98 i30t Radiator Support replacement help

[azheat]

I have searched the forum and have not found an answer. I have a 98 i30t which needs to have the radiator support replaced. I have found a radiator support from a 98 maxima at a local parts place for only $50 compared to $175 for the i30 support. My questions is if these two parts are interchangable? In know the engine is the same in these two cars, but I'm not sure if that includes that radiator support?? Anyone out there have experience with this? I have had conflicting answers from different people. Some say yes and others say no. One person said the i30's are actually a bit wider than the maximas so it wont work??? I'm hoping someone here has tried this and can answer from experience??? Please help. Thanks.
Modified by azheat at 10:49 AM 9/22/2008

[bullittandy]

What's wrong with the current support? Its just a piece of metal that holds the radiator, headlights etc so you could make anything work-even a 2X4.

[azheat]

I was in an accident so it is bent in several places. among the other things I am replacing (hood, fenders, bumber, radiator) the radiator support is unsalvagable. I'm sure I could make anything work(even a 2x4 as you said) but my questions is getting at the ease of fit a maxima radiator support. Will it fit right in the same way if it is for a maxima of the same year....will the bolt holes line up and such? If it is the exact interchangable part, then I will use the maxima part because I can get one for $50 versus the $175 for the infiniti part. Thanks.

[Q451990]

I hate to say it, but I think you're going to have to take some measurements and be the guinea pig on this one. Remember that the US Tennessee-built Maxima is different than the I30 in that the I30 was made in Japan and was the Maxima in all other markets except the USA. I don't know how much things differed between the two - but it would not surprise me if there's a difference.

The only other thing you might try is calling Infiniti of Scottsdale to see if the part numbers are the same between the the two.

Heath