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Anyone do a VQ30-> VQ37 swap?

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Old 08-11-2010, 07:19 AM
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Anyone do a VQ30-> VQ37 swap?

Just blew my VQ35 swap, and was wondering if it is possible, and/or worth while to go with the newer VQ37 block using the 1995 ECU swap.

Anyone try it yet?
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Old 08-11-2010, 07:34 AM
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correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm almost positive the VQ37 is only RWD.
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Old 08-11-2010, 07:42 AM
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VQ37s are only made for RWD so its a RWD block, if u want to make it work custom mounts and headers will be needed.
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Old 08-11-2010, 09:12 AM
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Originally Posted by Crusher103
VQ37s are only made for RWD so its a RWD block, if u want to make it work custom mounts and headers will be needed.
I already have custom mounts and headers... I guess my question was more if the same swap procedure would work... And, if it is worth while.
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Old 08-11-2010, 09:19 AM
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Originally Posted by hornepirate
correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm almost positive the VQ37 is only RWD.
Originally Posted by Crusher103
VQ37s are only made for RWD so its a RWD block, if u want to make it work custom mounts and headers will be needed.
Hm. Never heard of a rwd block, so ur telling me there were two different vq35 blocks for example, one for the Z and one for the FWD applications? I thought it was just the IM? Now I thought the 7th gens had the vq37? I don't really follow them, so I could easily be wrong. Lol
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Old 08-11-2010, 09:20 AM
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No the block is different and it is taller so the 30 timing components likely wont fit.

You would need a standalone or the Z/G ECU to make it work. But if you have that engine, it would be POINTLESS to have the old school 30timing on it.
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Old 08-11-2010, 09:20 AM
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7th gens have a vq35
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Old 08-11-2010, 09:21 AM
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Originally Posted by Rhyno02
Hm. Never heard of a rwd block, so ur telling me there were two different vq35 blocks for example, one for the Z and one for the FWD applications? I thought it was just the IM? Now I thought the 7th gens had the vq37? I don't really follow them, so I could easily be wrong. Lol

Yes the Z/G have RWD blocks. there is no 37 in FWD platforms
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Old 08-11-2010, 09:21 AM
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OK, So to make life simple I will just shop around for a new 2002/2003 VQ35... Or, fix the one I have.

Thanks!
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Old 08-11-2010, 09:23 AM
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Originally Posted by MarcL
OK, So to make life simple I will just shop around for a new 2002/2003 VQ35... Or, fix the one I have.

Thanks!
personally, I would look for a newer engine, 04+
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Old 08-11-2010, 09:40 AM
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Originally Posted by Kevlo911
personally, I would look for a newer engine, 04+
What years would be the same swap process? I noticed when looking for 04 engines, it asked me what style trans I have.. Looks like 02/03 are all the same.

Why are the 04's better? or are they just newer?

Is newer always better? so if I can find an 09, it would be the same deal?

On any of those engines, do I need to re-drill the cams? Or can I just transfer the cam's from my current engine?

Thanks
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Old 08-11-2010, 09:44 AM
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Right in the stickys

http://forums.maxima.org/all-motor/5...s-lengthy.html
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Old 08-11-2010, 09:44 AM
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Originally Posted by MarcL
What years would be the same swap process? I noticed when looking for 04 engines, it asked me what style trans I have.. Looks like 02/03 are all the same.

Why are the 04's better? or are they just newer?

Is newer always better? so if I can find an 09, it would be the same deal?

On any of those engines, do I need to re-drill the cams? Or can I just transfer the cam's from my current engine?

