Engine swap/upgrade?

[LuckyMax97]

I need a new engine for my 97 max because it has high miles but I want an upgrade. What is a good engine with more hp and torque that wont cost me a fortune to have installed? thanks

[honda_killer240]

correct me if im wrong but whats in there should be a vg30. there is the vq35 u can upgrade to but anything u put in there thats not a vg30 will not be super cheap to install

[nsrZ32]

If you've got some cash to spend, pick up a VQ35 with the 6 speed manual out of a newer altima or maxima and swap that in.

[LuckyMax97]

My car has the VQ30de 190hp 205 lbs torque. The VQ35DE is the 00-03 motor putting out 255 hp 246-lbs torque. The 04-08 motor is putting out 265 hp. Is it possible to put either motor in the older generation max w/o having change to many of the engine mounts? Will they fit? Any ideas or parts and labor? Thanks for the help, need all i can get.

[maximaman]

good question. i guess that all depends on how deep your pockets are young balla. im sticking with my 96 max engine (only 80k) and with a VI and full pipes you should be able to attack the newer maximas respectfully without giving up the gas mileage. if money is no problem... twin turbo a 300zx motor and you'll bring a whole new meaning to -sleeper-

i myself am going with the more thrifty of the two...

[nsrZ32]

How do you figure he could do a 300zx motor? That's rear wheel drive, maxima is front wheel drive. Not happening.

[LuckyMax97]

money is definately an issue and i have thought about just getting another 97 motor but im curious as to how deep my pockets would have to be for those upgrades?

[Repo Man]

I moved your thread into the Max forum for our gurus here to help you with that. A '97 with a VQ would be wicked.

[maximaman]

im looking for the pages that prove you wrong soon my friend. they have rear wheel drive maximas...

[nsrZ32]

im looking for the pages that prove you wrong soon my friend. they have rear wheel drive maximas...

Not in 1997 and that's what the original poster has, so anything beyond that is irrevelant.

[maximaman]

you win... i was just stating that the motor for that year is cheaper and reasonably priced to tune and can still compete with bigger bores without giving up more gas. i dont know about you but i paid 3.55 a gallon this morning here in hawaii. did you think i didnt notice the pic of YOUR 300 on every post you drop?

[nsrZ32]

Yikes....I thought $2.89 a gallon was horrible.

As for my Z32, its my signature, of course it shows up in every post

[honda_killer240]

they had rwd maximas?

[MinisterofDOOM]

they had rwd maximas?

Yep.First gens ('80-'84) were based on the Z and RWD with fuel injected L24s.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

Wouldnt have an engine that didnt have a timing CHAIN

Wish there was a way to install an electric water pump andmake the OEM water pump just a "flow through"