Heart Transplant Shaping Up

[Repo Man]

My dad and I went to Louisville today and picked up Fred's engine to go in my pearl white '91 Q. Many thanks to him and his buddy Chris for facilitating this deal. Chris had a front end loader with straps hooked to the engine and he just picked it up and set it in the back of our truck. We strapped it down and were on our way.

This was the second big piece of the Q puzzle. The third will be the install, which my mechanic is getting ready for. The engine looks great, with all of the hoses in excellent shape, 7 new injectors out of 8, leak free and purty!

I'll keep you guys up to speed on how it's going because I know you're all on the edge of your seats.

Andy

[SOCAL91Q45a]

Im new here. I just picked up my best friends 1991 Q45a. He was frustrtated with the car and the replacement motor he put in 24k ago [scrimped ....] has a bad rod knock and no oil pressure.

I picked it up for $1,000 - and it has just been totally repainted from an excellent body shop we both use for our insurance business. He has the Stillen Intake, 1st gear start chip/program and a Stillen Performance Chip as well. Ive always loved this car, and its sound with that Stillen airbox on it !!! Clean Interior, good rubber, excellent paint, AC and Electrical system. My friend bought from dealer with 75k on it and 50 miles after he bought it - he made them Warranty the active suspension - complete replacement. Car now has 175k on it.

Ive read the guy LONGRUNq's post about how repoman scored this car, etc ..... Ive got my eye on this thread as to the motorswap etc .....

Has anyone gone thru a Q45 motor and done a Crank, bearings, and rods?

I thought I read where it never works?

Or what is the reason for getting Crate Motors with low miles?

We got the shop and "stuff" - note my sig of the other projects we have going on ... so - we aint SCARED! :-)

All the best to all ... your feedback is appreciated.

[PalmerWMD]

Swaps with used engines, are often more economical than rebuilds, especially if shop rates are charged per hours of rebuild.

But, we do have a member that has rebuild his own Q engine and it runs smooth and starts great (I have driven it).BUT he didnt charge himself shop hours, for the rebuild, which took many hours due to the great care he took (compression on his rebuild is near factory new specs).

Fred..

PS Sounds like you have an awesome car just waiting on a good engine.

[SOCAL91Q45a]

PalmerWMD/Fred,

Cool - thanks so much brother ..... Thats encouraging news. So the killer is the shop rates [which I will not be incurring either]. This project has plenty of time to find just the right stuff at the "right" prices - so DIY at a slow meticulous pace is the plan!

I didnt know if there is some special tool, specs, parts etc... that only the dealer mechanics have access to or ... what it was, and there certainly isnt much in the way of "aftermarket" parts that Ive seen so far.

I'd love to get a brand new shiny crank, set of rods pistons and bearings and do the bottom end "extra special" nice. Anyone got a source for this?

Anyone doing anything with CAM's or P&P on these heads?

Intake modifications?

I read where someone stated that anything other than Naturally Aspirating these motors was NOT recommended. Something in regards to the tight tolerances the motor was designed for and the lack of oil pressure [i think thats what I heard ...] Any comments to this will be greatly appreciated as well.

[PalmerWMD]

1)I didnt know if there is some special tool, specs, parts etc... that only the dealer mechanics have access to or ... what it was, and there certainly isnt much in the way of "aftermarket" parts that Ive seen so far.

2)I'd love to get a brand new shiny crank, set of rods pistons and bearings and do the bottom end "extra special" nice. Anyone got a source for this?

3)Intake modifications?

4)I read where someone stated that anything other than Naturally Aspirating these motors was NOT recommended. Something in regards to the tight tolerances the motor was designed for and the lack of oil pressure [i think thats what I heard ...] Any comments to this will be greatly appreciated as well.

1) Check with Joe

2) Joe can hook you up.He has been hooking Niconauts up for a long time even back when we were still a yahooclub.

3) Consensus is that the factory intake is so well-desigend tehre is no need for it and even incrmental success not probable.

4) Not true.We have a couple of members that have succesfully supercharged these cars.

6 bolt mains/closed deck engine baby! :ylsuperThe rings are a weak spot , of sorts, if you wanna go with a lot of boost need aftermarket rings .Check out our engineering forum out as well.

By now you are probably wondering who Joe is:He is the INET parts manager here:http://www.infinitipartsusa.com/Default2.asp

Be sure to ask for him and be <sure> to indentify yourself as a NICO member.

Fred..

[SOCAL91Q45a]

:ylsuper <---- This dude is DA KINE !

Scope the killer mullet ... This place is a blast! LOL

Joe is DA MAN... and I shall contact.

Thanks again for all the hooks!

Off to search the Ken Belle, Vortech, and Paxton sites for Q kits!

It just keeps gettin better by the hour!

Blown Luxo Q - Ohhh my ........ yeeeee haaaa

[PalmerWMD]

Off to search the Ken Belle, Vortech, and Paxton sites for Q kits!Blown Luxo Q - Ohhh my ........ yeeeee haaaa

just keep in mind that those supercharger deals were adaptions or custom done fits.

