How to swap the VQ at home?
How to swap the VQ at home?
Hi. As you guys knew, my I30 has a serious problem related to start. Even it is getting worse. If the car go to the shop, it cost at least $500. So I have an idea to get rid of the problem which is to replace the engine. I searched the same engine $500~$900 which is 50k~90K on the carparts.com. I knew it isn't only $500~$900 because of shipping, labor, and etc.. However if it can be by myself, I would like to do that. It isn't only the money, but I like my car. Can I get the information about needed tools, parts, and manual. I knew the question is sound like so stupid idiot thing but could you help me? Anyone has the first time.Thanks.
Re: How to swap the VQ at home? (Ryan Heo)
Here is a list of some of the things I've found helpful when doing motor swaps.
Engine hoist (2-3 ton minimum)Hoist leveler (with plenty of chain)1-2 floor jacks2 jack standsImpact Gun (heavy duty electric or pneumatic)Breaker bartape (that can be written on)sharpie markerplastic zip lock bags (large)
The first thing you want to do is disconnect the engine harness and label all the electrical connection. Then undo the fuel lines. Then undo the coolant lines that go to the heater. Then undo the power steering line just below the reservoir. Remove the starter. Disconnect the connectors to the fans, and remove the radiator and fans as one unit. Then unbolt the A/C compressor from the block ant tie it up to the top radiator support. Remove the axles. Support the engine from the top with the hoist and the leveler, and remove the lower crossmember. Undo the front and rear motor mounts. Remove the y-pipe. Support the engine and trans with the floor jacks. Crank the leveler so that all the slack is on the transmission side of the motor, and make sure there is not much chain length on the passenger side of the motor. Many people advise dropping the motor out the bottom, but I've found it easier to lift it out the top. You will probably need two people for this (one to operate the lift, and the other to help guide the trans that is hanging down). Once out of the car, if you have an automatic, remove the access cover for the flex plate and remove the 4 bolts that hold the torque converter to the flex plate. Then unbolt the trans from the engine. After that, do everything in reverse.
It's a good idea to replace all the sensors on the new engine with everything that is good on the old engine. Also replace the sub harness for the rear injectors, crank sensor, and oil sending unit as well (runs from the top rear of the motor along the firewall).
You should either print out the EM section of the FSM or have it readily available on a lap top while you are doing the swap. It will definitely help for torque specs on reassembly.
I'm probably leaving a few things out, but it's the best I can do for now.
Engine hoist (2-3 ton minimum)Hoist leveler (with plenty of chain)1-2 floor jacks2 jack standsImpact Gun (heavy duty electric or pneumatic)Breaker bartape (that can be written on)sharpie markerplastic zip lock bags (large)
The first thing you want to do is disconnect the engine harness and label all the electrical connection. Then undo the fuel lines. Then undo the coolant lines that go to the heater. Then undo the power steering line just below the reservoir. Remove the starter. Disconnect the connectors to the fans, and remove the radiator and fans as one unit. Then unbolt the A/C compressor from the block ant tie it up to the top radiator support. Remove the axles. Support the engine from the top with the hoist and the leveler, and remove the lower crossmember. Undo the front and rear motor mounts. Remove the y-pipe. Support the engine and trans with the floor jacks. Crank the leveler so that all the slack is on the transmission side of the motor, and make sure there is not much chain length on the passenger side of the motor. Many people advise dropping the motor out the bottom, but I've found it easier to lift it out the top. You will probably need two people for this (one to operate the lift, and the other to help guide the trans that is hanging down). Once out of the car, if you have an automatic, remove the access cover for the flex plate and remove the 4 bolts that hold the torque converter to the flex plate. Then unbolt the trans from the engine. After that, do everything in reverse.
It's a good idea to replace all the sensors on the new engine with everything that is good on the old engine. Also replace the sub harness for the rear injectors, crank sensor, and oil sending unit as well (runs from the top rear of the motor along the firewall).
You should either print out the EM section of the FSM or have it readily available on a lap top while you are doing the swap. It will definitely help for torque specs on reassembly.
I'm probably leaving a few things out, but it's the best I can do for now.
Re: How to swap the VQ at home? (maxhopper97)
I will copy with that. Thanks.
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xerexabante
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- Joined: Fri Sep 29, 2006 12:31 pm
- Car: '02 Infiniti Q45
'02 Nissan Maxima SE - Contact:
Re: How to swap the VQ at home? (Ryan Heo)
If you are doing this for the first time I suggest you start r/r on motors on 4bangers. this is a heavy job. if you don't have much experience beware. i am not saying that you can't do it. i just don't want you to have it a basket case if you can't. your mechanic will charge you more being a basket case. sometimes saving money will cost you more. also if you don't have the tools yet then you have to spend money on that too. do the math and see if you are really saving. but the experience is awesome if get through this.
Re: How to swap the VQ at home? (xerexabante)
I guess it would be about $2000.
I have seen the book and DVDs written on engine swap such as Honda V-tec, Nissan skyline, etc at ebay. Can I get those kinds of information?Because I would like to see pictures of the jobs and order before I do.Thanks.
I have seen the book and DVDs written on engine swap such as Honda V-tec, Nissan skyline, etc at ebay. Can I get those kinds of information?Because I would like to see pictures of the jobs and order before I do.Thanks.
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xerexabante
- Posts: 651
- Joined: Fri Sep 29, 2006 12:31 pm
- Car: '02 Infiniti Q45
'02 Nissan Maxima SE - Contact:
Re: How to swap the VQ at home? (Ryan Heo)
well that might be a good guess. you don't have to change anything much else than seals and gaskets. i suggest if you can get a motor from an importer in cali from japan. we get these motors for our shop. we don't get problems. we have been dealing w/ them 10years. hundreds ans hundreds of transmission and motors. only a handful were bad. we charge by the job not the hours. v6 FWD hmmm...maybe 750 labor plus parts.