Nissan Maxima (J30 Chassis) Swap options

[DragonMaxima]

I own a 1990 Nissan Maxima, and i am looking at what type of motor options i can get into.

i have already seen a VQ30 swapped Maxima, has anyone on here done that swap?! if so what all did you need to do it?!

i also know that the JDM A31 Chassis Cefiro and the J30 Chassis Maxima are very similar in the platform, and i was wondering what would it take to convert my Maxima into a rear wheel drive car. (Sorry, I'm a drifter at heart, just had to get rid of my CA swapped 240sx)

If anyone has done the RWD swap or can point me in the right direction i would be very greatful.

[maxhopper]

I'm sure a VQ30DE swap would require all sensors and the PCM/wiring.

In order to convert your Max to RWD, you'd need the rear end and suspension, the intake manifold, complete exhaust, PCM, wiring harness, front fan goodies from the JDM version. On top of that, you'll need tons of custom fabrication work.

[MinisterofDOOM]

i also know that the JDM A31 Chassis Cefiro and the J30 Chassis Maxima are very similar in the platform, and i was wondering what would it take to convert my Maxima into a rear wheel drive car. (Sorry, I'm a drifter at heart, just had to get rid of my CA swapped 240sx)

The J30 Maxima was a North America only platform, basically an enlarged U12 Stanza platform. It has nothing in common with the A31 (at least, no more than with any other Nissan platform). I've heard this claim before, but never seen any evidence to back it up. The A32 was the first Cefiro-based Maxima, and only because the Cefiro went FWD.

I've got a J30 myself and have wanted to convert it to RWD as well. I will someday--when I've got more money than I need. I imagine the easiest route would be to use parts from an Infiniti Q45 or J30 (the Infiniti model...not our Maxima) or from a Z32 or Z31.

In fact, you could probably use pretty much the entire power- and drivetrains from an Infiniti J30. The VG30DE is a great choice (though I'll be going with a custom-built late-generation VQ myself...) and will mate right up to the Z32 5 speed. Then you could use the better-geared Z32 rear end.

Another affordable engine option is to build your own "VG34ER." Using Z32 crank and rods, and G50 pistons in a bored VG30E or VG33E block, you get a 3.4 liter version of your current motor. You could then use the supercharger from later VG33ERs with that setup. It'd be pretty rev-happy for a VG, but it'd be plenty stout and really open up the potential of the SOHC motor. You could also use the Q45 pistons in a VG30DE. Not sure how well the VG33ER supercharger would adapt over to that motor, but I would love to find out.

[DragonMaxima]

i already knew it would be a ton of work, thats not the problem i am a patient man, but do you think there is anything i can get stateside that would make it possbile? Like maybe a Z32 rear end or something else RWD.

Cause ive done Motorswaps before, so i know if its not supposed to be in there i gotta make the things that will make it work.

Please help, any and all assistance would be great.

[MinisterofDOOM]

Check my last post again, I made a few edits.

I suggest checking out some Infiniti J30s and Z32s at junkyards. Start measuring things and get an idea of what might or might not work well.

Oh, and welcome to NICO. Got any pictures of your Max?

[DragonMaxima]

Thanx for the welcome love, i couldn't remeber my log in from years back, lol!!!

Thanx for all the help guys, ill have pics up soon, gotta DL from the Digi Cam
Modified by DragonMaxima at 6:21 PM 5/4/2006