ok here is a thought.... i eventually will be doing major a engine overhaul.. rods/pistons/cams/ maybe even a stroker kit....

and of course turbos.

so installation costs for all this will be rather high..BUT if i do all this myself on a spare engine i can take my time and really learn alot

how much for a spare 350z engine? i figured i will buy one and do all the engine mods on that then swap it out with my current engine.... upside to this.. if i ever blow my engine i have the stocker to drop back in

thoughts?

 

Maybe try to find a totaled 02-03 Maxima? It would be cheaper and easier to find. I know there are some out there because I totaled mine in April!

 

I've seen the engine+tranny go for around 5k, so I would bet the engine itself would be in the 4k range...

 

I think that's a sweet alternative just in case if the engine does blow for any reason. 4k for the VQ35 sounds kinda cheap, but like Hra mentioned, I would try to scavange one from the junk yard (upon tedious inspection of course). Look at the bright side to, you can even engine dyno the sucker as you mod it up

 

Would a maxima engine even work? Isn't the compression ratio different? I know that the intake and cams certainly are. Hence the difference in HP. Frankly, I agree with looking for a junker, but make sure it is a Z junker.

 

The intake and cams may be the same, but if he is swapping them w/ aftermarket anyways, maybe be a good cost-cutting method...

 

Yeah, since he's gonna swap everything, I believe Altima or Maxima engines are great choices

 

Wouldn't the FWD transmission in the Altima and Maxima cause a problem?

It won't be too hard to find a wrecked Z33, given the number of Zs on the road.

 

yeah the maxima engine is a good idea.. just really need the block and a few other things but would like a complete one to play with taking apart and seeing everything rather than just buying a block....

i will be on the lookout

 

im looking for a wreck G35c
want the motor and the interior

 

what would be the difference between an altima/maxima and z enginer?.. i will be swapping, pistons/cams/rods/etc..etc..

 

I think the Z engine uses more Aluminum than the Maxima engine, and the pistons on the Z are coated

 

Try www.car-part.com. You can use a 3.5 VQ from a pathfinder, altima, maxima, Morano, G35, QX4. They all use the same block.

 

rebuilding an engine is not for the beginner/intermediate. You need hot water tub, sander/polisher, vaccumn tester just to clean and check the engine.

If you want to put in new piston, cams, and valves, you need much more equipment to make sure they are balanced, well lubed, and well fit.

*edit - on the other hand, you could drop the engine off at the shop and have them work on it.

New stock engines cost around $6k I think.

 

thanks for your input everyone

 

Toykilla, what you are talking about doing is a good idea. As far as special equipment needed, a lot of guys that build their own engines don't necessarily have the equipment to do everything in preparation for the build...you just have to farm out some of it. For example block cleaning and inspection, bottom end balancing, and things like that. Of course, the more you do yourself, the more you save. But in the end, what's important is that you learn a lot and know exactly what is in your motor. The bonus is saving some money.