Looking to get one!

[TheKon]

Hey guys,I'm looking to purchase a 2002 Maxima in august also a 240sx as soon as I find one in the right condition (I basically need a rolling shell) Is there anything in the VQ35 motor that I should know about before I buy it? For instance I learned with my impala that around 80k the intake manifold gaskets poop out on ya...or anything to look out for? Thanks a lot fellas.-TheKon.

[jltibbs]

welcome bro.

nothing that i know of but you might find some good info here (click on one of the banners)

[TheKon]

Thanks dude...I heard a while back that the VQ35 motor burned oil after 60k just wanted to make sure it wasn't true...before I drop the ball...

[jltibbs]

no problem bro.

[Beancooker]

About 1 in 10 are oil burners. There is also a timing chain problem, but that also happens with the oil burners, IIRC. The MAF is crappy, and will go out between 70k and 90k. Alternator will die between 60k and 80k, and that's about it.

[A.Tech]

All cars burn oil to a certain degree. Just it depends on what your definition on buring oil is... Like I mention in another post mine burns about a quart of synthetic oil after 3k miles. The only issues these cars have the most are pretty much what beancooker said. The cars never really had any major engine issues just issues around the engine.

[TheKon]

Hmmm...well my first upgrade will be repacking the alt for higher output...then eventually a supercharger kit or turbo will be added...timing chain shouldn't be a big deal to replace...what about the MAF? Do they make aftermarket ones that do anything better than the stock ones? Are they expensive? My maxima is going to be my daily driver/show car...the 240 I'm building is just all balls out power if all goes well with the bank loan... .....so I need the maxima to be more reliable than my impala

[MattB]

About 1 in 10 are oil burners. There is also a timing chain problem, but that also happens with the oil burners, IIRC. The MAF is crappy, and will go out between 70k and 90k. Alternator will die between 60k and 80k, and that's about it.

My car had both the MAF and Alternator replaced under warranty.

[Beancooker]

And like we mentioned in that thread, that is uncommen, and you should have that looked into. 1qt every 3k miles is odd.

[Beancooker]

The MAF from 300zx turbo will work better, from what I hear. Not sure if it's plug and pray, or if you have to rewire. Supercharger is easier to accomplish on our cars than a T/C. Timing chain is a PITA, because of where it is located, and the motor mount that sits on the timing chain cover. The timing chain is only an issue in the oil burners, and if you get one of those... sorry.

[TheKon]

With my luck I can almost guarantee I'll get an oil burner...is there any tell tale signs that I'll be able to find to know if its an oil burner? Any tips? I enjoy spending time in the car...not under it...know what I mean?