012 | 11:33 PM
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Originally Posted by badmaxx
Okay, doing a bit of research and just figured out that DEK refers to the 5th generation Maxima engine, and not the 3.5L. I assume with this engine, there's a better chance I can use my old tranny? How plug and play ready is this swap?

Thanks guys.
Most of the FWD or if not all of the Nissan FWD trannies are interchangeable with all the FWD Nissan engines. I know the tranny will bolt up fine to the DEK engine and also the 3.5 as well.
Old May 17, 2012 | 03:27 AM
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Is the VQ30DE and VQ30DEK the same engine, IF it originated in either a 2000 or 2001 Maxima? Wiki claims this, but they can be shaky on info, so thought I'd inquire here with the experts - thanks.
Old May 17, 2012 | 03:30 AM
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Originally Posted by deloa84
Most of the FWD or if not all of the Nissan FWD trannies are interchangeable with all the FWD Nissan engines. I know the tranny will bolt up fine to the DEK engine and also the 3.5 as well.
Thanks for that. So, a solid 4th generation tranny would be up to the task for a DEK engine, but perhaps a tad under built for a 3.5L, despite the fact it bolts on?

At this point, just from the feedback I'm getting here, I'm leaning heavily towards the DEK engine. If it's as simple as pulling one from any 2000 or 2001 Maxima, it seems a much less expensive option, without all the headaches.

I think I could do this one in my garage as it sounds, but the 3.5L, not sure if I could pull it off.
Old May 17, 2012 | 11:28 AM
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Originally Posted by deloa84
Most of the FWD or if not all of the Nissan FWD trannies are interchangeable with all the FWD Nissan engines. I know the tranny will bolt up fine to the DEK engine and also the 3.5 as well.
95-03 interchangeable although some may require additional modifications but nothing to major. I recommend staying with a DE (VQ30DE 95-99) or go to DE-K (VQ30DE-K 2000-2001) just for reliability reasons, and what not.

Difference in DE and DE-K is mainly the Upper Intake Manifold System, which many who have the DE motor upgrade which is know as 00vi= 2000/01 Variable Intake. It frees up more air and thus gives more HP/TQ.

Originally Posted by badmaxx
Is the VQ30DE and VQ30DEK the same engine, IF it originated in either a 2000 or 2001 Maxima? Wiki claims this, but they can be shaky on info, so thought I'd inquire here with the experts - thanks.
Basically, but the DE-K is an upgraded version of the DE because of the Intake Manifold/Variable Intake.

DE = 190HP
DE-K = 220HP

Originally Posted by badmaxx
Thanks for that. So, a solid 4th generation tranny would be up to the task for a DEK engine, but perhaps a tad under built for a 3.5L, despite the fact it bolts on?

At this point, just from the feedback I'm getting here, I'm leaning heavily towards the DEK engine. If it's as simple as pulling one from any 2000 or 2001 Maxima, it seems a much less expensive option, without all the headaches.

I think I could do this one in my garage as it sounds, but the 3.5L, not sure if I could pull it off.
yep.
Old May 19, 2012 | 04:01 PM
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How did you blow the engine .... I have a engine that I broke sitting in my yard you can posibly rebuild yours
Old May 19, 2012 | 11:01 PM
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Originally Posted by badmaxx
Thanks for that. So, a solid 4th generation tranny would be up to the task for a DEK engine, but perhaps a tad under built for a 3.5L, despite the fact it bolts on?

At this point, just from the feedback I'm getting here, I'm leaning heavily towards the DEK engine. If it's as simple as pulling one from any 2000 or 2001 Maxima, it seems a much less expensive option, without all the headaches.

I think I could do this one in my garage as it sounds, but the 3.5L, not sure if I could pull it off.
I guess it depends on the person. I think a DEK will be fine. I did the 3.5 swap. I did get some headaches along the way(actually alot lol) but in the end it was worth it and its been really reliable since and the added power is AWESOME!

Go with the DEK. They should be readily available given to the number of 5th gens out there. I know for sure it is going to be ALOT easier than a VQ35 swap...

Have fun with it and just take your time and do it right the first time...
Old May 22, 2012 | 01:25 AM
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Still looking. Will consider DE/DEK options. Thank you.
Old May 22, 2012 | 05:35 PM
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Hi again, anybody have experience with this engine seller?

C & T Japanese Engines Inc 1127 E Philadelphia St (909) 923-5588

He says they have two VQ30DE-K ('00-'01) in stock (price: $750); 65,000-80,000 miles, or thereabouts... plus, these are not from the Japanese market, but US engines.

Seems like VERY low mileage for a 12 year old engine used in the US.

Also, I see that Car-Part has a 99k DEK from Bell Auto Parts in Sun Valley for $700... any experience with Bell Auto Parts?

Thank you

Last edited by RA112325; May 22, 2012 at 05:38 PM.
Old May 22, 2012 | 08:43 PM
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have you tried k watanabe? they are in north hollywood and thats all they do is sell engines. give them a try. ill try n drive by tomorrow and get the number. also if you run across a 5 spd in your travels im in need of one.
Old May 22, 2012 | 09:42 PM
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Im subscribing to this thread cuz I might be in the same boat soon. I have talked to C T Japanese engines befoer and they only sell engines and trannys but no installation, if that makes a difference to you.... Let us know what happens....
Old May 23, 2012 | 05:12 AM
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Originally Posted by quique
have you tried k watanabe? they are in north hollywood and thats all they do is sell engines. give them a try. ill try n drive by tomorrow and get the number. also if you run across a 5 spd in your travels im in need of one.
I thought Watanabe was out of business. If you know their number, let me know as I would appreciate it. And, I will keep my eyes open for a five speed transmission. Definitely will let you know if I find something
Old May 23, 2012 | 05:15 AM
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Originally Posted by Stagnet04
Im subscribing to this thread cuz I might be in the same boat soon. I have talked to C T Japanese engines befoer and they only sell engines and trannys but no installation, if that makes a difference to you.... Let us know what happens....
Not sure I want to be the first to take the plunge! I have a difficult time imagining that a 12-year-old California engine has between 65 and 85,000 miles. Just seems like a ridiculously low number of miles.

Anybody else with experience dealing with CT engines?
Old May 23, 2012 | 04:18 PM
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didnt drive by there yet, its pretty nearby though so ill get there. Maybe its called something else now, either way its the same kind of place ill definitely get the number and post it though
Old May 24, 2012 | 02:24 AM
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Originally Posted by quique
didnt drive by there yet, its pretty nearby though so ill get there. Maybe its called something else now, either way its the same kind of place ill definitely get the number and post it though
Much appreciation, thank you!
Old May 28, 2012 | 12:22 PM
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818 756 5333 . Its called skn soken trade company. Same thing they sell Japanese engines n transmiasions
Old Jun 3, 2012 | 01:33 AM
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Originally Posted by badmaxx
No luck on KC Nissan, but he did refer to California Auto Wrecking (also on Glenoaks), and the gentleman, Fred, quoted a price of $750, plus $500 installed, for my Maxima. The engine has 85k, and he has several 4th gens in stock.

Does anyone have experience with California Auto Wrecking?
can you shoot me a PM with their info. I may need them for another project.
Old Jun 10, 2012 | 01:33 PM
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Still looking for an engine?
Old Jun 11, 2012 | 05:15 AM
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Yes, I am. I'm going to check out a 2000 year model tomorrow. 127k. What do you got?
Old Jun 11, 2012 | 11:48 AM
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PM coming your way.
Old Jun 11, 2012 | 11:49 AM
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BTW im in LA too. The Westside.
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