For those looking at boosted setups and want an intercooler, below is one that fit good. It needs to be same-side because trying to route piping on the passenger side will be very rough. Plus with this setup, you can retain your fog lights. It just requires modifying the crash bar for it.
Henry installed a Tomei 274° 11.3 lift intake set in his new engine, a 2017 Maxima engine with 30,000 miles, into his 2016 Nissan Altima 3.5 SV. He noted that HR engines have longer exhaust duration cams, typically 254°, similar to RWD HRs. He mentioned that the 2007 Altima has a VQ35DE engine with specific cam data:
Intake/Exhaust Lift: 10.0mm
Intake/Exhaust Duration: 240º
Intake Opens/Closes: 10º ATDC/70º ABDC
Exhaust Opens/Closes: 50º BBDC/50º ATDC
He found that VQ35DE Nismo Spec-1 and Spec-2 cams offer increased operating angles and lifts. His setup aligns closely with Nismo S1 specs, opting not to use Tomei’s exhaust cams due to lack of EVC control in his ECU. He compared his setup with VQ35HR and ‘Revup’ cam data, and provided Tomei cam specs:
Intake/Exhaust Lift: 11.30mm/11.00mm
Intake/Exhaust Duration: 274°
Intake Opens/Closes: 14°/80°
Exhaust Opens/Closes: 80°/14°
Henry also customized his timing setup, used Tomei oval wire springs, and incorporated various other parts like VQ30DE intake cam bolts, 3gen exhaust cams, and VHR components. After extensive work, he successfully started the engine, highlighting additional upgrades like a 6-speed swap, NISformance stage 2 clutch, and Borla X pipe.
I adjusted the intake trigger wheel to match the standard position found in third-generation models.
I grinded down the wheel as is typical in an HR engine swap.
I utilized Tomei oval wire springs for the setup, which are taller than those in RWD HRs and match the height of third-generation models.
Additional Install Photos
I’ve added more pictures of the timing setup. I had to use VQ30DE intake cam bolts for the third-generation exhaust cams. I also painted the timing cover and opted to use the cover from my original engine because I prefer the style of VVT covers, similar to those found on GTRs and VHRs.
After countless hours of challenging work, it finally operates successfully. The initial startup was for the cam break-in, and it has a lopey idle.
For anyone who uses or has figured out the ATI damper [machined to fit FWD offsets], the belt size is 1/4″ to 1/2″ shorter than stock. With an HR swap, you must ensure that the power steering pump can move the full range on the adjuster. If it does not loosen to the bottom, you haven’t trimmed the new power steering pump ear enough on the HR inner timing cover.
If anyone is interested in an idea for mounting an oil cooler, this dual-pass one fits snugly between the latch support and the condenser, while still leaving space for the intercooler.
Finally got my new ground cable system all bolted in. This is 3rd or 4th set now that I’ve bought from Pfbspecv Mr. Ray Solis. This guy builds custom grounding kits and the quality of the cables are amazing and top level materials! Thanks Ray!
Alright so I found some radiator brackets that are way cooler than the OEM ones! Some slight modifications but they otherwise work great and look so much better than the OEM brackets!
For all those wondering, you can make a Mishimoto 350z/G35 oil cooler work on a maxima! Of course there are a few modifications needed.
I cleaned up a few bolt holes already on the cross member already tapped to m6x1.0 for the bracket to bolt to. The one supplied by Mishimoto had to be redrilled for the one hole to line up.
I had to use a 2″ hole saw to open up the pass through for the PS lines on the 4th gens for the -10an lines to go through. Then put some plastic door edging around the cut so it doesn’t rub through the lines.
The kit comes with a 4′ and 5′ line but I needed a little bit longer line to work with the 180° fitting I purchased. While not ideal I used the 180° to get it out of the way of the tire as much as possible. The 245’s would rub it a bit with a 90° fitting when fully turned to the left. I got 6′ of -10an braided and and cut it down to 5.5′, the 4′ line worked fine
Purchase some hose separators and zip ties to keep the lines out of the way of anything dangerous. Now you’re done!
Now is this necessary? Not really, but because of the cattman designed headers I couldn’t run my extended stillen oil pan. This helps get a little more capacity to the system. I also noticed that it does seem to be working. When the car is up to temp I can put my hand on the cooler through the bumper and feel it significantly warmer than anything around it. I also opted for the thermostatic cooler since I run the car in the winter and dont want the oil to be too cold.
This is a great alternative to replacing your 6-speed knob on your Nissan Maxima. The original knobs are discontinued and no longer available. If you do find them brand new, the pricing is usually over $200. The GTR R34 is the same and will work great. It’s only $30 bucks more than the original pricing of the 2002-2006 6-speed shift knob. You’ll also require an adapter to convert M12 thread to M10, which is available for under $10.00. Additionally, we suggest using Permatex 25210 High Strength Removable Threadlocker.
OEM Part Number: 32865-AA420
Original Price: $160.00 to $180.00
