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Turbo, N2O or 3.5 swap

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Old 11-15-2012, 08:44 PM
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I built a 3.0, and a 3.5. Between freshening up a 3.0 or dropping in an already fresh 3.5, the 3.5 will be 100x better in every way.

You can see what I did on my 3.0 in here - http://administrationtuning.com/?p=306

In spite of all the work I put in, after dropping in a built 3.5, it was much, much quicker even without tuning. (I plan on tuning it soon, it runs very rich under spray.)
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Old 11-15-2012, 09:36 PM
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Lol moncefa33 the YouTube videos after yours on your Sig kept me occupied for a while lol
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Old 11-16-2012, 06:15 AM
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Originally Posted by 96CefiroI30
Ok sweet. Sounds like 3.5 swap is wining!!
How about WINNING! I vote for the 3.5 swap....I would invest in some new valve stem seals....that's were the VQ35 is burnings it's oil!
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Old 11-17-2012, 04:37 PM
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Oh ok. I never heard that before. I thought the tranny would be strong enough.
Originally Posted by schmellyfart
The point I was making is that you can't use the stock 3.5 clutch with your 5 speed transmission.
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Old 11-17-2012, 06:45 PM
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Manual 3.5's came with a 6 speed or its 5 speed variant, neither clutch will work on our 5 speeds.
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Old 11-21-2012, 01:23 PM
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Originally Posted by 96CefiroI30
Hey guys. I'd like to add something to my car to make it faster but I still want it to be a daily because I only have one car. Basically, I want more power but nothing over board and about to blow up after getting on it twice. Ive thought about turboing or doing the 3.5 swap but a friend told me about nitrous and just having a 50-100 shot and it will be safe and it will give me the power I want. Soooo.... 1.) doing the swap and headers and exhaust would put me from 190hp to around 275hp depending on what headers I get and how well my exhaust is and I can daily it(in my definition) 2.) doing the turbo I would have to basically rebuild my engine because I have 250k miles on it and it was not treated well before I got it. And with the turbo, Ive seen that guys are getting around 400hp and thats reaching my limit of power that I want. And 3.) Ive been told how to do nitrous and how to make it safe. With all of this said, either way I have 250k on my engine and tranny and will probably have to rebuild or strengthen them to do any of the three. Which do you guys think would be the best choice?
I've been looking into either a turbo build or a vq35 swap myself. A good turbo kit could run around 3-4k though :/ unless you want to risk throwing on an eBay kit for $600. I'll be getting a vq35 next weekend from a pick and pull for $700. It seems like a much better option and installation is pretty straight forward if you have a little knowledge about cars. It should also be much more reliable as a DD. don't bother with a 6spd swap either. Keep with a 5spd from another 4th gen with decent miles.
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Old 11-21-2012, 05:57 PM
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Originally Posted by LazYRaCeR
I was talking about a 2009+ swap, not like a 02-03 since what would be the point in putting in a motor with close to 100k on it? and those go for about 10k (09 and up), plus everything you need you'll spend like 20k. I Don't think it will be worth it to put in a 04-08 swap either. So unless you're doing a 09+ swap with the 290 hp I don't think it will be worth the trouble when you can just overhaul the motor thats already in it, and spend half the money. If you do go for a low mileage 04-08 swap and you can do it for under
10k then by all means it comes with 265hp if you can get one with all manifolds, belts, chains, compressors, and even just by reusing the 4th gen exhaust can cost you 10 hp or so. You'll need all new timing/water pumps, filters, sensors, ecu, dash (because hooking up 3.5 to the 4th gen steering nets you losses, even by not having the 7th gen suspension and proper mounts, and axles, shift linkage would cost you, so your best bet would be to overhaul the 3.0. If you MUST get a swap, you have to get one that comes with everything (basically buying wrecked 7th gen and pulling everything out of it is the best way) I've been doing research on the swap but only it would be into my 5th gen, and it looks like you'd have to buy a wrecked 7th gen and swap everything over. Radiator, ac, heater, and every little part that doesn't come with a swap you get offline you have to get a new part, or reuse a part off of the 4th gen which might work, but you'd be losing power not do it right which was why I said just overhaul the 3.0 because everything already fits and it would cost half the money and nerves..
the most expensive 09+ 3.5L maxima engine in the country on car-part.com (where 99% of salvage yards list their motors) is $3500 and you can get them all day long for $2500.

