Has anyone ever used A One Japanese Egnine Before?

[carlosinseattle]

I bought an engine from these guys yesterday. http://www.aoneengine.com/default.asp

They're located in Auburn Washington, 20 miles south of Seattle.

Just wondering if anyone can say one way or another what their experience was like. I paid a little more for the engine than I wanted to, but time was critical. I have a 94 Q45a. They said they'd install for under 1K, which includes: Retorquing Head bolts to Manufacturers specs, Water pump, Timing Belt, Cam Seal, Crankshaft Front Seal, Rear Main Seal, Intake Manifold Gaasket, Exhaust Manifold Gasket, Thermostat and gasket, Spark Plugs, and Oil Filter. Also includes changing pulleys. The jdm motor is not for an active, so they are aware of the differences.

Is there anything else that should be done at this time?

I saw their shop, looke4d at the motor I' buying. I looked under the oil cap and at the dipstick. it looked good, but I imagine they can clean up a motor pretty well. I also saw their workmen finishing a couple of jobs yesterday. I have no reason the doubt. but I thought I'd ask for advice. 12 month 12K mile warranty, except for overheating.

[Q45tech]

What about new KS and harness, new valve cover seals, ALL new under plenum hoses swapping exhaust headers [with your precats]. What about cleaning the plenum , TB, and EGR.

New rubber fuel lines on rails............................all things that fail after you do an engine swap from a LONG removed JDM sitting and rotting.

They won't cover any external part not replaced. They won't cover any of your old parts used in the swap

The head bolts are use once stretched and should not be touched ever without replacement.

Don't be fooled by all the shiny spray on silicone the hoses are all rotten!

Offer to pay more labor and extra parts. say another $300 in labor and $700 in parts [KS + hoses].

12,000 miles goes fast, I'm asssuming you want a trouble free next few years so do it all now while it's easy and cheaper.

I'm CONFUSED didn't you have a chain guide failure? Now you say the car was a 94Q45a..................you are installing a 94-95 STD engine in a 94Q45a correct?They are swapping your active pump and pullies on to engine?

You are sure the engine is not a 90-93 Correct?

[carlosinseattle]

Thanks Q45Tech

They did mention the exhaust manifolds have to be switched because of emissions regulations. Sorry I forgot that. I think you're right about the knock sensors and stuff. I don't know what valve cover seals are. Is that just a gasket, or is it something else? I've never heard of valve cover seals. And yes, they are swapping out the power steering pulley from my current 94 onto the jdm motor.

i really don't knowhow to respond about them not warrantying any of my current accessories. From what I can see it's just the AC compressor and the power steering pump.

Should they drop the oil pan and reseal that while the engine is out?

I have a 94 Q45a, and a 91 Q45 Base. I bought the 94 with a bad engine. I didn't think my 91 was going to break so soon, or at all. My plan was to learn on the 91, then install the motor myself on the 94. You're familiar with the guide story. I want to move ahead with the 94A because I like it better. Call me old fashioned, but I like a chrome grill. My 91 is at 113K miles, and the 94 is at 140K. That's one of the reasons I'm going to keep the 91. Both cars have pristine bodies and interiors, except the driver's seat on the 94 shows a little age. But I love the heated seats TCS, and the active suspension on the 94. I am a bit scared since I don't know it's full history. If it turns out to be a dog, then I'll be forced to fix the 91 myself and sell the 94.

I know it's complicated. Just think how my poor wife must feel when I try to explain it to her.

[96Qowner]

It's VERY IMPORTANT that you make sure the JDM replacement is a 94-95 and NOT a 90-93 series. My understanding is that most JDMs are 90-93. The wiring harnesses are different and will create a nightmare for whomever is stuck doing the swap.

If they already know how different the motors are and know what to do about it - fine. But check right away - today - do not delay.

[maxnix]

I am a bit scared since I don't know it's full history.

Why one always inspects the Infiniti dealer performed service history before having the car inspected by a Senior Infiniti Technician. Why go into the deal with a blindfold on?

Timing belt? Run! Follow Q45tech's rehabilitation standards, or get ready to pay a lot more down the road. Do remember to replace the motor mounts (all three, including the exhaust hangers) at the same time.

Valve cover seals are gaskets on 1994+engines. But don't neglect the KS and harness and under plenum hoses, cleaning the mainifold and EGER, and IAC valves. You will have to have all the gaskets and hoses. About $500 from Joe. Dropping the oil pan now is the only time you will be able to afford it, so yes. Also, don't for get to replace the rear engine seal. I thnk T-3 does the front also.

And Ohm the injectors and put the best set in.

