# VQ Swap? **URL:** \ **Category:** Canada Nissan Automotive\ **Created:** [July 15, 2006, 9:19am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/vq-swap/143315 "2006-07-15T09:19:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Bmason](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f17d59/32.png) [@Bmason](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Bmason)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2006, 9:19am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/vq-swap/143315/1 "2006-07-15T09:19:58Z")
There’s a VQ35DE engine at Hondatoy for 1500$ atm? Its got 3,000km on it with these tags \> “MAJ DAM,?WELDBL?LOO” what do they mean? I see Major Damage,?Weldable? and LOO I have no clue… I ask because the other 2 engines with prices there are 2750$ and 2800$. So I assume there must be something wrong with the 1500$ one since one of the other engines has 64k kms on it and the other doesnt list kms. Found this info here [http://www.car-part.com/](http://www.car-part.com/) Basically from what I have been told by people and have read for a VQ swap you need (do they need to be from the same car) 1. Engine 2. ECU 3. Anti Theft Controller 4. Bell Housing (6 Speed) What else would a person need? I’m brand new to the whole car scene so I’m sure some of my questions are crazy easy and seem stupid but eh what can you do. Right now I’m asking these questions cuz I wanna figure out what involved with modifying sentras and the different routes you can go before I start building up my car. Thanks in advance for your feedback. ---
**Author:** ![chasenyadown](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e79b87/32.png) [@chasenyadown](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/chasenyadown)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2006, 1:33pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/vq-swap/143315/2 "2006-07-15T13:33:05Z")
Ahh… I like your thinking. Yes I believe you have an 02 Sentra, so you would need the ECU from an 02 Maxima, if your car has NATS or NADS (whatever the abbreviation is for the Anti Theft then you need to get one with that. honestly the best person to ask would be Travis on VBoard, but I am going to pm him and see if he might care to chime in on this for you. Hopefully he will do so, anyhow basically if you want to do a VQ Swap you are going to need the Swap Kit from Tavis, but yeah like I said I’m oing to try to get him over here to shed some light on this for everyone. ---
**Author:** ![Bmason](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f17d59/32.png) [@Bmason](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Bmason)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2006, 2:02pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/vq-swap/143315/3 "2006-07-15T14:02:20Z")
Sounds great thanks man! ---
**Author:** ![PyreXXX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bbe5ce/32.png) [@PyreXXX](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/PyreXXX)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2006, 4:10pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/vq-swap/143315/4 "2006-07-15T16:10:27Z")
Only the 04+ cars came with the NATS system, so you will need that bit as well. Hondatoy also had a motor with 1000 KM on it, I would be looking at that one. It came out of a Maxima that had extensive rear damage, so it should be good. The bellhousing shouldn’t be too hard to source. When I was looking at the swap, I figured it would cost around 6-7K to do the complete swap, so hopefully you’re prepared for that! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Bmason](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f17d59/32.png) [@Bmason](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Bmason)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2006, 4:52pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/vq-swap/143315/5 "2006-07-15T16:52:38Z")
yea thats why I’m figuring out what the steps are first before I even start doing anything… Cuz no I can’t afford 6-7k and prob won’t be able to for a very long time… So I have LOTS of time to think about it. ---
**Author:** ![Bmason](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f17d59/32.png) [@Bmason](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Bmason)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2006, 7:12am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/vq-swap/143315/6 "2006-07-16T07:12:32Z")
> [@Gr8 Nereida](#): > > heheh… NICE. hey peoples, what are your favorite places to travel?? give me some feedback! Why not post this in Off Topic instead of a thread that has nothing to do with traveling at all? ---
**Author:** ![Nis240](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a9a28c/32.png) [@Nis240](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Nis240)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2006, 9:11am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/vq-swap/143315/7 "2006-07-16T09:11:35Z")
> [@Gr8 Nereida](#): > > heheh… NICE. hey peoples, what are your favorite places to travel?? give me some feedback! Spam Once more and its bye bye. ---