lol @ 10-20k... wtf

OP - why choose one when you can do all three?
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Old 11-21-2012, 06:13 PM
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3.5swap+stock ecu+100shot+racegas=11second car barely anystreet car can beat
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Old 11-26-2012, 11:53 PM
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Originally Posted by blackmaxftw
3.5swap+stock ecu+100shot+racegas=11second car barely anystreet car can beat
We agree. Simple and effective.
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Old 11-27-2012, 07:47 AM
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Originally Posted by Quickywd01
We agree. Simple and effective.

....not a bad idea... so is it safe to say 3.5 swap w/ nos FTW???
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Old 11-27-2012, 09:31 AM
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I like the 3.0 because stock it can handle boost better but yea the 3.5 has more displacement and using a simple nitrous kit gives you all that extra power you need to haul... I'm trying 3.0, SC, NOS, and meth. Trying for 500hp Then simple built motor. big holset turbo, spray to spool it; 700+... on a budget. Research is key.
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Old 11-28-2012, 09:28 AM
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Indeed. Most shops will charge at least $75 just to create a ticket, pull the car into the service bay, and open the hood.
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Old 11-28-2012, 09:53 AM
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FULL 3.5 Swap......not that 3.5 with the 3.0 timing. FULL 3.5 swap with CAM TIMING, ECU and everything. That is what I'd do.
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Old 11-28-2012, 10:28 AM
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Originally Posted by ranmas2004
FULL 3.5 Swap......not that 3.5 with the 3.0 timing. FULL 3.5 swap with CAM TIMING, ECU and everything. That is what I'd do.
That would require a tranny swap as well wouldn't it?
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Old 11-28-2012, 10:59 AM
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Originally Posted by AllentownMaxima
That would require a tranny swap as well wouldn't it?
yes sir full 6 speed manual swap!! Go full swap with Haltech adjusting cam timing and make crazy power in a lighter car!

ALSO...while engine out might as well do cams and rod bolts and rev it to 7500rpm!!
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Old 11-28-2012, 11:33 AM
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Originally Posted by ranmas2004
FULL 3.5 Swap......not that 3.5 with the 3.0 timing. FULL 3.5 swap with CAM TIMING, ECU and everything. That is what I'd do.
In my opinion that would not be worth it. Sure you get the VVT (variable valve timing) and better exhaust timing but from what I read that only equals to about ~10whp gain. I wish someone who has done this could chime in...

Not to mention the hassle of getting the additional parts for the swap such as the harness, ecu, steering wheel column, gas pedals, oh and gauges since 4th gen ones don't work with it. You would pretty much have to buy a wrecked car with all these parts to make this swap worthwhile otherwise it is a huge money pit for very little benefits in my opinion.

I would just do the 3.5 with the 3.0 timing swap and invest in a good tuning solution and still have some money left for other goodies such as headers/exhaust or nitrous kit or heck piece together a turbo kit...

BTW props to you for building a sweet max!
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Old 11-28-2012, 02:28 PM
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Originally Posted by deloa84
In my opinion that would not be worth it. Sure you get the VVT (variable valve timing) and better exhaust timing but from what I read that only equals to about ~10whp gain. I wish someone who has done this could chime in...

Not to mention the hassle of getting the additional parts for the swap such as the harness, ecu, steering wheel column, gas pedals, oh and gauges since 4th gen ones don't work with it. You would pretty much have to buy a wrecked car with all these parts to make this swap worthwhile otherwise it is a huge money pit for very little benefits in my opinion.

