3.5 swap...Is it worth the hassle?
12-06-2012, 11:42 AM
#1
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Mexicali, Baja, Mexico
Posts: 157
3.5 swap...Is it worth the hassle?
My engine has the rear timing cover o-rings leak, I´m getting tired of it...Up to the point to sell the car for as much as I can, or drop a new motor in...Then I thought of doing the swap to the 3.5.
Anyone of the 3.5 swap club can let me know of the pros of the swap?
Anyone of the 3.5 swap club can let me know of the pros of the swap?
12-06-2012, 01:36 PM
#8
There are none, the motor is heavier, has a longer stroke and a bigger bore, all of that means a lot of weight, and then on top of it a lot of 3.5's burn a lot of oil and finally they cost more than 3.0's.
To me, more weight, less reliability, seems like a down grade to me. I don't know what all of the fuss is about with these 3.5 swaps these days, they don't even make that much power burning all of that oil and costing that much $$$
To me, more weight, less reliability, seems like a down grade to me. I don't know what all of the fuss is about with these 3.5 swaps these days, they don't even make that much power burning all of that oil and costing that much $$$
Last edited by aackshun; 12-06-2012 at 01:40 PM.
12-06-2012, 02:40 PM
#11
Pro:
IMHO, more aftermarket support for bolt ons.
Not a whole lot of fitment problems with aftermarket exhaust.
That nifty 3.5 engine cover.
Con:
They like to burn oil
They are heavier
They cost alot
.....AAAAANNNNNDDDD lets not forget that just cause you swapped the engine, that doesnt mean everything else on your car isn't going to start going. Really how far are you willing to chase the rabbit down the hole???
As always, chase this as far as your SANITY and WALLET can take you.
12-06-2012, 03:27 PM
#12
There are none, the motor is heavier, has a longer stroke and a bigger bore, all of that means a lot of weight, and then on top of it a lot of 3.5's burn a lot of oil and finally they cost more than 3.0's.
To me, more weight, less reliability, seems like a down grade to me. I don't know what all of the fuss is about with these 3.5 swaps these days, they don't even make that much power burning all of that oil and costing that much $$$
To me, more weight, less reliability, seems like a down grade to me. I don't know what all of the fuss is about with these 3.5 swaps these days, they don't even make that much power burning all of that oil and costing that much $$$
12-06-2012, 05:58 PM
#13
There are none, the motor is heavier, has a longer stroke and a bigger bore, all of that means a lot of weight, and then on top of it a lot of 3.5's burn a lot of oil and finally they cost more than 3.0
To me, more weight, less reliability, seems like a down grade to me. I don't know what all of the fuss is about with these 3.5 swaps these days, they don't even make that much power burning all of that oil and costing that much $$$
To me, more weight, less reliability, seems like a down grade to me. I don't know what all of the fuss is about with these 3.5 swaps these days, they don't even make that much power burning all of that oil and costing that much $$$
12-06-2012, 06:14 PM
#15
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Mexicali, Baja, Mexico
Posts: 157
After reading your comments it seems to me that it's not worth it (Reliability, weight, oil consumption)...litch nailed it...Even if I have the swap (65 HP extra), I will still have a 98 maxima, and there are some other little things that already started to annoy me.
12-06-2012, 07:13 PM
#17
http://www.nissanclub.com/forums/200...ne-weight.html
VQ30DE - 330lbs
http://www.engineswaptech.com/forums/thread/1186.aspx
According to this.....which isn't saying that this is 100% accurate, it is the interwebs... they weigh the same, so you are getting a nice hp/tq boost, and more aftermarket support for exactly the same weight...
however, I would trust aackshun on this, he has played with that engine more than I played with myself when I was 13......
12-06-2012, 07:27 PM
#19
This is true man. Now, if you have the cash flow, and you have the 4th gen bug (I do.) Then you really can make a very streetable, very quick, very reliable car, you just have to replace everything. A vq35 swap is the STARTING POINT of a ground up build. But, if that is your passion(<------read: addiction), and you can't stop modding your car, then the sky is the limit, there are some super clean - uber modded cars out there that are on par with cars coming right off a dealers lot. If you are looking at a vq35 swap as a "quick fix," you are barkin up the wrong tree.
Its a little like getting married, you are going to throw alot of money at it, and as long as you are together, its totally worth it, the second you seperated, you aren't gonna see much of a recoup of that scratch.
12-06-2012, 09:27 PM
#21
Hard to give you advice if you want a different car but if you wanted to keep the maxima a vq30 would be the cheapest. VQ35 is very nice if you got the money.
