VQ35 Engine swap into 2000 model VG33 4WD Auto Pathfinder?

[pounana]

Hey guys,

I'm out in Kuwait where gas prices are extremely cheap and everyone drives like there's no tomorrow.

I've just bought a cheap 2000 pathfinder (VG33) which won't break my heart if it gets totalled, scratched, dented etc. (car parks are a panel beaters dream here) and was wondering about upgrading the engine.

There are loads of breakers yards with wrecked Altimas, 350Zs and occaisionally pathfinders and QX4s. I'd really like to get the extra HP for driving in the soft sand.

Can anyone comment on what is involved in dropping the VQ35 into the VG33 engine bay? What to look out for, what not to do etc.

Many thanks.

(also, if anyone would like to tell me if I can put a 4.8 litre nissan patrol motor and running gear under the hood, I'm all ears...)

Thanks for a great forum, by the way. Lots of great information

[nissandoms47]

It wouldnt be that hard since you are putting an engine that was offered in that chassis back into that chassis. You'll have to get the engine, trans and possibly the tcase. The complete wiring harness and some other misc things.

[pounana]

Pretty much all spares are available here (think 20 sq km of scrap yards); more concerend about the placement of engine mounts; any ideas?

[carnal_c30]

I'm pretty sure you wont have too many problems with the mounting as its the same chassis.

I'm not sure if the VQ35 in the Pathfinder is the same as the Maxima, but in the Maxima VQ35 it is drive by wire throttle etc I believe so it would help if you had a complete donor car instead of picking up part by part

[nissandoms47]

If you find a 2001 VQ it was still drive by cable. 02 and up is when they went to drive by wire for the R50. Engine mount placement should be the same. it should bolt in. Unless the subframes are slightly different.

[alexf20c]

for the money you saved by getting a VG33 R50 but then will need to spend on a VQ swap, you should've just spent the extra money on a VQ35 R50 and saved yourself a whole bunch of hassle.

[SnowSurfLax]

for the money you saved by getting a VG33 R50 but then will need to spend on a VQ swap, you should've just spent the extra money on a VQ35 R50 and saved yourself a whole bunch of hassle.

That's what I was thinking!