Have an '03 6MT. Had the OC issue before this lovely noise popped its head;

I'm selling the car as it sits for $5900 but am getting no bites. For this, I'm tempted to throw a cheap replacement motor in it and rock out for a little bit longer. Something I've noticed is you can pick up VQ's from other cars for cheap but the second it comes out of a G, it carries a 1.5x price premium. Provided I strip everything down to the long block, are all VQ35DE's the same? (ie I could get one out of a maxima/FX/Murano/etc)?

 

Any VQ35DE (non-revup) out of a RWD car should be identical. FWD engines have the RWD mount bracket locations but they are not drilled and tapped and they also have a different crank snout, which means different crank pulley etc and could get even more complicated.

Best bet is to keep looking for a G/Z or FX/Murano engine. If you do come across one, if it came with a auto transmission mated to it make sure you remove that suborn auto pilot bushing and install a MT pilot bushing before trying to mate up a manual tranny.

Goodluck!
-Rob

 

u sure its rod knock? the frequency of the knocking sounds too fast. Sounds like something valve train related. If it is rod knock and u want to try a cheap fix (I did this on a G20 and it lasted 2 years until i sold the car):

-jack car up
-remove oil pan and look at the bearings
-1 should be bad, u should see metal shavings
-replace bearing

This is not the proper way to fix, but will work if the crank is not chewed up.

 

I'm giving it a little gas so you can hear it better. Doesn't really do it at idle.

Your idea sounds marvelous.