Engine/transmission upgrade on QX4

[Jerrodg]

Hi folks, long time lurker, first time poster. I have a 1997 QX4 that we inherited. It has 273K on it, and still runs well. The interior is in absolutely beautiful condition for being 3 years old let alone 15. We however are moving to an area that needs a rugged 4X4, and rather than buying something and having to make payments I was thinking of replacing the stock engine with a lower mileage 3.5L from a 2001. I also would of course need to swap out the transmission as well. The engine and transmission I have found for a total of $1800. My questions are these:

1. Am I being foolishly naive thinking that this can be done relatively simply by a qualified mechanic

and

2. Is it ridiculous to hope to get the whole thing done including parts for 3 grand?

Thanks in advance

[patqx4]

I don't know the answer to your question, but I'm wondering why you want to ditch the 3.3 if it still runs well? It's been my understanding that although the 3.3 is less powerful, it's a very tough and long lasting power plant. Just wondering...

free bump

[Jerrodg]

If I was to do it right away, it would be because I'm looking at $625 bucks just to replace the knock sensor so it will pass California Emissions. I might as well put that towards something with fewer miles. Realistically it is a project that would most likely take place next summer, when I would need to be doing regular towing. Right now, the 3.3 pulls our trailer fine on flat grounds, but it really struggled on some of the bigger hills in the mountains. The drive from SLC to Sacramento took way longer than it should have had I been able to maintain 60-65.

Thanks for the bump

[Towncivilian]

What are your engine codes other than knock sensor? You can relocate the knock sensor to somewhere more accessible.

[Chuck Tribolet]

In California: hopelessly naive. There's a zillion things you would have to swap, and even then I'm not sure it would be
smog-legal.

Why would a knock sensor cost $625? Labor? If you were going to pay someone to fix the knock sensor, I presume you would
pay someone for the swap, which would be REALLY expensive.


Chuck