12-06-2012, 10:09 PM
#22
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Mexicali, Baja, Mexico
Posts: 157
Thanks for the feedback guys...I must admit that I love my max, but I'm just tired of throw money at it to keep it running (Obviously I have to as with any car, but I have changed most parts in just a year!)...The gas mileage is poor to say the least...Sometimes I just want to sell it and get a four banger...But I know what's gonna happen tomorrow: I'll look at it, start driving, feel the power as I row the gears, and the MAX will get me proud of having a VQ30DE again, it is a cycle that has been repeating again & again, since I bought it...Some maximorger says on his quote: "Maxima's, the awesome never ending money pit"...I agree!
12-06-2012, 10:44 PM
#23
the 3.5 is lighter than the 3.0 by about 25lbs, i think aackshun was joking (I hope), and litch's info is wrong.
same scale, same day, 25lbs difference.
http://forums.maxima.org/all-motor/3...t-anybody.html
25lbs lighter for the VQ35 is a nice little weight savings.
same scale, same day, 25lbs difference.
http://forums.maxima.org/all-motor/3...t-anybody.html
25lbs lighter for the VQ35 is a nice little weight savings.
12-06-2012, 11:39 PM
#24
the 3.5 is lighter than the 3.0 by about 25lbs, i think aackshun was joking (I hope), and litch's info is wrong.
same scale, same day, 25lbs difference.
http://forums.maxima.org/all-motor/3...t-anybody.html
25lbs lighter for the VQ35 is a nice little weight savings.
same scale, same day, 25lbs difference.
http://forums.maxima.org/all-motor/3...t-anybody.html
25lbs lighter for the VQ35 is a nice little weight savings.
Last edited by NmexMAX; 12-11-2012 at 02:39 PM.
12-07-2012, 07:56 PM
#28
the 3.5 is lighter than the 3.0 by about 25lbs, i think aackshun was joking (I hope), and litch's info is wrong.
same scale, same day, 25lbs difference.
http://forums.maxima.org/all-motor/3...t-anybody.html
25lbs lighter for the VQ35 is a nice little weight savings.
same scale, same day, 25lbs difference.
http://forums.maxima.org/all-motor/3...t-anybody.html
25lbs lighter for the VQ35 is a nice little weight savings.
12-08-2012, 01:00 PM
#31
0-60 is a stupid metric, it is almost solely dependent upon traction/driver ability, not power.
also, what are we talking about here? which 3.5 swap, full or 3.0 timing? a 3.5 swap and everything else being stock? 3.5 swap and basic bolt ons? 3.5 swap and extensive boltons and cams? raised rev limit? 4th gen gearing? 6spd gearing? shorter FD?
hopefully you get the point that I'm trying to make, it depends on about a billion different factors about the car itself, and then even moreso the driver's skill and road surface, etc.
all that said, you could get into the very low 5 second range if you make good power and are a good driver. mid 5 second range wouldn't be too hard for a basic 3.5 swap that runs well* and has a good driver behind the wheel.
*"runs well" being important. i have seen tons of 3.5 swaps that are way slower than they should be.
also, what are we talking about here? which 3.5 swap, full or 3.0 timing? a 3.5 swap and everything else being stock? 3.5 swap and basic bolt ons? 3.5 swap and extensive boltons and cams? raised rev limit? 4th gen gearing? 6spd gearing? shorter FD?
hopefully you get the point that I'm trying to make, it depends on about a billion different factors about the car itself, and then even moreso the driver's skill and road surface, etc.
all that said, you could get into the very low 5 second range if you make good power and are a good driver. mid 5 second range wouldn't be too hard for a basic 3.5 swap that runs well* and has a good driver behind the wheel.
*"runs well" being important. i have seen tons of 3.5 swaps that are way slower than they should be.
12-08-2012, 01:53 PM
#32
0-60 is a stupid metric, it is almost solely dependent upon traction/driver ability, not power.
also, what are we talking about here? which 3.5 swap, full or 3.0 timing? a 3.5 swap and everything else being stock? 3.5 swap and basic bolt ons? 3.5 swap and extensive boltons and cams? raised rev limit? 4th gen gearing? 6spd gearing? shorter FD?
hopefully you get the point that I'm trying to make, it depends on about a billion different factors about the car itself, and then even moreso the driver's skill and road surface, etc.
all that said, you could get into the very low 5 second range if you make good power and are a good driver. mid 5 second range wouldn't be too hard for a basic 3.5 swap that runs well* and has a good driver behind the wheel.
*"runs well" being important. i have seen tons of 3.5 swaps that are way slower than they should be.
also, what are we talking about here? which 3.5 swap, full or 3.0 timing? a 3.5 swap and everything else being stock? 3.5 swap and basic bolt ons? 3.5 swap and extensive boltons and cams? raised rev limit? 4th gen gearing? 6spd gearing? shorter FD?
hopefully you get the point that I'm trying to make, it depends on about a billion different factors about the car itself, and then even moreso the driver's skill and road surface, etc.
all that said, you could get into the very low 5 second range if you make good power and are a good driver. mid 5 second range wouldn't be too hard for a basic 3.5 swap that runs well* and has a good driver behind the wheel.
