should I rebuild my 3.0 maxims or swap it?

[jimmymaxima1978]

I'm kinda a noob at this but I'm almost at 200,000 miles and want to make the right choice swap or rebuild? I need to get advise from someone who has done this. I was looking to possibly getting a turbo kit after a rebuild or swap anyone would like to give me some advise on this before I spend any money I might regret?

[ezb57e]

Welcome to the forums.
Your Max is still running at 200K because they did it right the first time.
If you want to have another excellent engine you will have to do it right also.
Be confident that you are up to a rebuild if that's is what you decide to do. It will take more time than a swap. You will always know what you have this way.
Buying a rebuilt or wrecking yard engine is worrisome as you may never really know if it was built right, or thrashed during it lifetime. They don't call them junkyards for nothing.
However, if you have good source for a used engine, I would probably go that way.
Good luck

[jimmymaxima1978]

That's great advise. Thanks. Would you be able to recommend a rebuild kit and a turbo? I do have a timming chain kit n seal I got off e bay for 100 made by evergreen performance. I am familiar with rebuilding the top end. Just not the crankshaft n pulley and pistons. I know they the cylinders half to bee machined and bored over but what should it be bored over too? And my transmission needs rebuild for automatic?? Thanks

[ezb57e]

Look through the ESM here: http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Maxima/1998/EM.pdf
Understand what needs to be inspected, measured and corrected if needed.
These engines are built with great precision, not always so easily achieved out in the field.
Are you able to cut valve seats and valves? Check valve heights?
Can you accurately measure a crank journal?
Mic a bore?
Know what your getting into here.
Good luck.

[jimmymaxima1978]

Thank you. I know how to cut because I did it to a 1973 cougar because it was going from lead to unleaded.

[ezb57e]

That's good. The valves may or may not need much.
The bottom end, rings and bearings, is critical.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

Dont forget about the timing chain, chain and valve tensioners, guides,chains to turn the DOHC valves. About $1000 for all new just in parts.

[jimmymaxima1978]

I got my rimming chain from evergreen performance for 100.00

[ezb57e]

Dont forget about the timing chain, chain and valve tensioners, guides,chains to turn the DOHC valves. About $1000 for all new just in parts.

Sorry, Im not familiar with "valve tensioners".
Timing components are no-brain bolt on parts.
Just putting a bunch of new parts into a high mileage engine is not a "rebuild".
There is precision measurement and machining involved in a real rebuild.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Maxima/1998/EM.pdf
check out page 26 regarding tensioners

These parts would have to be strong to hold up to a turbo
Might be ok with a daily driver though

If upon start up you have a "rattle" in your engine AND if goes
away after the engine is warm, it might need a timing chain tensioner

[ezb57e]

Sorry, I still don't see any "valve tensioners"
Do you mean "timing chain tensioners"?

[NutriaforBreakfast]

You are right-there are no "valve tensioners"
What I meant was the tensioner assemblies for the camshaft chains
which enable the valves to open and close
I tried to cut and paste the schematic for them but couldn't
If you look at www.courtesyparts.com (Nissan dealership)
select maxima and the year
Then click on engine mechanical
Then click on camshaft and valve mechanism
Look for part 13070+b and 13070+A
They are the tensioner assemblies for the camshaft chains

[jimmymaxima1978]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007P73HW ... mp_s_a_1_1

[NutriaforBreakfast]

wow that's so inexpensive its scary!
And its everything you need it appears
Classic OEM v "other" parts
I rebuilt my front end with MOOG parts and use Walker brake pads
but try to stay away from generic electronic parts although i have a
chinese starter that lasted forever.
You might be on to something here though!
Have you used this brand before?