I would just do the 3.5 with the 3.0 timing swap and invest in a good tuning solution and still have some money left for other goodies such as headers/exhaust or nitrous kit or heck piece together a turbo kit...

BTW props to you for building a sweet max!

I tried for the full swap for the last year. And just recently have abandoned it because of the noted problems above not being equal to the benefits.

For 10ish hp and VVT it would have been right around 6k.

It isn't impossible, but there are so many problems that its really not worth it unless you want to say "I did it." But hey different strokes, I'm just saying I chased this unicorn for an entire year.
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Old 11-28-2012, 03:06 PM
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Originally Posted by deloa84
I would just do the 3.5 with the 3.0 timing swap and invest in a good tuning solution and still have some money left for other goodies such as headers/exhaust or nitrous kit or heck piece together a turbo kit...

BTW props to you for building a sweet max!
OK I can agree with this!

Thanks man....thing is FAST!!
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Old 11-28-2012, 11:41 PM
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Originally Posted by ranmas2004

OK I can agree with this!

Thanks man....thing is FAST!!
Ask the hondas they know
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Old 11-28-2012, 11:43 PM
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Originally Posted by deloa84

In my opinion that would not be worth it. Sure you get the VVT (variable valve timing) and better exhaust timing but from what I read that only equals to about ~10whp gain. I wish someone who has done this could chime in...

Not to mention the hassle of getting the additional parts for the swap such as the harness, ecu, steering wheel column, gas pedals, oh and gauges since 4th gen ones don't work with it. You would pretty much have to buy a wrecked car with all these parts to make this swap worthwhile otherwise it is a huge money pit for very little benefits in my opinion.

I would just do the 3.5 with the 3.0 timing swap and invest in a good tuning solution and still have some money left for other goodies such as headers/exhaust or nitrous kit or heck piece together a turbo kit...

BTW props to you for building a sweet max!
How much would a swap like that cost?
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Old 11-29-2012, 01:59 PM
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3.5 swap all the way. Never had an issue with mine as a dd and it never left me down or stranded anywhere I took it. Throw a little nitrous in the mix and it makes things interesting. Definitely miss my old 3.5 especially with the 125 shot, makes me want to get another 4th gen and do it all over again!
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Old 11-29-2012, 03:40 PM
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Originally Posted by nselca2
3.5 swap all the way. Never had an issue with mine as a dd and it never left me down or stranded anywhere I took it. Throw a little nitrous in the mix and it makes things interesting. Definitely miss my old 3.5 especially with the 125 shot, makes me want to get another 4th gen and do it all over again!
What are you waiting for, do it!
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Old 11-30-2012, 06:50 PM
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tax returns gettn me my 3.5 longblock from a 04 max. guna go with a exedy stage 2 clutch for the stock vq30 5 speed (flywheels different on 3.5 to the 3.0 but 3.0 flywheel bolts to 3.5, i love it) . i do however have to hunt down the fella that sells the cam adapters anyone know em?., i wana run my 3.0 ecu. everything else is plug-n-play, or splice and pray. lol. IMHO 3.5 swap on a cool 50-100 shot for a dd. just be sure to put the right nozzles in for that nawz!
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Old 11-30-2012, 07:30 PM
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Originally Posted by steezmuffin686
tax returns gettn me my 3.5 longblock from a 04 max. guna go with a exedy stage 2 clutch for the stock vq30 5 speed (flywheels different on 3.5 to the 3.0 but 3.0 flywheel bolts to 3.5, i love it) . i do however have to hunt down the fella that sells the cam adapters anyone know em?., i wana run my 3.0 ecu. everything else is plug-n-play, or splice and pray. lol. IMHO 3.5 swap on a cool 50-100 shot for a dd. just be sure to put the right nozzles in for that nawz!
i might have some for let me now when ur ready i brought to 2 sets just in case.
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Old 12-01-2012, 07:06 AM
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Turbo is by far the most preferred sport mod. Although the y-pipe rerouting can cause lag, its well worth it in the end. I had a 99convertible with a t3 running 10psi.. it was awesome.
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Old 12-01-2012, 01:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Markusfisher
Turbo is by far the most preferred sport mod. Although the y-pipe rerouting can cause lag, its well worth it in the end. I had a 99convertible with a t3 running 10psi.. it was awesome.
There is no lag on our cars. People run a RMT rear mounted turbo in place of the cars muffler all the way back under the trunk and no lag. Holset turbo is nice and cheap and effective. For a couple hundred dollars the VQ30 can handle 700+ hp and then you grab a holset from a junkyard for $50. Don't tell anyone though.
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Old 12-02-2012, 09:28 AM
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Originally Posted by AllentownMaxima
How much would a swap like that cost?
Complete 2004 vq35de $600 <----- This is a middle of the road price, you can get them for cheaper, and you can spend more than 1,000 on them, IMHO if you pay more than that for a 8 year old engine... may the lord have mercy on your soul.
Wiring Harness w/ nats removal (z-fever) $1000
2004 ECU (found on e-gay) $170
2004 Gauge Cluster (found on part-request.) 39$ + shipping.

