'02+ engine in a 4th gen

[mbarney34]

i was thinking about doing an engine and transmission swap from the VQ35DE engine with a 6 speed transmission into my 97 maxima. I was just wondering if anyone has done this at all or know someone who has tried, and if it is possible, and if so what work would i have to do

[Beancooker]

Yes, it has been done, but I've only heard of the 5.5 into a 5.0 gen. As far as what work you would have to do...a lot is an understatement. I'll see what I can find for you!

[LA02MAX]

It's a very easy swap, but you do have to retain your 3.0 ecu, which means you have to keep your timing equipment, which means you will not have variable valve timing on the intake cams like we do. Also, it's a PITA to swap in the 6-speed because it is cable driven whereas your 5-speed transmission is rod driven and the flywheels are different. You will have to get a new clutch, though (I suggest upgrading)

People are seeing high 13s with the stock 3.5 engine swapped 4th gen 5-speed, so it's a very easy, worthwhile swap. You can get a 3.5 engine for under $1000 easily.

Very good thread with all the info you would ever need on the swap: http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=430880

Modified by LA02MAX at 12:26 PM 11/27/2006
Modified by LA02MAX at 12:27 PM 11/27/2006

[mbarney34]

my car is an auto (unfortunately) thats why i was asking about the six speed cuz at the time the only maximas i could find were auto. so would it be even more work than to put the upgraded transmission in?

[LA02MAX]

yes, going from a 4th gen auto to a 5.5 or 6th gen 6-speed will be a very difficult task. I would actually do things one at a time. First, unless you're in for a long road ahead, drop the 6-speed and just swap in a 5-speed with an upgraded clutch. It's a much easier swap and you don't have to worry about transferring anything over at the flywheel, etc etc. After you get the 5-speed swap completed, then start thinking about the 3.5 swap. If you're doing this yourself it won't cost you THAT much (it will be expensive, no doubt) but if you're getting this installed, I suggest just picking up a new car...

[maxhopper]

^This is very wise advise.^

You can find the auto to 5 spd sway directions in the Information/how-to sticky at the top of this forum.

I've been helping a local guy do the 3.5 swap into his 97. The first time, the spacers used to compensate for the VVT sprockets on the cams broke; on the next install the timing jumped a tooth and had to be pulled again. At that point he couldn't have the car down any more, and put the 3.0 back in. A week later, his car was totalled from being rear ended.

I've since helped him pull the 3.0 out of his 97, and put it in the 95 he bought.

I can't imagine trying to get both swaps done at one time. If something doesn't work right, it leaves such a broad range of possibilities to diagnose.