*"runs well" being important. i have seen tons of 3.5 swaps that are way slower than they should be.
+1
Welcome to maxima church.
12-09-2012, 02:19 PM
#33
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Mexicali, Baja, Mexico
Posts: 157
I'm keeping this, thanks...
"..you could get into the very low 5 second range if you make good power and are a good driver. mid 5 second range wouldn't be too hard for a basic 3.5 swap that runs well* and has a good driver behind the wheel."
"..you could get into the very low 5 second range if you make good power and are a good driver. mid 5 second range wouldn't be too hard for a basic 3.5 swap that runs well* and has a good driver behind the wheel."
12-09-2012, 06:21 PM
#35
12-09-2012, 07:21 PM
#36
the 3.5 is lighter than the 3.0 by about 25lbs, i think aackshun was joking (I hope), and litch's info is wrong.
same scale, same day, 25lbs difference.
http://forums.maxima.org/all-motor/3...t-anybody.html
25lbs lighter for the VQ35 is a nice little weight savings.
same scale, same day, 25lbs difference.
http://forums.maxima.org/all-motor/3...t-anybody.html
25lbs lighter for the VQ35 is a nice little weight savings.
12-09-2012, 08:17 PM
#37
Well I am currently in the process of changing all the engines gaskets and am also lapping my valves on my 1995 automatic maxima. I may now consider swapping to a 3.5 since I already have most of the "3.5 swap work" already done at this time:
I also broke a little peace on my "oil reservoir", the part that the oil pan bolts onto and also the front and rear timing chain covers bolt onto. I already had it planned to go to a salvage yard to pick up this piece I broke. I might as well just do the 3.5 swap. Why not.
I also broke a little peace on my "oil reservoir", the part that the oil pan bolts onto and also the front and rear timing chain covers bolt onto. I already had it planned to go to a salvage yard to pick up this piece I broke. I might as well just do the 3.5 swap. Why not.
12-09-2012, 09:13 PM
#38
Well I am currently in the process of changing all the engines gaskets and am also lapping my valves on my 1995 automatic maxima. I may now consider swapping to a 3.5 since I already have most of the "3.5 swap work" already done at this time:
I also broke a little peace on my "oil reservoir", the part that the oil pan bolts onto and also the front and rear timing chain covers bolt onto. I already had it planned to go to a salvage yard to pick up this piece I broke. I might as well just do the 3.5 swap. Why not.
I also broke a little peace on my "oil reservoir", the part that the oil pan bolts onto and also the front and rear timing chain covers bolt onto. I already had it planned to go to a salvage yard to pick up this piece I broke. I might as well just do the 3.5 swap. Why not.
!!!!!! Do it man!!!
12-10-2012, 10:06 AM
#39
All of your questions are subjective and vague, absolutely the worst kind to be asking on a forum, especially one as close-minded as this one.
Also the type of people who ask these questions have done literally 0 research on there own behalf, and really don't have any of the skills or talent necessary to complete the swap (based upon previous experience).
Now trolling this thread? Tottally worth it, some n00b is going to come up in the future and be completely fcked
Last edited by aackshun; 12-10-2012 at 10:10 AM.
12-10-2012, 03:50 PM
#40
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Mexicali, Baja, Mexico
Posts: 157
Aackshun...Really? 7.5 secs with the 3.5 swap? And you are offended with my answer?
The question is very simple, I don't understand why the hating. I also answer all the questions from other maximorgers based on my experience, in an attempt to help not to expose my childhood traumas, like apparently you are doing.
I did search, but no one gives a straight REVIEW of how the car feels, or the pros of having the swap, most of them say how difficult it was and all the obstacles to get it done.. If my questions are subjective is because I'm not educated the 3.5 swap theme.
If you don't have something good to say, don't say nothing at all. Next time check the thread if you don't feel like answering, don't do it, period. Not everybody is as talented and skilled as you.
By the way, you wasted your valuable time hating instead of answering, go figure.
Thanks everybody for the info, I really appreciate it!
Peace!
The question is very simple, I don't understand why the hating. I also answer all the questions from other maximorgers based on my experience, in an attempt to help not to expose my childhood traumas, like apparently you are doing.
I did search, but no one gives a straight REVIEW of how the car feels, or the pros of having the swap, most of them say how difficult it was and all the obstacles to get it done.. If my questions are subjective is because I'm not educated the 3.5 swap theme.
If you don't have something good to say, don't say nothing at all. Next time check the thread if you don't feel like answering, don't do it, period. Not everybody is as talented and skilled as you.
By the way, you wasted your valuable time hating instead of answering, go figure.
Thanks everybody for the info, I really appreciate it!
Peace!