**Author:** ![Silverboost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5e925/32.png) [@Silverboost](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Silverboost)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2006, 10:37am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/vq-swap/143315/8 "2006-07-16T10:37:11Z")
> [@Nis240](#): > > [quote=Gr8 Nereida]heheh… NICE. hey peoples, what are your favorite places to travel?? give me some feedback! Spam Once more and its bye bye.[/quote] Once should be enough… — as for the swap, as was said, Travis on the VBoard oe on [B15Sentra.net](http://B15Sentra.net), or even on his own forum (forget the URL). You’ll need to buy a mount kit from him, or fab one yourself, but why bother doign the trial and error if one exists already. ---
**Author:** ![jutes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a3d4f5/32.png) [@jutes](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/jutes)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2006, 8:29pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/vq-swap/143315/9 "2006-07-17T20:29:17Z")
I was looking into the VQ swap myself, just having a hard time finding all the right parts. Also, the only thing that I’m unsure about is the bellhousing swap and all the wiring. It is probably just easier to get the supercharger kit and call it a day. ---
**Author:** ![Variable](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/cab0a1/32.png) [@Variable](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Variable)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2006, 9:04pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/vq-swap/143315/10 "2006-07-17T21:04:52Z")
I wouldn’t say that… with the VQ your getting the power without modification. Which will make it more reliable long term. Plus your base is a lot stronger so any modifications done later will produce even higher gains. ---
**Author:** ![Last\_Fuse](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/last_fuse/32/5847_2.png) [@Last\_Fuse](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Last_Fuse)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2006, 9:13pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/vq-swap/143315/11 "2006-07-17T21:13:45Z")
> [@Variable](#): > > I wouldn’t say that… with the VQ your getting the power without modification. Which will make it more reliable long term. Plus your base is a lot stronger so any modifications done later will produce even higher gains. In theory its a great idea (I’ve played with the idea of putting the VQ in my car, as well as a SR from a bluebird) however, what do you want from your car is what you have to ask yourself, are you looking for power? Are you looking for that completely different angle (only one in the city, province, canada, etc)? Or are you looking for something fun? It’s easy to get caught up in it, but figure out what you want… It’s probably cheaper to get a decent super- or turbo-charged setup, and you’ll get decent power. But if your looking for something that make people stop and drool, then you might wanna go for the more expensive and labour intensive Swap. However, Variable is right, it would be reliable since its just a stock or close to stock motor in a lighter chasis, however wouldnt that mean you’d have to stiffen up that front end because of the new motor weight? In the end, how much do you wanna spend and how fast do wanna go? Anything can be done (within current technology, no time machine for you!) It just cost some money… And that be my 2 nickels… ---
**Author:** ![jutes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a3d4f5/32.png) [@jutes](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/jutes)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2006, 9:27pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/vq-swap/143315/12 "2006-07-17T21:27:05Z")
The only way I figure that I’d do teh VQ swap is if my engine takes a dump, its at 120k but still running strong. I guess this winter will tell the tale on whether or not to Supercharge or VQ swap, either way, I plan on doing something big next spring, FI or swap. I figure a budget of 10k would net me a VQ installed properly in a good shop. ---
**Author:** ![PyreXXX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bbe5ce/32.png) [@PyreXXX](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/PyreXXX)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2006, 10:03pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/vq-swap/143315/13 "2006-07-17T22:03:43Z")
And remember guys, most of the time you won’t be driving around at full throttle anyway, and the extra torque the VQ swap provides at part throttle will make it more daily driver friendly. Plus, I think there’s a built in sense of cool factor with a VQ swap! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Variable](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/cab0a1/32.png) [@Variable](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Variable)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2006, 11:11am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/vq-swap/143315/14 "2006-07-18T11:11:59Z")
