I'm guessing this has been covered, but since I can't seem to put the right search terms together...

I'm pondering building a motor for FI, but am curious if any/all of the other vehicles running VQ's are possible donors. I mean - the Maxima, Altima, Pathfinder, etc all have 'a VQ'. Will any of these cars blocks be a valid donor?

Also, anyone know a good engine builder in the DC area? I guess I could just freight the block somewhere else to build, but I'd like to be able to take pics and talk to the guy face-to-face before dropping a few thousand dollars with him.

And, just to broaden the thread a little... Seems like Arias pistons and Pauter rods seem to be the ticket - what other options are available? Is there a cam option designed for FI? From what little I know, most cam designs for NA really aren't a good match for FI (don't ask me why - just things people say that I've overheard). And finally, what changes are people making to the valvetrain (if any)?

ahm

 

i am soon to be rebuilding my motor...after speaking with a few of the FI "experts" here on this site, i have come to the conclusion that i will shoot for 500-550 safe reliable rwhp...and leave the head stock (i plan to add a new plenum soon)... planning on rebuilding the head is doable-just a whole another "can of worms" that seems to be even pricier...
i plan to rebuild with arias pistons, pauter rods (i just ordered mine yesterday)... new plenum, aam fuel system (ordered yesterday as well), new clutch/flywheel combo...and that's really it..oh yeah also a main and head stud setup

as far as if the vq blocks are interchangeable...someone else please answer this, i'm curious as well

-TODD

 

From my understanding...

VQ35DEs that will work: 350Z, G35 Sedan/Coupe, FX35, Murano

VQ35DEs that won't work: Maxima, Altima

Unknown (to me): Pathfinder, Xterra, Quest

 

Just a note , If you look into VQ block in salvage yards, you will find that the asking price for a G35 Sedan Long Block is usually a few $100 lower than that from a Z. All Z and G Longblocks are exactly the same, so often a wrecked G35 sedan will be the most cost effective donor.

 

Do you know about how much they usually cost?

 

I picked up an 04 sedan engine complete with 6000 miles for $1600

 

1600 bucks? for just the block?

eeeww, For around that I could just get a ful SR20DET

hhhmm...I know what I'm doin as soon as my motor blows!

 

Wow $1600, not a bad price.

You gotta remember though axxizzer, you will need the block, tranny, and wiring harness for that sr20det, plus alot of custom work to insure proper installation in a 350Z. $1600 for a vq35de seems like a much better route.

 

$1600 you got ripped. You can buy a Vq30 for $300 or cheaper. Someone needs to do a 3.3 liter boosted car and am pretty sure you can get 550+ whp on stock internals. VQ30 crank, VQ30 rods, and VQ35 pistons.

 

When you say complete, what exactly does that entail? Ie, whats attached to a motor in the engine bay normally that isn't attached to what you got? Harnesses, AC compressor (I assume neither of those are there), but what about the coil-on-plug units? Computer?

I know this may be a n00b question, but if I do this, it will be my first attempt at any real engine work. That said, I wouldn't actually be doing most of the work (any engine internals I'd farm out to someone who makes a living at such work), but I'm trying to make sure I don't get to some point in the project, and go, oh s&^*, I didn't know I needed xyz part, which is going to cost an extra $1K... Thanks!

ahm

 

What about a VQ30DETT transplant.

 

The poster said $1600 was what he paid for a complete motor not a block - seems like a damn good deal to me

True but then don't forget about the endless and unknown costs of getting this to work in a Z....all the electrical wiring that will need to be done, and no means for the ecu to run things

 

No offense azrael - just looking for more info. Can anyone else 1) confirm what he's said about fx35/murano working, maxima/altima not working, and 2) clarify whether pathfinder/xterra/quest versions will work? I'd imagine I could manage a pretty good deal on a quest motor next year...

ahm

 

ECU and all

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...RK%3AMEWA%3AIT

 

AS Z-1 said .....$1600 was for a complete engine with wire harness/ecu,etc still on the motor as it was removed from the car ( car was side swiped from the driver door back). The only things that did not come with it were the alternator, power steering , and A/C compressor. Every other nut and bolt and clamp were on the motor.

 

$1600 is a great deal indeed. I found one for $1800--that's the best deal I could find. I'll be selling the motor in my car as soon as the rebuilt one is finished (next couple of weeks) and hopefully that will defray much of the $1800.

--Steve

 

where can you find a longitudinal mounted (us spec) vq30 other than the japanese/aus version of the cima, gloria and cedric? those items must be imported to my understanding, with the possibility of higher mileage than the one g356gear bought.

i am curious though; where do you guys find your engines? at local salvage yards or in the internet?

 

Wow! $1600 sounds like a phenomenal deal.

Kind of off-topic from this, but relavant to FI... Has anyone had trans problems after going FI? I used to have a WRX, and most folks who significantly upped whp (>300, from ~180whp stock) started having bad things happen to halfshafts and differentials. In particular, I'd start getting concerned regarding the plastic driveshaft - but that's probably just because its plastic, not because I know it to be a weak link.

Given all the tranny problems the cars have had, this is an area of concern for me going FI. I don't intend to drag the car, but it will see significant road course time.

ahm

 

www.car-part.com

 

I know the guys at Performance Motorsports, There Drag Car ran all year on the stock Tranny.... They were pulling low 10's with 600 lbs torque, before they upped the power and switched to an Automatic (turbo400) From what I read the 4th gen trannies are holding up; and can handle the torque...