Opinions On Engine Replacement Choices

[Blindaviator]

Well it seems I will end up needing to replace the engine in my 2001 (most likely blown head gasket and 220k miles)...

I am looking at picking up a JDM locally for about $1k with about 50k miles on it. I know I will need to do a lot of swapping to get it running...

Or I can find Pathfinder engines with about 90k miles for around $800 locally in salvage yards...

Opinions on which would be a better choice?? I am leaning towards the JDM since it has lower mileage and likely has a little more horsepower... On the down side it will take a lot more work with swapping parts and gasket sets (possibly swapping cam gears on some versions)...

As I have been researching the JDM engines I have noticed that some sellers have a different version of the VQ35DE engine... The standard 3.5 pathfinder engine has grey valve covers and a water control valve. Some listings I have seen for a 3.5 have black valve covers and no water control valve... Is that a later model engine or did it come from a different model car such as the 350Z ?? It looks identical other than those 2 items (best as I can tell from pictures the water control valve outlet on the top of the block has a block off plate covering it.)

[atraudes]

The quick answer regarding valve cover color is they're from different year cars. Take a look at this thread for more info on the topic. I think the most noteworthy differences are that the spark plug gaskets on the black plastic covers can't be replaced and the #1 coil is slightly different between the two.

[Mike W.]

90K isn't high mileage for an engine anymore. Being in California I'm extremely cautious about any possible problems with smog on even a visual inspection, and since I have heard of rare cases where JDM engines were a problem, I'd just go for the local one which would be less work and a lower potential risk. But that's me with a California perspective.

[EdBwoy]

I saw your title and immediately thought, "AVOID JDM AT ALL COSTS!"

Of course it depends on how much time and money you have on your hands, and how much you need the vehicle, but the investment in getting the JDM one running really creeps up there. Maybe in the near future someone will come up with an easy solution that changes the way I view it, but for now search for threads tagged with JDM ENGINE to see what could or may with that route.

[MisterH]

You can probably get one of those remanufactured complete engines for under $2500. If you're skilled enough to install it then could save a few more $ by buying a reman short block (around $1,000) and a set of heads ($300-400). It's not that much more than purchasing a wrecking yard engine of unknown condition.

[Blindaviator]

You can probably get one of those remanufactured complete engines for under $2500. If you're skilled enough to install it then could save a few more $ by buying a reman short block (around $1,000) and a set of heads ($300-400). It's not that much more than purchasing a wrecking yard engine of unknown condition.

I considered that but after looking at prices of other parts that will need to be replaced the cost is considerably more. Such as the timing set will need to be replaced (engine has 220k) and a full timing set costs about $700. So either way the cost ends up being $2000 plus which I cannot really afford right now not to mention that is almost more than the car is worth to begin with.

I found one in a local salvage with about 85k miles for $950 with a $100 core charge and it has a 90 day warranty. I will likely pick that one up up the next few days and keep the old engine for parts. If I can pick it up tomorrow I might have the engines swapped by the end of the weekend. Will keep a photo journal of the swap to post for others.