To our knowlwedge tehre is no off teh shelf sc kit currentyl available.

BAD (part of our former NICO store) offered an sc for a bit, but we were much smaller then and the response wasn't large enough to keep that program going.

I know of an SC already fit to a Q, that was for a sale a few months ago.I think it still might be, you can email me if you like.

Fred..

[90Q45blue]

Repo,

I'm so glad you got Fred's engine. Remember what we talked about.

Email me.

SoCal: awesome find on this Q. They are wonderful cars. I can't imagine driving anything else.

Nick

[maxnix]

Didn't forecast go completely through his engine?

[DAEDALUS]

SOCAL91Q45a, a big welcome to a fellow SoCal resident! Whereabouts are you? I'd love to check out all those cool projects in your sig--they sound like a lot of fun. I'm in El Segundo till the end of the month, then I'll be in Wiseburn.Parts for a Q are pretty high-dollar, even via wholesale from Joe. Don't know about the pistons/crank, but valves are $11 and $17 each, intake/exhaust. I've been hoping to have the time/money to pour a fountain of youth over my 218k commuter, but both have been in short supply for a long time.

Maxnix is right...Forecast is the only guy I know of that rebuilt his entire VH45, but I don't think he would do it again or recommend it to anyone. Tolerances are hard to meet. If you have the FSM pick it up and read the specs throughout the EM section. It's crazy--they list 4 grades of main journals to span a measurement difference of .001".

[Repo Man]

Repo,

I'm so glad you got Fred's engine. Remember what we talked about.

Werd. I am all up-in-it.

SOCAL, welcome to NICO!

[SOCAL91Q45a]

Daed ... thanks for the words ..... Im in Las Flores - Orange County ....new unincorped enclave between Coto De Caza and Mission Viejo. Q45 is local. The stangs are out in Landers .... desert property where the "SHOP" /tools/lift is. Q will be there as well soon.

repo - thanks for the warm welcome, and well really to all you peeps. I feel right at home - gracias.

[Q45tech]

What you do is buy a low mile Japanese take out for $1300-$1500 then dissassemble it for parts or just measure every component and decide. A good one will be pretty close to new thanks to their oil change habits and oil quality.

2-3 engines should provide enough usable parts........the problem is getting all the bearing variations. Always use brand new bolts when reassembling, they are stretch to tolerance and cannot be reused!

If US owners had just changed the oil [evey 90 days] all these motors could have gone 300,000 miles......except for chain guides.

[SOCAL91Q45a]

Thx Q45Tech

"the problem is getting all the bearing variations."

In my mind, these parts seemed to be the one fly in the ointment.

2-3 motors eh .... whoooa. Perhaps another take out and some NEW parts from sources, + the knocking ROACH thats in there might get me to Q - NIRVANA :-)

Ive heard of LAKENOR, and another facility on here like accutra or something ..... Take Out Motor recommendations please?

Q45tech - whom does your firm use?

So if I go thru the bottom end CORRECTLY, and adhere to a stringent maint routine on this motor - I could expect another say 200k out of it [Assuming CHAIN GUIDES and OIL pumps guides done at the same time...]

Ive been looking into recomended HEAD rehab on here but have found little data.

I just realized .... I may be hijacking repo mans thread. Apologies.

Cant wait for an update repo - all the best to all!

[PalmerWMD]

SoCal:

I think looking for a low mile t/o is still by far the most economical strategy even tho rebuilds can be done.If u can find one w/ 50k another 200-250k is not unreasoable, if teh motor looks good.

But if you have a generous budget, you can always go with a new longblock from Joe, finish it up with some parts from your current engine (lots labor this) and then you have the newness you crave.

Fred..

[SOCAL91Q45a]

SoCal drools ...

LAKENOR & ????? - this one looks interesting.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...58985

http://www.levelten.com/store/...s.htm

I bought the rig expecting to drop $7k AFTER purchase - max $10k

Its a FUNCTIONING Q45a that may be showing the signs of recharge mania ... so theres that to deal with.

The obvious motor swap.

Trans will likely need a rebuild ASAP - Level 10 - whooa! serious bux - any feedback there?

Driveshaft has NOT been done.

Needs leather recover on driver seat only.

Master Cyl is leaking

A/C Control DASH lights non op - but system blows serious cold AIR - $100 and a drive to San Diego :-)

Stillen is close by too .... so.

Let the GAMEZ begin.

[PalmerWMD]

SoCal:

If that engine is at good as it looks its a very good deal.For comparison a few years ago I shopped for used Q engines and found them to cost between $3000-4000.

I bought one for one for over 3and a half thousand if memory serves w/ original guides, original injectoers, knock senors, ox sensors.

As for Level ten they have a good rep.The previous MD owner of my car (founder of this site Dr Birkmeier aka"SpeedDoctor") put in a level ten transmission with the full upgrade package on it.

You still need to support even a level ten transmission with a transmission cooler.(!)In combination with regular ATF exchanges, that $60 part can help to triple its life expectancy .

