Long story short as I've posted about this in the coupe forums... I purchased an 04 6mt coupe and 2 days later found out it had bad piston rings and the motor needs replacing.

So far I've found a guy who is gonna do the swap for me but am having problems finding a reasonably priced motor.
My real question is.. What is the difference between the 04 production dates? When I search everybody asks for my production date and the engines are separated by pre 9/03 and after 10/03. Mine was made in 8/03 so I'm trying to figure out if I can drop in a motor from after 10/03 into my car and what complications can I run into.

Any input is much appreciated

 

You can use any VQ35DE that is a NONREV motor = any motor from a 2003-2004 will work. Also, any 5AT motor from 2005-2006.

production date of the motor really isn't significant.

REVUP motors (vq35de) can't be used (they can - but too much work/$$ and not worth the benefits) and those are only found in 2005-2006 6MT. All other 2003-2006 motors will work just dandy.

 

Thanks a ton for your info. But if u don't mind me asking how come everytime time I search everybody stresses production dates for 04? Even when I call places they always say "I don't know exactly why but it won't work"

I'm really hoping what your saying is true because I found a motor with 20k for a grand from a newer 04 and really want to pick it up but I don't want to make a thousand dollar mistake