Thanks
You have a sentra right?
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Old 08-11-2010, 09:48 AM
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Originally Posted by ajcool2
You have a sentra right?
DeLorean
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Old 08-11-2010, 09:59 AM
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Ah ok. Yeah I would just get an 04+ engine. Less miles and I personally havent heard of any oil burning issues from them. As far as the 09's I'm not sure. Im sure its been asked before just cant remember the answer that was given.
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Old 08-11-2010, 10:16 AM
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VQ37 and VQ35HR will not work without a massive custom undertaking. The deck height is taller (meaning 3.0 timing components would not work), transmission bolt pattern is not the same (meaning you'd need to do something custom to mate a transmission to it), etc.
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Old 08-11-2010, 10:23 AM
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Originally Posted by Nealoc187
VQ37 and VQ35HR will not work without a massive custom undertaking. The deck height is taller (meaning 3.0 timing components would not work), transmission bolt pattern is not the same (meaning you'd need to do something custom to mate a transmission to it), etc.
VQ35HR?? Sorry for my ignorance, but what "donor" cars am I targeting in my search for a minimal-modification swap? I expect I will do the same process (essentially swapping the timing components and sensors) I did for the initial swap.

I already found some 07/08 Maxima engines not far from me. A bit more pricey than the 02/03, but all claim to have less mileage (as expected).

09+ prices get outrageous (which I find strange because demand for them is likely low right now... which is how I got a 03 engine in 05 for $600).
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Old 08-11-2010, 10:32 AM
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Originally Posted by Nealoc187
VQ37 and VQ35HR will not work without a massive custom undertaking. The deck height is taller (meaning 3.0 timing components would not work), transmission bolt pattern is not the same (meaning you'd need to do something custom to mate a transmission to it), etc.
wow thats a first. VQs with tranny bolt pattern differences. im guessing the 350Z found that out looking for more NA power.
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Old 08-11-2010, 10:38 AM
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Originally Posted by Crusher103
wow thats a first. VQs with tranny bolt pattern differences. im guessing the 350Z found that out looking for more NA power.
It's only the newer ones, HR.
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Old 08-11-2010, 10:39 AM
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Originally Posted by MarcL
VQ35HR?? Sorry for my ignorance, but what "donor" cars am I targeting in my search for a minimal-modification swap? I expect I will do the same process (essentially swapping the timing components and sensors) I did for the initial swap.

I already found some 07/08 Maxima engines not far from me. A bit more pricey than the 02/03, but all claim to have less mileage (as expected).

09+ prices get outrageous (which I find strange because demand for them is likely low right now... which is how I got a 03 engine in 05 for $600).
Any FWD nissan.

Murano, Quest, Altima, Max. You can even use 08 models IIRC, someone just did that swap.
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Old 08-11-2010, 11:07 AM
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Originally Posted by Crusher103
wow thats a first. VQs with tranny bolt pattern differences. im guessing the 350Z found that out looking for more NA power.
I can't remember where I found that out, I think on a VH/VK forum where guys were swapping transmissions around trying to find out a bolt on solution (there isn't one that anyone's found yet, btw). Also I forgot to mention VQ40s are different too (share same pattern as VQ37s and HRs if I recall correctly).
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Old 08-11-2010, 11:42 AM
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Originally Posted by Nealoc187
I can't remember where I found that out, I think on a VH/VK forum where guys were swapping transmissions around trying to find out a bolt on solution (there isn't one that anyone's found yet, btw). Also I forgot to mention VQ40s are different too (share same pattern as VQ37s and HRs if I recall correctly).
Well that sucks.
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Old 08-11-2010, 01:53 PM
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Get 07-08 altima engine. has HR heads, better updated parts already, plastic intake manifold,

You can make an HR 35/37 work FWD but if you are asking someone how to do it, then you shouldn't be doing that anyways.

is this boosted or NA?
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Old 08-11-2010, 01:56 PM
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Originally Posted by gt20ir
Get 07-08 altima engine. has HR heads, better updated parts already, plastic intake manifold,

You can make an HR 35/37 work FWD but if you are asking someone how to do it, then you shouldn't be doing that anyways.

is this boosted or NA?
Wow, that is rude.

I am confident that if I wanted to do it, I could.. I was only looking for advice and information from people who may have already tried it. Having the information is not the same as having the ability.