Fred...

[PalmerWMD]

As for level ten feedback:

My level ten transmission has seen many 500hp (175 shot of NOS)quarter mile runs with previosu owner and has shown no ill effects.

BUT a factory reman can be had from Joe for onyl $1800 plus shipping (your shops installs).Are the factory remans Always 100,000 mile or better units?No but most of them are pretty good, certainoly better than the local chauin rebuilds (which are often more expensive to boot)

Fred...

[90Q45blue]

For Level 10 Information please check out our Infiniti Articles section. It contains a word from the creator himself.

Nick

[maxnix]

For Level 10 Information please check out our Infiniti Articles section. It contains a word from the creator himself. - Nick

Intresting, because L10 did not even answer my email when I inquired about services two weeks in advance.__________________Brian1995 Q45 & Q45t

Discover the power of the button!

[SOCAL91Q45a]

Well looks like I have many answers now!

As you all promised Joe got right ON IT !! sweet. Here's the damage kids - in case ya havent priced this yourselves!

$2,800 [with no bolts tho]

Hello, and thanks for your inquiry!1991 Q45:Part Number* Qty Description Each Prc Ext Prc A2010-60U00 8 PISTON,W/PIN 63.24 505.92 12100-6P000 ASR 8 CONNECTING ROD 95.96 767.68 12200-60U03 CRANKSHAFT ASSY 821.85 821.85 12033-60U10 1 RING SET PISTON 223.24 223.24 12208-60U00 1 BRG CRANKSHF 51.85 51.85 10101-60U26 1 GASK KIT ENG 347.41 347.41 Shipping via ground service: $35.67-Joe

ATK Crate Motor - $3850 delivered to your door - long block and you ship them a core. Its warrantied regardless of installer. They use all reman parts w/ new pistons. Comes with all gaskets for all accessories too - sounds like thats nifty kit!

Ebay / Internet / Take out - $1300-2000 with shipping to CA. Then you still run the risk - like my buddy did, of inheriting some other flakes nightmare and getting only 18k miles out of this jewel. Get to keep my knockin roach core though as a rebuildable spare project motor? Hrrrrmmmmm .......

Im still leaning towards the new short block thru Joe .... and making it tight and right. What type of machine work if any might be required with this approach? it would be nice if the crank just needed a polish

[Q451990]

Wouldn't buying the 94/95 brand new crate damaged engine on eBay and using the bottom end be the best deal going? I think you could get it for about what he's asking ($1K), use the block - which is the same to my knowledge from 90-96, and then sell the heads off (different). I'd verify all of this, but it sounds like it might work...

Heath

[Stoneage_Turbo]

WHOA REPO GOT A Q!!!!!!!!!!!!

damit repo , i guess the genral section isnt worth tellin

good luck dude , im still workin on my infiniti comeback

[SOCAL91Q45a]

Q451990 - if this is accurate - I may buy you a SUPER TALL Cold one brother!!!

Can I get an AMEN from on high there Q45Tech? same bottom end internals? I need to make a deal Quick fast brother ....

[Q451990]

You might want to call Joe for that. He can look and see if a short block for the Q is the same part number throughout the range...

You might also be able to canibalize some of the head parts (lifters, valves, etc?) but I don't know... I think the sodium filled valves were gone in later years, so you may not want to use them...

I know if I had a 94 or 95Q I'd be finding some place to store that engine myself!

Good luck!

Heath

[SOCAL91Q45a]

Q451990 and AZ Hitman - NICO too ....

:ylsuper

You dudes be da BOMB!!!

Called infinitipartsusa.com - got the word, bought the motor.

Now ..... anxiety and anticipation - in a good way.

I may have to break that new zero mile motor in on a trip to AZ to buy hitman and other Q45 peeps some cold beverages!

Can I get a Hell Yeaaah!!!:bearchug

[elwesso]

Ill give you a HELL YEAAAAH!!

Ill come too..... Id love to learn about all that stuff.....

[Q451990]

Glad to help!!! You'll really be our hero if you figure out how to use the top end of the engine too! One of the big obsticals in keeping a 90-93Q alive is finding good donar engines. If the 94 and 95 engine could also be used, that would make a huge difference! From what I understand, the big barrier is the electrical connection on the crank angle sensor or sub crank angle sensors. I don't know if they function differently, or just have different connections. I'd do everything I can to use that fresh top end of the engine too!

oh - and a HELL YEAAAH to you too! Keep us posted and post pictures of your work in progress!

Heath

[90Q45blue]

Yes SoCal,

Please take a LOT of pictures and document as much as you can for us. I smell a HUGE article in the works!!

Nick

[SOCAL91Q45a]

"From what I understand, the big barrier is the electrical connection on the crank angle sensor or sub crank angle sensors. I don't know if they function differently, or just have different connections."

Uhhh - ill be pulling out the FSM for that data ... but wont those sensors be coming off my functioning 91 motor? Hence - no problems .... Now Im all worried and stuff ....