Last Updated: 04/18/2022 @ 06:50 am

Community Member Credit: Schmellyfart

This an overview of the main items and modifications required to install a 2007+ Altima and 2009+ Maxima VQ35DE engine into a vehicle using a VQ30DE(K) Engine Control Unit (ECU).

Blue highlighted items need to be fabricated. Some items are produced by me (or in the design process) to make this swap easier.

Red highlighted items are new gaskets that are highly suggested to replace. I usually source my OEM gaskets from nissanpartsdeal.com.

This is intended only as reference material. Refer to the Factory Service Manual (FSM) for Removal and Installation procedures as well as torque specifications. I am not responsible for any damages blah blah.

*Maxima and Altima Upper Intake Manifolds are interchangeable*

Timing Components

• To use the newer engine with the older ECU, all timing components and sensors will need to be replaced with that of a VQ30.
• Cam adapters will be needed for this specific engine. –Currently available from schmellyfart@gmail.com. ‘StephenMax’ type Cam Adapters will NOT work.
• VQ30 Outer Timing Cover and Access Plates
• VQ30 Inner Timing Cover
• VQ30 Water Pump 21010-31U85
• VQ30 Timing Chains
• VQ30 Timing Gears
  • • • • • • • 1 Crank Sprocket
              • 2 Exhaust Cam Sprockets
              • 4 Intake Cam Sprockets
• VQ30 Intake Cam Bolts – to be used on VQ35 Exhaust Cams
  • • • • • • • (VQ35 Exhaust Cam bolts to be used on VQ35 Intake Cams)
              • Torque Cam bolts to VQ35 spec.
• Water Pump O-Rings
  • • • • • • • Seal- O Ring 21049-ZL80B
              • Seal- O Ring 21049-ZL80C
• Block to Timing Cover O Rings
  • • • • • • • Seal- O Ring 15066-ZL80B
              • Seal- O Ring 15066-ZL80D
• Front Crank Seal
  • • • • • • • Inspect VQ35 Seal – Sometimes this seal is new enough where is can be reused and inserted into VQ30 Outer Timing Cover.
              • Seal-Oil, Crankshaft Front 13510-31U10
• VQ30 Timing Chain Guides
• Main Timing Chain Tensioner
  • • • • • • • Either VQ30 or VQ35 Main Timing Chain Tensioner & Guide may be used, but they must not be mixed together. For example:
              • VQ30 Main Timing Chain Tensioner & VQ30 Main Timing Chain Guide
              • VQ35 Main Timing Chain Tensioner & VQ35 Main Timing Chain Guide
• VQ35 Secondary Timing Chain Tensioners
  • • • • • • • These may need replacing depending on age of the engine because the VQ35 Timing Chain creates different grooves in the tension than the VQ30 Timing Chain that will be installed. Use only VQ35 Secondary Timing Chain Tensioners.

Oil Pans – A few options:

• VQ30 upper oil pan, lower oil pan, and oil pick up tube.
• VQ30 upper oil pan, VQ35 lower oil pan, VQ35 oil pick up tube.
  • • • • • • • VQ35 lower oil pan is deeper and narrower than VQ30 lower oil pan.
              • Pro: reduced chance of oil starvation on hard cornering
              • Con: Reduced ground clearance
• Use dipstick that matches your lower oil pan!

Water Pipes

• VQ30 Water Outlet Pipe (transmission side of engine)- VQ30 uses two coolant sensors, VQ35 uses one.
• 2x Water Outlet Pipe Gaskets -11062-31U00
• Water Inlet Pipe (Near Front Valve Cover)
  • • • • • • • • The HR head on these VQ35 has an extra port at the Water Inlet Connector for the Oil cooler. I personally found the Oil Cooler to interfere with Crank Sensor, so I removed mine – YMMV. If removing the oil cooler, this hole will need to be plugged via tap and hole plug, or Water Inlet block off plate – (Pending field test) . (Oil Cooler removal will also require VQ30 Oil filter stud 11024-4P10A and Water Jacket Blind Plug 11051-60U2A). Once blocked off, VQ30 or VQ35 Water Inlet Connector can be used.
• Gasket-Water Inlet 13050-31U05
• Thermostat
  • • • • • • • • If VQ35 Thermostat is used, approx. 2” of the lower radiator hose will need to be cut off of Thermostat end to fit. (2002-2003 Maxima Lower radiator hose MIGHT work without trimming – not yet verified)
  • VQ30 Thermostat will bolt up without issue.
• Thermostat Gasket: Gasket-Water Inlet 13050-31U00

Injector Clips

• 1995-1999 Maxima needs VQ35 Injector clips soldered/crimped and sealed to the engine harness
• 2000-2001 Maxima Injector clips require no modification.

Fuel Rail

• VQ35 has a returnless fuel rail.
  • • • • • • • Convert to returnless fuel system using guides on Maxima.org (Easier)
              • Modify VQ30DE-K Fuel Rail to fit VQ35 and retain return fuel system (Harder)

Throttle Body

• The original Throttle Body (TB) is driven electronically, the VQ30 ECU requires a cable driven TB. Due to confined space around Throttle Flange, options are limited. A custom throttle body adapter or modified throttle body is necessary (Finalizing Design).
  • • • • • • • 70mm 2001 Pathfinder TB w/ adapter. This TB is ideal due to OEM quality, TPS bolts up, and its Idle Air Control Valve (IACV) works very well with the VQ30 ECU. Minor wire harness modification required for IACV.
              • Heavily modified Mustang (Foxbody or SN95) TB
              • Heavily modified Q45 TB
              • Heavily modified VQ35 TB converted from electronic to cable.

Exhaust Studs

• Cylinder 5 and 6 exhaust studs must be removed and installed in opposite holes in order to reuse older VQ30 headers or exhaust manifolds.

Valve Covers

• VQ30 valve covers fit, but are also heavier. I would only recommend using the front VQ30 valve cover and spark plug cover if you want to keep it stealthy. Some Coil pack shenanigans may be required. Rear VQ30 valve cover is not recommended as the Upper Intake Manifold (UIM) does not clear the coil packs.

Emissions

• Optional depending on personal preference. All emissions systems can be retained with the exception of EGR. Take good notes and mark the inlet/outlet of every emissions part, all can be reconnected to VQ35 UIM. Simplified Vacuum Hose routing diagram coming soon.

VIAS

• Mine are currently installed but not controlled. Currently awaiting testing to verify optimal setup with VQ30 ECU.