And this is a boosted application.
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Old 08-11-2010, 03:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Nealoc187
I can't remember where I found that out, I think on a VH/VK forum where guys were swapping transmissions around trying to find out a bolt on solution (there isn't one that anyone's found yet, btw). Also I forgot to mention VQ40s are different too (share same pattern as VQ37s and HRs if I recall correctly).
Yup the VQ40's share the HR's/VHR's deck height as well IIRC.
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Old 08-11-2010, 04:48 PM
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Originally Posted by MarcL
Wow, that is rude.

I am confident that if I wanted to do it, I could.. I was only looking for advice and information from people who may have already tried it. Having the information is not the same as having the ability.

And this is a boosted application.
its not really rude its just the truth.
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Old 08-11-2010, 04:50 PM
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Originally Posted by hornepirate
7th gens have a vq35
Thank you Captain Obvious.



OP putting poly bushings and bolt on headers is not exactly the kind of custom Crusher was talking about.



Wow this got some of the vets to post

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Old 08-11-2010, 04:56 PM
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If you consider the way in which the vq37 vvel works there is no way in hell the engine would run from a vq30 ecu

Last edited by Gemner; 08-11-2010 at 05:11 PM.
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Old 08-11-2010, 06:38 PM
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Originally Posted by gt20ir
Get 07-08 altima engine. has HR heads, better updated parts already, plastic intake manifold,
Has this been done running an A32 ecu? What would be the main difference/difficulty over a typical 'timing-hybrid' 3.5 swap? I was under the impression the 3.0 timing cover wouldn't fit because the heads in the 07+ altima and the 09+ maxima were different (http://forums.maxima.org/all-motor/3...tima-im-2.html) - is this confirmed?

Altima engines seem to be a little cheaper at the breakers.

Last edited by bamboomerang; 08-11-2010 at 07:46 PM.
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Old 08-11-2010, 07:20 PM
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The OP may have started on the build of his old motor already, but if you planned on spending a grip on a G37, my curiousity jumps out to ask has anyone used the 7th gen 3.5 and did it prove anymore power.... might wanna look into that one.... FWD too
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Old 08-11-2010, 07:57 PM
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Originally Posted by bamboomerang
Has this been done running an A32 ecu? What would be the main difference/difficulty over a typical 'timing-hybrid' 3.5 swap? I was under the impression the 3.0 timing cover wouldn't fit because the heads in the 07+ altima and the 09+ maxima were different (http://forums.maxima.org/all-motor/3...tima-im-2.html) - is this confirmed?

Altima engines seem to be a little cheaper at the breakers.
A 07-08 Altima 3.5L is very very similar to a 02-08 Max motor. I think the block is the same, and the timing cover is a version of a FWD and HR cover. I dont see any reason why a 3.0L cover setup would not fit.. The timing components are very similar so I would venture that it would work just fine.

I believe the 09+ Max possibly runs a VVEL setup, I would have to check the part number in FAST to see if it is the same or not.

Originally Posted by MarcL
Wow, that is rude.

I am confident that if I wanted to do it, I could.. I was only looking for advice and information from people who may have already tried it. Having the information is not the same as having the ability.

And this is a boosted application.
As for the "rude" comment, it wasnt meant to be a rude statement, just a blunt one.... I mean, its one thing to do a swap or conversion when there is a How-To but if its not a straight swap, and it takes fabrication, then there isnt always instructions on what to do and you shouldnt start it and ask how to do the swap...It would be like me asking how to stick a 08 HR motor in my 92 Infiniti G20....
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Old 08-11-2010, 08:38 PM
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The '09 Max motor is the '07+ Altima motor so no VVEL. No need to waste that tech on a midsize family sedan.



Moar details on the HR motor into a G20!!