The things I would be worried about, and this is the road racer in me. Most drag racers would likely think of this as a good thing. How much weight does the VQ add to the car, and how far forward is the weight compared to the factory engine. Its the same issue that most people run into when swapping H22 (prelude engines) into civics. Moving weight forward of the front axles will greatly increase understear and if the car is ever in a front end accident the chances of damaging the engine are much higher. ---
**Author:** ![MrRage](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/mrrage/32/5804_2.png) [@MrRage](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/MrRage)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2006, 1:15pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/vq-swap/143315/15 "2006-07-18T13:15:07Z")
Surpisingly the VQ is like 5 lbs more than the QR and sits in the same location. So weight isn’t an issue with this swap. ---
**Author:** ![Variable](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/cab0a1/32.png) [@Variable](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Variable)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2006, 6:21pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/vq-swap/143315/16 "2006-07-18T18:21:04Z")
I have a hard time believing that a V6 isn’t noticeably wider then a I4. Since the engine is mounted transversely you have a bunch of weight up high and forward of the factory engine position. Then again i man not very familiar with the sentra or even the 350z for that matter. ---
**Author:** ![Bmason](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f17d59/32.png) [@Bmason](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Bmason)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2006, 7:18pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/vq-swap/143315/17 "2006-07-18T19:18:17Z")
Lets just talk hypothetically for a sec here… That engine at Hondatoy = 1500$ ('02 Maxima) now if they still had the ECU/NATs from that thing how much would that cost? Lets just say 1500$… though I have NO clue at all… just throwing out numbers… then the swap kit from Travis = 995$ US with Bellhousing + Shipping… so I’d prob wanna find a bellhousing locally eh? So 695$ US (just under 800$ Canadian)… Here’s the Price List then. Engine: 1500$ ECU/Nats : 1500$ Swap Kit: 800$ + 100$ for shipping (another number I just pulled outta my ass) Bellhousing: 300$ (Wishful thinking maybe?) 4200$ for the whole shebang… Would there be any other fees involved here? Or would this be all I needed to start doing it myself (along with my pappy and anyone else who wouldn’t mind helping). I also understand that this is more than a weekend warrior sorta thing eh? This weekend I’m gonna start calling around and see what the junkyards around town have. For this reason the real question here is what I have listed all that I will need? I could prob answer my own questions by reading the vqswap pdf on Travis’ site… but I r retarded and no likey to read that much. ---
**Author:** ![chasenyadown](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e79b87/32.png) [@chasenyadown](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/chasenyadown)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2006, 7:22pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/vq-swap/143315/18 "2006-07-18T19:22:04Z")
Okay guys here is a list of everything that you will need and pricing and some pics, I’ll try to find a few others that I can’t find but this will have to hold you over: "FI-R VQ Swap Pricing- Base Swap- VQ35DE engine VQ35DE swap kit - CNC mount kit - Nissan VQ35 modified brackets (new) - Nissan VQ35 6spd bell housing (new) - Grade 8 bolts, nuts, washers Stock headers (not advised) FI-R VQ swap y-pipe Maxima 6spd engine harness Maxima 6spd ECU VQ35DE alternator VQ35DE power steering pump FI-R VQ swap intake/filter FI-R solid mounts for VQ swap Slim cooling fan kit New belts, fluids, hoses Modified VQ30DE A/C bracket (retains QR A/C compressor) Modified A/C system (wiring) Reuse existing exhaust system (not advised) Reuse existing clutch (not advised) Labor to modify QR transmission for VQ engine Labor to remove existing engine/transmission/wiring Labor to install VQ35DE engine/transmission Labor to modify VQ35 wiring harness $4995.00 installed Add $295.00 for vehicles without immobilizer system (chip in key) This price includes the exchange of your QR25DE engine. This is part of the reason why we offer the swap at a very reasonable price. If you do not have a good condition QR25DE engine (by good, I