My '03 G35 Coupe 6MT developed a serious rod knock @127k and I'm wanting to replace it with a lower mileage engine. I did some online searching and found one I like at a place called firstclassengines.com. Anyone know anything about them?

Other places tout Japanese motors with < 50k miles, but they seem to purchase them in bulk and seemingly can't give any specifics about an individual motor. This seems sorta sketchy to me. Anyone got any experience with shops/motors like these?

I'd ideally like to get one out of the same make/model/year car to make the "swap" as easy as possible. Any look-outs I should know about between 6MT's and Autos? I know the sedan and coupe engines are different and that I need to stick with the non-rev-ups from '03/'04, but anything else?

Thanks in advance.

- Jason

 

I grabbed one off a semi-local who had posted on Zilvia. Having a used motor that you don't know much about (aside from it spins freely and looked good, lol) gave me an excuse to build it and look into supercharging. I'm glad I did, probably wouldn't have gone FI otherwise. [bought the motor due to increasing oil consumption and knowing it wouldn't last for ever, figured I'd minimize my downtime]

As that doesn't necessarily apply to you, I don't know man. I'd probably look into a built short block and have fun with it (Import parts pro would be my choice there). I think anyone you buy a used or remanufactured engine from you're going to take some risk. Just do as much research on the company as you can and get as many references / reviews as possible first.

For engine compatibility avoid 05-07 G35 6MT engines, they're VQ35DE Rev-Ups, slightly different setup. If it's from an automatic equipped G or an 03-04 manual you're fine. If it's a DE from a 350z (aside from ... 06 I think?) and not an HR it's also a standard DE.

 

I'd shop around on the forum or hit a chuck and eddys!

 

Budget??? Isn't import parts pro in Texas? I've heard positive things about them.

 

http://www.importpartspro.com/niin1.html

 

If the replacement engine is from an Auto trans car you need to install a pilot bushing/bearing in end of crankshaft.

 

Thanks much guys. I'm not really looking to upgrade or get more power, just get my daily driver back to being reliable. I'm going to give the guys the guys @ Import Parts Pro a call to see if they have a less performance-orientated package that might come in a little cheaper. $4,400 (+ tax & shipping) is outside of my budget. I'm hoping to get the project done for around $3,500, including a fresh clutch. I found a motor from an '03 6MT coupe with 48k miles for $2,200, shipped. Seems like a winner.

I guy I'm looking at having do the install recommended an upgraded pivot ball. Anything else I should do as I'm putting the new motor in? Timing chain? Spark plugs? Hoses, belts? I'm guessing all of these would be cheap insurance. What am I leaving out?



The

 

Since your gonna have the motor out, might as well replace the valve covers which are prone to leak. Also, if your going the performance route, might as well install cams and headers since you will have the motor out. Everything you mentioned should be changed. I would change all of the user replaceable wear items.

 

I got the following for the "new" motor:
- Drive belts
- Radiator hoses
- Thermostat
- Coolant
- Spark plugs
- Oil and filter
- Air filter
- Pivot ball

What else am I missing guys?