newbie questions [yes, I checked FAQ, did searches & reviewed read 1st]

[deuskid]

I just bought a 2003 I 35. I believe that makes my engine a VQ but would like to verify that? Is there more than one VQ w/ varying specs and maintenance - if there is, how do I determine which I have?

I'm a DIYer and I want to do a base line maintenance so want to replace all fluids, plugs, spark plug wires, fuel filter, air filters [engine and cabin]- any recommendations re: procedures and parts[sources] would be most welcome.

I've searched this forum, other forums and googled but I can't get a definitive understanding if my engine has a fuel filter and if so where it is located?

I've seen a reference in a post to a 'how to' section in this forum but I can't seem to locate it, guidance please?

Thanks for your help

John

[Q45tech]

Normally one starts by securing the owners manual and spending a few days reading it 10 times THEN secure the Factory Service Manual and reading the multiple thousands of pages multiple times.

Google everything you don't understand then come to NICO and ask what is not covered in the two factory documents.

Think of a new car as a college course and spend the same 80 hours in research and read the text books [manual and FSM].

We are here to answer things not covered.FSM download:http://www.phatg20.net/compone...id,46/

[deuskid]

Q45Tech -

I've read the owners manual several times. It is long of fluff and short on usable info.

I've googled my questions in this and other forums and on the www without getting satisfactory answers.

Reading a service manual thousands of pages long to be able to do a tune up [I did btw find the link to the service manuals and spent 1/2 hour looking for fuel filter in several sections of it to no avail] is a bit silly. I'm not trying to rebuild the transmission or engine [tho I have on other cars in the past].

Frankly your response is much like the manual: full of words and no help whatsoever.

If there is a section like the "garage" on the Miata Forum how does one get to it?

Does a 2003 I35 have a fuel filter [multiple sources conflict on this topic, some say yes, some say no].

Is there a great 'find' or place for tune up parts?

Basically, I've done all you've suggested but buy and read the service manual which seems to be overkill for my particular immediate questions.

Thanks in advance for any help that may be forthcoming.

John

[WizardBlack]

Doesn't the plate in the door jam or engine bay show your engine code?

[MinisterofDOOM]

Yes, your I35 has a VQ. VQ35DE. There are quite a few VQ variants, many not sold here in the US, but even here there are many. The VQ comes or came in different displacements (3.0, 3.5, 3.7, 4.0) but even the 3.5 alone has seen multiple variants and small revisions. However, maintenance is the same across most of the 3.5s (except the VQ35HR out of later Zs and newer Infinitis). Your I35 is simply a 2002-2003 Maxima with some different sheetmetal and a few different interior bits, so essentially anything that applies to the '02/'03 Max also applies to your I.

As far as tuneup and fluids/parts:

A/T fluid should be standard DexronIII compatible. Your I35 might have a limited slip differential as well, so make sure to take that into account when choosing your fluid.

Stick to OEM NGK platinum spark plugs. No reason to get any fancier, you're unlikely to see better results. Steer clear of Bosch or other brands; they may be cheaper but the engine just doesn't like them as well.

No real reason to do plug wires as the engine uses a distributorless coil-on-plug design.

There is an in-line fuel filter. It's cylindrical and located near the middle of the firewall.

Trans fluid swap is pretty straightforward as the drain plug is in a convenient place; no need to drop the pan.Oil filter is in an easy to reach spot (right inside the passenger side wheel well), so that's nice and simple, too. Off the top of my head, I believe the engine takes 4 and 1/4 quarts with filter.