mean, no spun bearings, or damaged pistons/rings, valvetrain), please contact us privately to discuss options. Oil consumption is not considered a big issue to us. Options/upgrades- (all prices include installation) Stainless headers/y-pipe with flex section (+15whp)- 425.00 2.5" Mandrel exhaust with resonator, and muffler (+10whp)- 349.00 3.0" Mandrel exhaust with resonator, and muffler(+12-15whp)- 389.00 Apexi SAFC II (+5-8whp)- 375.00 JWT 250mm clutch- 335.00 Custom CAI system- 150.00 Fuel pump upgrade- 150.00 New VQ35DE engine cover- 110.00 Nitrous Express kit (+50-100hp)- 950.00 \*FI-R VQ swap turbo system- (+150-350whp) 4295.00 Requires the use of a larger fuel pump and regulator. Also requires the use of the JWT clutch upgrade- 250.00 - Requires the use of a larger fuel pump and regulator. This also requires the JWT clutch, and installation of our forged piston/rod kit, and basic rebuild kit, as listed below… FI-R VQ35DE Built Engine (Add to base price of kit) - Carillo H-beam rods - 8.5:1 OR 10.5:1 JE pistons - JE rings, wrist pins and spiral locks - Cometic MLS head gaskets - ARP head studs - New timing components, bearings, seals - Labor to tear down engine - Labor to bore/hone, hot tank, and prep engine - Labor to blueprint and assemble engine $3795.00 (add to base price of swap) Optional items- JWT C1 camshafts and valvesprings- 1400.00 Stage 1 Ported cylinder heads- 795.00 Stage 2 Ported cylinder heads(add 1mm over valves/install)- 1195.00 With built engine (low compression), and our turbo system, you will be capable of generating 550-600whp and 475-550wtqm in a completely streetable, daily driveable configuration. With built engine and nitrous kit, you are capable of generating 400whp and 450wtq with the same conditions. The VQ swap (in any form), does not allow you to retain cruise control. You will throw a check engine light (can be disabled if you wish), for various reasons, beyond our control. This does NOT affect performance at all. The codes are emissions related. Your vehicle WILL pass a tail-pipe “sniffer test”, however, it will fail a OBD-II plug in test. Check your local laws for what is/isn’t acceptable. We provide a 30 day “no bullshit” warranty on the engine. If something goes wrong (outside of GROSS negligence), we will replace your engine, at no charge. You will be responsible for shipping/installation. We are very proud to provide a lifetime, no questions asked warranty on the engine mount kit. Smile If it breaks… send it back, and we’ll fix it, no questions asked. I think that just about covers everything… if you have any questions… please feel free to ask. [TravisFIR@gmail.com](mailto:TravisFIR@gmail.com) 985-713-1542" ![http://www.fi-r.net/images2/VQSwapFiles/JimmyVQswap/Swap19.jpg](http://www.fi-r.net/images2/VQSwapFiles/JimmyVQswap/Swap19.jpg) ![http://www.fi-r.net/images2/VQSwapFiles/JimmyVQswap/Swap21.jpg](http://www.fi-r.net/images2/VQSwapFiles/JimmyVQswap/Swap21.jpg) ![http://www.fi-r.net/images2/VQSwapFiles/JimmyVQswap/Swap22.jpg](http://www.fi-r.net/images2/VQSwapFiles/JimmyVQswap/Swap22.jpg) ![http://www.fi-r.net/images2/VQSwapFiles/CNCKit1.jpg](http://www.fi-r.net/images2/VQSwapFiles/CNCKit1.jpg) ![http://www.fi-r.net/images2/VQSwapFiles/CNCKit2.jpg](http://www.fi-r.net/images2/VQSwapFiles/CNCKit2.jpg) ![http://www.fi-r.net/images2/VQSwapFiles/CNCKit3.jpg](http://www.fi-r.net/images2/VQSwapFiles/CNCKit3.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![jutes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a3d4f5/32.png) [@jutes](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/jutes)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2006, 7:56pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/vq-swap/143315/19 "2006-07-18T19:56:41Z")
Another alternative that I was looking at was shipping my car to Arizona to where Travis would eventually set-up shop. I filled out an online quote with autorail/cnrail, can’t remember which one, and they quoted me for 1k for shipping(Edmonton - Tuscon, Arizona). So I figure around 2k for shipping and 6k Canadian for the swap. So for 8k, you can have a guarenteed working package. Ofcourse, if you are able, you can do it yourself for a crapload cheaper. ---
**Author:** ![Bmason](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f17d59/32.png) [@Bmason](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Bmason)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2006, 3:04pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/vq-swap/143315/20 "2006-07-19T15:04:30Z")
I myself am not able to, though I am mechanically inclined. My dad seems confident that we could get it done. He’s no mechanic or anything but he does know a thing or two about automotive as he built up his own truck back in the day including engine swapping. Though he did it on a domestic… I’m sure through reading we’ll be able to get it done. [Next page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/vq-swap/143315.md?page=2)