Replacement Engine

[TexRoon1]

Hello all,
I am new to this forum and would love to be able to share as I progress. I own a 2001 Pathy LE that now has 239k. I have a cracked block confirmed by pulling the heads off. I have looked around and not been abe to get a SOLID answer on using a motor from another source. I know that the VQ35D was used in several other models, but I find that the deals are cheaper on car engines, rather than using another pathy engine.

My question is what is You alls recommendation on make this choice. Are there parts that need to be swaped? I am trying to do with a direct drop in, instead of trying to change this to fit that..if you know what I mean.. I really need this help. I am a single parent on a students budget and if I can get help on this I will be in Heaven...

Thanks in advance!!!

[Pwnin O'Brien]

Is the block cracked at a coolant sleeve (coolant leaking into cylinder)?

[TexRoon1]

It seems to be....my mechanic is my my cousin...He is out on vacation or I would get all the details to confirm that...

[Pwnin O'Brien]

I know most mechanics would cringe at this suggestion, but I would try some of those head gasket repair pour-in products. You really have nothing to lose and some have guarantees. If you go on YouTube and search some out you can find videos of people trying them and working. Of course, if you still have the engine apart then this is a moot point.

[TexRoon1]

Thanks for the suggestion, I really do appreciate your input. However we tried some Thermagasket (RXatuo.com) and it still did not stop the overheating. I must add I changed the waterpump,thermostat,New Radiator, new hoses, flushed the system, blew out the heater core, still to no avail. I wanted to go ahead with a engine replacement and am trying to find out if there are any interchanges that will bolt right in.

I have researched and found the VQ35D used in other vehicles, but I want to be clear on which one will be a direct replace other than one from another Pathy. There are no clear answers on which can be included in this replacement.

[asnorton44]

This one has 78,000 miles and they only want $1300 shipped.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/02-Nissa ... 2697wt_939

[Chuck Tribolet]

Note that the '01 stick shift and automatic engines are different.

Chuck

[TexRoon1]

Everyone I appreciate all the help and post that are being added, however the root of my question is still not being answered.

I want to know if the engine out of a Maxima, Murano, I35, G35 from any particular year can SWAP into the Pathy directly? I heard that for the 2001 PAthy you can only use the engine from the 01-02 models because of sensors or somthing like that...I would love to pull from one of the other vehicles listed, as I have found several that are much less in price than the ORIGINAL pathfinder engine.

Can anyone answer this question for me please..I am desperate, low on money and running out of options!!HELP!!!!

[jroo]

this is my general understanding and this comes from listening to guys that have done engine swaps using the 3.5 blocks. Generally they say all the rear wheel drive blocks are the same and will bolt up to different models. They have some funky years where certain models changed a sensor or a few things that wont allow them to work. I dont know which ones they are other than hearing they are out there. I have also heard that the FWD 3.5 blocks differ from the RWD 3.5 blocks. You would have to do several changes to make them work. Basically the differences in the RWDs are the ecu/computers and the top ends. The Paths were geared not to rev as high and have more low end, so the intakes, top end and computers were made for that. The Z's and g35 are designed to rev and produce top end, so all the associated parts are done for that but the block is the same. If anything I would start looking at Z's and g35 blocks, but I dont know how much you will really save if you find one. I would assume even at junkyard prices, they are about the same ball park as a path engine would be if you find one.

[TexRoon1]

Jroo,..you have helped me get a better picture of what I shold be looking for and at....I am not at the point of trying to run top speed and beat the pants off of anyone..I just want to keep my baby as long as I can keep her running....She is in Excellent shape exterior and interior wise..I guess my hunt is on and I will just have to find a newer heart to get her back on the road..Again thanks to all who post and comment

[Buzzman]

I want to know if the engine out of a Maxima, Murano, I35, G35 from any particular year can SWAP into the Pathy directly? I heard that for the 2001 Pathy you can only use the engine from the 01-02 models because of sensors or something like that...I would love to pull from one of the other vehicles listed, as I have found several that are much less in price than the ORIGINAL pathfinder engine.

I believe the direct answer is no, you cannot pull the 3.5 from say, a Maxima, and drop it into a Pathfinder.
To the best of my knowledge, the only common component is the block.
The heads are different, the intake and exhaust is different, etc. etc.
I imagine the electronics will also be different, meaning the ECU will be different.
Someone on here started a post a few months ago asking if they could install headers from a 350Z onto a Pathfinder.
The answer was no, mostly because the ports (heads) were totally different.
Here's the link to that earlier post (hope it works):

post5523670.html?hilit=headers%20for%20 ... r#p5523670

[TexRoon1]

Thanks Buzzman for the reply and the link. I have decided to replace the engine with an orginal from a 2001 Path. I was hoping to give some insight to others who are probaly facing or will face a warped,cracked block or blown headgasket. We need options and this is a GREAT place to find informaiton and share it.

My situation may differ from many who are out there, but I LOVE my pathy and will RIDE it again till it dies. My old engine has 230k on the odomt, this will tell you how much we can expect from this vehicle. Some are getting more, but this one lasted a great deal of miles. I hope that this post will help others out there who face a OVERHEATING engine. Headgaskets blowing are not so common on this engine, but warping is. So in my opinion replace the engine with a low mileage one and save the money from replacing the gaskets. Engines do wear out but replace it and you will have another ALMOST 300k out of it.

Happy PATHING to all!!