Engine Swap?

[Stormy]

Hello,I'm trying to get some info on swapping the VG33 in my 01' Xterra with a VQ45. I realize that it's going to be a lot of work/money. What things would I need? Will the transmission match up? Will the driveline components hold up on the Xterra?

Any input on this would be great.

Thanks!

[maxnix]

There is no VQ 45.

A better engineered overall solution for less money might be an FX45.

[Stormy]

Sorry, I ment VH45DE... I was looking at some of the aftermarket performance parts out there and for the amount of money to get hp and tourqe where I want it, I figured just go with an 8. Street Imports sells them on ebay for about $800 + $275 shipping with 30-40K on them.

I was just looking for some direction on this... Any idea on cost for an FX45 (used/rebuilt)?

[Q45tech]

Please understand that these ebay Japanese takeouts must be rehabilitated prior to install.They all [unless 1994 or later engines] have the old plastic chain guides, the valve covers leak, the hoses, belts, and harnesses are rotten.The idler pullies have noisey bearings, then the water pump and spark plugs, and all accessories need attention.

An expert takes one of these V8 engines spends a day or two and $1,000 to $2,000 in new parts and has one ready to install as a replacement.Just replacing an engine in a Q45 runs $5500 [at $70 hr] when we pay $1400 for the engine delivered with us charging $700 for the profit and a reserve for the 12/12k warranty we provide.

The is a direct replacement not a one of a kind new fitment.

It is illegal to install an older model engine in a newer car after 1990.....due to Clean air act/emissions. We can fudge this a little since 1990-93 engines were identical for 90-93Q.If the vehicle is a 1996 it has OBD2 so earlier engines can't be transplanted, only newer engines

[PalmerWMD]

Stormy:

What we are sayign is it's possible but not cheap and the possibility of getting in trouble at the local VET cannot be excluded.

Can it be done?yes, but stand alone ECU etc etc may be need if you wanna use stock transmission.

Fred..

[Q45tech]

OBD2 emission testing requires that the tester plug into ecu to check for codes, correct ecu number, and retrieve the emission ok signal.

Impossible to simulate without an OBD2 ecu connected to engine.

This pretty well quashes the 1996+ vehicle and earlier engine swaps from outside the family.

You could retrofit an entire ODB2 engine, transmission, and cats [pre and post] harness wiring, dash, and all interconnected modules at great expense and engineering expertise.

Sure would be a lot cheaper to supercharge the VG33.

[Stormy]

Well, the only aftermarket SC kit I know of is Alpine Developements Inc. They had pricing at $2800 + $130 shipping but they are waiting on CARB testing before they release the kit. They say that you get 48+ hp gain at the wheel @ 4psi. The kit uses an Eaton MP62 4th gen SC. I think the stock SC is the M62.

Sounds like this would be a cheaper and less of a headache route to take.

[PalmerWMD]

Well, the only aftermarket SC kit I know of is Alpine Developements Inc. Sounds like this would be a cheaper and less of a headache route to take.

Likely true!

Have you checked with our sponsors (Stillen etc) for a kit?

A VH45de swap would be the coolest , especially among the congoscenti but it would be hard+ expensive.

Fred..

[Stormy]

Stillen only makes a cold air box for the xterra (already have that). They resell a bunch of bolt on stuff. Nismo does make cams for the VG33 and a company called Spencer Low Racing makes a set of headers and a large bore Throttle Body. MSD is making an ignition now. A company called Calmini swapped a 3.5 pathy engine into an xterra.

So I guess there are some options but not nearly as cool as a V8 Xterra