[carlosinseattle]

It's VERY IMPORTANT that you make sure the JDM replacement is a 94-95 and NOT a 90-93 series. My understanding is that most JDMs are 90-93. The wiring harnesses are different and will create a nightmare for whomever is stuck doing the swap.

If they already know how different the motors are and know what to do about it - fine. But check right away - today - do not delay.

I saw both engines at the shop. They had around 500 total long blocks at their shop. He showed me the difference between the two motors. It was the position of the Cam sensors. The plug locations were different. I compared them to both my cars and he was correct. Since I'm not doing it myself, I have to put some faith in those guys. I am going to order the Knock sensors today and try to get those installed on the new motor.
Modified by carlosinseattle at 2:20 PM 11/15/2006

[Q45tech]

What are you paying for the engine alone $750-$1000?

[carlosinseattle]

Q45Tech

I took your advice and chose to "SEE" the actual motor, and use that as my guide. I paid $1200.00 for the motor, which is a couple hundred more than I wanted to spend. They actually quoted 1K on the phone. When I arrived to inspect the engine they told me the price was $1200. 1K was for a 90-93 motor. I was glad to see the different motors and to also see that they had more than one of each motor. That way I'd expect quick service if the motor breaks. I checked them out on the BBB website, and they had a satisfactory record, not perfect. I wish it was perfect, but time is really important. I'm tired of paying for a rental car!! They said they could get it to me by Friday, but I said take your time and requested they replace the items you mentioned. They only charge for parts, labor is free. So I want them to do as much as possible. The total parts and labor without my extras is $850.00. I plan to spend another $300.00 on parts.

[Q45tech]

That's still a nice deal $1200 plus $1000 labor plus extra parts................while they have the motor out look at the motor mounts they could be near replacement time............so easy with the motor out vs 6 hours+ They are inexpensive from Joe.

[Q45tech]

That's still a nice deal $1200 plus $1000 labor plus extra parts................while they have the motor out look at the motor mounts they could be near replacement time............so easy with the motor out vs 6 hours+ They are inexpensive from Joe.

We would have to charge $1650 for labor [22 hours] for the swap and under plenum + valve cover rehab..........my best tech takes 2 full days.

AC recharge we don't leave the compressor hanging.

[carlosinseattle]

I just called the dealer to pick up knock sensors. He said the car only has one. I thought it had two knock sensors. Does it have one or two knock sensors?

[maxnix]

I just called the dealer to pick up knock sensors. He said the car only has one. I thought it had two knock sensors. Does it have one or two knock sensors?

If you called Infiniti of Kirkland, you won't be able to sit down comfortably for a couple of weeks.

Call the guys and girl (ahhh, Cheryl) at http://www.infinitipartsusa.com , unless you think Gregoire will miss the sales tax you won't pay. IoK will miss the extra 30% they charge, I guarantee.

You must get the harness also besides the two KS. When you remove the plenum and hoses to get to them, some of the hoses will be torn or brittle,or both. You will save hundreds of dollars later if you replace them now. You will need new gaskets for the plenum. Will you put a dirty plenum and TB, IAC and EGR valves back on so you can spend more later to have them R&R? The motor mounts are 80% gone, but cheap and easy to replace now, not so later. Same with seals.

Keep reading the posts.

Now you should realizewhy we recommend the $1200 chain guide replacement on all 1990-1993 VH45DE. Skimp on the rehabilitation while the engine is out and you will be even further in the hole a short time later.

[carlosinseattle]

[QUOTE=maxnix]If you called Infiniti of Kirkland, you won't be able to sit down comfortably for a couple of weeks.

Call the guys and girl (ahhh, Cheryl) at http://www.infinitipartsusa.com , unless you think Gregoire will miss the sales tax you won't pay. IoK will miss the extra 30% they charge, I guarantee.

QUOTE]

How did you know who I called????? That's uncanny. I do know you lived in Seattle some time ago, but how did you know I didn't call Infiniti of Tacoma? In any event, you're right. I'm going to have to get the parts sent via next day air. I asked locally as to keep from adding more downtime to this.

[Q45tech]

TWO KNOCK SENSORS & a harness

[maxnix]

If you called Infiniti of Kirkland, you won't be able to sit down comfortably for a couple of weeks.

Call the guys and girl (ahhh, Cheryl) at http://www.infinitipartsusa.com , unless you think Gregoire will miss the sales tax you won't pay. IoK will miss the extra 30% they charge, I guarantee.

How did you know who I called????? That's uncanny. I do know you lived in Seattle some time ago, but how did you know I didn't call Infiniti of Tacoma? In any event, you're right. I'm going to have to get the parts sent via next day air. I asked locally as to keep from adding more downtime to this.

Get everything, pulleys, belts, seals gaskets, mounts, hoses as IoS will let your return unopened parts for a refund.