If you do it yourself: $1809

I got quoted the longblock swap labor at: 1700 for everything.

Have a shop do it: $3509

And this is just the minimum, there is always sh*t happens stuff that WILL MAKE YOU WANT TO DROPKICK A PUPPY, and that is going to add up. So around 2k if you do it yourself, factoring in Murphy...

Anyone see something I missed?
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Old 12-02-2012, 04:29 PM
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So around 4k?
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Old 12-02-2012, 04:47 PM
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do a turbo 3.5 on spray.
Yes im serious.
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Old 12-02-2012, 08:19 PM
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Originally Posted by AllentownMaxima
So around 4k?

To be safe yeah, and also find a shop that is willing to do it.
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Old 12-02-2012, 08:20 PM
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Originally Posted by accordingtou
do a turbo 3.5 on spray.
Yes im serious.

Yeah thats the idea.
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Old 12-03-2012, 08:37 AM
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Originally Posted by accordingtou
do a turbo 3.5 on spray.
Yes im serious.
Whoa
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Old 12-03-2012, 12:05 PM
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You guys and your pipe dreams.

and

SC>straight 3.5 swap all damn day...
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Old 12-03-2012, 12:14 PM
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^^^^^ this... turbo is too much maintenance... sc all day
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Old 12-03-2012, 01:41 PM
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SC is fairly easy way to get into the boost game and a lot less piping
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Old 12-03-2012, 02:18 PM
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Originally Posted by The Wizard
You guys and your pipe dreams.

and

SC>straight 3.5 swap all damn day...
Was that a pun????

"PIPE," dream, since you have to mess with your exhaust to eliminate back pressure to run nos??:la ugh:


YOU SO CRAYZAH!!!
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Old 12-03-2012, 02:38 PM
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Originally Posted by litch
Was that a pun????

"PIPE," dream, since you have to mess with your exhaust to eliminate back pressure to run nos??:la ugh:


YOU SO CRAYZAH!!!
NOS is a brand, I think you meant nitrous
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Old 12-03-2012, 02:51 PM
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Originally Posted by The Wizard
You guys and your pipe dreams.

and

SC>straight 3.5 swap all damn day...
Rather have a 3.5 swap on the bottle then a s/c setup, but thats just my opinion.
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Old 12-03-2012, 04:41 PM
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Nitrous just eliminates engine life... forced induction when properly will do the same somewhat but if driven properly will last a long time whereas go ahead and hit nitrous on the highway and see how that works for you..... id rather have forced induction unless its strictly a track car
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Old 12-03-2012, 04:54 PM
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Originally Posted by tigersharkdude
NOS is a brand, I think you meant nitrous
yes, nitrous, is what I ment... apparently my intended tounge-in-cheek tone was not understood...
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