Last edited by nismology; 08-11-2010 at 08:40 PM.
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Old 08-12-2010, 01:06 AM
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Is the 09 Max motor identical to the 07+ Altima motor?
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Old 08-12-2010, 04:50 AM
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Originally Posted by gt20ir
A 07-08 Altima 3.5L is very very similar to a 02-08 Max motor. I think the block is the same, and the timing cover is a version of a FWD and HR cover. I dont see any reason why a 3.0L cover setup would not fit.. The timing components are very similar so I would venture that it would work just fine.
Thanks - I'm about to pick one of these up, so if anyone knows a major roadblock beforehand I'm all ears, guess I'll do a side-by-side of the covers at the breakers.

Since we're on the topic of your rudeness, where the P10 pics at?
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Old 08-12-2010, 06:23 AM
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Originally Posted by gt20ir
As for the "rude" comment, it wasnt meant to be a rude statement, just a blunt one.... I mean, its one thing to do a swap or conversion when there is a How-To but if its not a straight swap, and it takes fabrication, then there isnt always instructions on what to do and you shouldnt start it and ask how to do the swap...It would be like me asking how to stick a 08 HR motor in my 92 Infiniti G20....
Not sure where in this thread I asked "how", but even if I did... Why would that be so awful? The whole purpose of a forum like this is to share information, no?

I do not have a junkyard full of various Nissan's to gather all of this information, but I don't see how that would have any impact on my ability to fabricate if needed.
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Old 08-12-2010, 07:43 AM
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Originally Posted by bamboomerang
Has this been done running an A32 ecu? What would be the main difference/difficulty over a typical 'timing-hybrid' 3.5 swap? I was under the impression the 3.0 timing cover wouldn't fit because the heads in the 07+ altima and the 09+ maxima were different (http://forums.maxima.org/all-motor/3...tima-im-2.html) - is this confirmed?

Altima engines seem to be a little cheaper at the breakers.
Originally Posted by Grand_hustle17
The OP may have started on the build of his old motor already, but if you planned on spending a grip on a G37, my curiousity jumps out to ask has anyone used the 7th gen 3.5 and did it prove anymore power.... might wanna look into that one.... FWD too
Its been done already. So far, it hasn't been anything special compared to the standard 02-06 3.5 swap. So far it feels like a quick dek. That motor needs to be reved out to make usable power on the a32/a33 ECU.
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Old 08-12-2010, 08:12 AM
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So timing cover/trans/exhuast manifolds all bolt up the same? Who did it? (link please)

Still seems more economical than doing a mild cam (HR/revup) upgrade with a 1st gen 3.5 especially with an EU as an option for the a32's - 07+ altima's with an intake/mild boltons are dynoing between 250-270 at the wheels - even without VTC I'd assume the peak numbers would be close with a semi functional dual VI (RPM controlled) rev increase and some decent ignition maps. Not too sure about the rod bolt ratings in these . . .

edit: This is why I have my doubts itta work: http://forums.maxima.org/all-motor/5...altima-vq.html

Last edited by bamboomerang; 08-12-2010 at 08:36 AM.
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Old 08-12-2010, 08:36 AM
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Dont be lazy people do a full swap.
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Old 08-12-2010, 10:20 AM
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I know of one guy locally here who has a 08 altima engine in his 02 max running with the plastic intake manifold setup. I know some parts had to be swapped over but i'm not sure which. it was a nearly stock motor swap setup, not much performance stuff though and i'm not 100% sure on the details...


As for the P10/HR setup, I have to finish the cage work first and some other stuff before I actually finish the engine install... I dont want to super hijack the thread so if you wanted some pics, PM me and i'll shoot you a few of them...
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Old 08-12-2010, 11:18 AM
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Originally Posted by gt20ir
I know of one guy locally here who has a 08 altima engine in his 02 max running with the plastic intake manifold setup. I know some parts had to be swapped over but i'm not sure which. it was a nearly stock motor swap setup, not much performance stuff though and i'm not 100% sure on the details...


As for the P10/HR setup, I have to finish the cage work first and some other stuff before I actually finish the engine install... I dont want to super hijack the thread so if you wanted some pics, PM me and i'll shoot you a few of them...
You should make a thread about your build because I'm interested also.
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