VQ35 swap on a 4th gen max HELP!

[jdizzy86]

ok so im new here. and joined in hopes of getting some help. i have a 4th gen maxima, and here soon will hopefully be doing a vq35de swap. ive read a lot of different things about them, and its all still a bit confusing... if any one has done this swap PLEASE hit me up. its a 97 w/auto trany. i basicly need to know what all i need off of my old 3.0, if any, and which wiring harness i need, old new, both? and if i get a newer ecu will the vq35 work with that? or if anyone just happens to have a checklist of what you need to make this happen thats great!! THANKS EVERYONE WHO READS THIS!!!

[maxhopper]

Welcome to NICO.

I haven't done the swap myself, but I have helped a guy with his. Off the old motor, you'll need the entire timing set (gears, chains, etc). You'll also have to find someone who can make the spacers for the cam gears in order to delete the variable timing. You can use the old harness, but it will have to be modified for the injector wiring. You may need the crank sensors off the old motor, but I can't remember for sure.

You could also use the 3.5L ECU, but you'll probably have to replace the harness as well.

Check out these two write ups for more thorough instructions.

#1 http://www.vqpower.com/v2/articles.php?article_id=78

#2 http://www.vqpower.com/v2/articles.php?article_id=82

[jdizzy86]

well ive read about switching the timing and such, but i thought that if you used the 3.5 ecu that it eliminated having to do all the timing switching around stuff? cause i figured that having to switch the timing was in part because of using the old (3.0) ecu, that understands the 3.0's timing confg. i plan on having this project start this spring. and was wanting to get all the kinks squared away, kind'a get a game-plan as it were! so im wanting to get a check list something to go by so all goes smoothly as possible. thanx very much for you're response and links!!!!!!!!! J.D.

[maxhopper]

That is correct. If you use the 3.5L ECU, you do not have to change the timing. The things mentioned in the top part of my post are if you went with a 3.0L ECU.

[tigersharkdude]

That is correct. If you use the 3.5L ECU, you do not have to change the timing. The things mentioned in the top part of my post are if you went with a 3.0L ECU.

If you use the 3.5 ECU dont you have to use the drive by wire? Correct me if Im wrong

[maxhopper]

I believe so, which is why in my first post said this.

You could also use the 3.5L ECU, but you'll probably have to replace the harness as well.

[CanuckQx4]

There are Vq35De's that come with cable throttle bodies. Best of both worlds