bought a 2005 G35 sedan with 84k on the clock about 4 months ago. About two weeks ago I was out driving at its developed a really nasty knock. Starts around 2k rpm, plus really bad on startup. I've been keeping oil in it, watching temps, and changed the oil twice. It's at 92k now. I guess I should have been more diligent.

I'm quite sure it needs a new motor. Every shop I've asked around my state has quoted about $6k to replace it.

my question is: how hard would it be to use a different year, Non-Revup engine? They are over a grand cheaper, and I don't mind losing 15 HP. I'm guessing the ECU and engine harness would have to be swapped as well, but what else?

second question: how hard would this be to do myself? Of course I'd need tools and a place to do it, but that shouldn't be too big of a problem. I just mean The time necessary as someone who has never swapped an engine before. I've done just about everything else, but not on infinitis or nissans.

 

Check out my thread, just swapped a new engine into my car about a week ago. It's not difficult at all. Take your time and mark everything and bag and label all the bolts. It was my first time doing it as well and it well pretty smoothly. All together I spent 800 for a engine with 97k with a 6 month warranty

6k for a motor swap? ABSURD

 

You could always just replace the short block since the problem sounds like bearings. I wouldn't even consider swapping to a non-revup honestly. Keep pricing out used motors, should be able to find one for under $1k Try www.car-part.com, watch craigslist, post an ad on craigslist. You'll find one, even if you don't do the swap yourself it will likely be cheaper to find a budget replacement motor.

That price they quoted you for $6k has got to be for a BRAND NEW motor, used it can be done by yourself for about $1500. Definitely check out Eazdaskeez's thread he literally just swapped his motor and it will give you a good idea what to expect, lots of photos and such.

 

Yeah, If I could get one for $1500 I suppose it definitely wouldn't be worth the hassle of doing a non-revup to save 500$. It's looking pretty bare of cheap ones but I guess I have a month or so before I can swap it anyway. They quoted me 2700$ for the engine used with a warranty, plus about 3k for the labour.

 

also, would it be cheaper to just swap the short block?

 

$3K in labor lol!!! $6K for a used motor!!!! Call around for more prices.

 

I'm in similar boat, revup engines seem to have a $1k+ markup over same year DE engines. $2,700 is just about average for revups on car-part and even eBay.
you might be able to save some money by shopping around for lower labor rates. Or put that $2,700 towards a solid stage 1 rebuild kit and have your current engine rebuilt.

Another option is to buy a DE block and move the oil pump and heads from your current engine over.
over.

 

Yeah you can buy a NEW short block, timing chain, water pump, have your heads rebuilt and assemble yourself for a relatively good price.

Do keep calling around though, the short block is the same and you might find a screaming deal out there.