Let us look into why you cannot direct swap a first gen M45 engine into a 2nd gen M45. Hint: starter location! If you would like to make a donation in support of the channel, here is a PayPal link: www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr...
thanks bro very informative. I'm new to these engines and you've helped me understand them more. think I've seen you on nicoclub? setting up camera stationary would vastly improve the watchability btw. keep it up.
You're welcome. And thanks for the tip. Believe it or not, I tried but the poor lighting rendered my first few tries useless. I had to pick up the phone and record with the flash on. Hopefully there is a noticeable improvement in the following videos.
Hey great video my friend, you share lots of knowledge. I'm considering this 03-04 swap into an 06 M45 and just want to make sure I have this correct. Intake needs to swapped. Starter on opposite side, just re-route wiring? Use JDM starter or 06? Swap oil pans. Swap water pump. Various coolant hoses to intake. Valve covers. That's not a bad day in the garage especially with the price of the JDM engines. No issues with 06 transmission bolting to 03 engine? Bell housing bolt pattern is the same?
There are 3 engines at play here: *1. 06 m45 engine* *2. 03 m45 engine* *3. JDM engine* They all share the same bolt pattern for intake & oil pan. # 1 and 3 share the trans bellhousing pattern #2 and 3 have the same intake It will be self explanatory once you have them side by side. I would reuse the accessories from the original engine forums.nicoclub.com/v8-engine-replacement-options-do-the-03-and-06-m45-use-the-same-vk45de-engine-t619905.html
+jameason123, this is what I found to work replacing the M45 engine with this JDM one. *These are the things I needed to switch over between engines:* 1. Upper and lower intake 2. Oil pan + oil pickup tube + dipstick 3. Water Pump 4. Thermostat housing (There's a single fitting that faces down on the M45 and up on the other engine. Get creative if you have to) 5. Some water hoses on the back of the engine heads. Just check before it goes back in the car 6. Valve covers. The hoses are molded differently, so when replacing the VC gaskets just take a careful look. 7. Electrical harness 8. Motor mounts *Reuse your accessories, as they bolt into the same locations:* 1. Power steering pump 2. Alternator 3. A/C compressor 4. Pulleys and idler 5. Starter is the same physically, but different part numbers. 6. Ring gear with flex plate, and bellhousing (hence transmission) bolt right up *Do the necessary maintenance and replace components and gaskets while the engine is out.*
Thank you so much, I will update on my progress. Can’t tell you how much I appreciate it, I’ve been trying to figure this out for a couple of weeks now.
You're welcome. Glad you found the list. I suppose you are not a member of NICOclub? If you have questions about this engine, or the M45 specifically, search our forum or ask a question and you'll be sure to find answers in there. forums.nicoclub.com/m-series-forum-fuga-forum.html
Yeah, i usually buy Victor Reinz gaskets from eBay but was in a hurry this time. The RTV is usually used at the corners to keep the gaskets in during assembly. I prefer to have a plain plastic-rubber-metal seal and also for future work not scraping the RTV off the head. So if the gaskets can hold themselves upside down, that's ideal for me
I have a 2003 Infiniti FX45 VK45DE 4.5L V8 engine. Where can I find parts for my engine. Ive looked everywhere online and all I can find is discontinued :/ .. Also you mentioned exhaust manifold can crack ? If my exhaust manifold cracks, will their be a exhaust smell in the car. Ive been smelling engine smell. I recently had p0301 misfire but replaced spark plug and coil. Went away. Just wondering if ill have to replace my exhaust manifold.
It depends on what parts you are looking for. Post the list and I'll let you know if I have any idea on sources. For the exhaust manifold. Unfortunately, there was no smell that I could tell. There was very little to notify you of the crack beside the code. I am not sure what was different about the FX manifold, but they did not seem to have as many problems as M45 and Q45 owners.
I have a jdm vk45 that im plannin to fit in my navara d40. On the electronics end does the jdm ecu have the immobilizer? Haven't got any answers to this yet.. Im trying to retain the stock vk45 wiring and ecu but if it has the immobilizer mite need to go full standalone. Or maybe you can point me in the right direction.
I can't say for certain since I've never really used the JDM ECU. However, the Nissan ECMs we get in the States usually have the security/immobilizer chip. It's called NATS and I know that you can use some tuning software to disable the features. I don't have all the details, but maybe searching along the lines of " *NATS Immobilizer* " online will give you some guidance
Thanks for the info! Thinking about dropping in the 2003 JDM motor into my 240. Can you put the 06 throttle body on the 03 intake manifold? Since they don't have any way to rom tune the 03 motors but they can the 06 motors, I wanted to get a 06 harness and ecu and drop it onto a 03 jdm engine.
You're welcome bud. I know 240 guys use VK45s, but I always thought it was the 2003 USDM - dirt cheap. Do you know what side the starter usually is? On the TB, not directly. The 06 one is larger. Plus, there might be one or 2 solenoids on the 03 manifold that would need to be relocated and tubes rerouted, or the 06 harness slightly modified. Have you watched the 2nd video?
On the 240 the starter is on the passenger side. I have only seen two guys doing the VK45 swap in the 240sx. Mostly VH45 swaps I see a lot off, The VK45 is uncharted territory.
With the VH being a passenger side starter like the 03 M45, the task is made that much easier with regards to the adapter plate. But hey, where there is a will, there is a way. People made the VK56 with the top mounted starter a possibility, right?
Any way I can help, let me know. I will have the engine out on the stand for a while and won't take anything to the metal scrapyard until the car is moving under it's own power.
You wouldn’t happen to know the differences between the 2003 q45 an 2006 m45 I was told that the only tunable ecu is the 2006 m45 an up but I’m wondering if my 2003 motor will plug in with a 2006 harness an ecu
Well, for the most part the 06 m45 harness can be plugged onto the q45 engine. You will have to modify/get creative with the starter wiring since they are in different places on those 2 engines. More info here: forums.nicoclub.com/v8-engine-replacement-options-do-the-03-and-06-m45-use-the-same-vk45de-engine-t619905.html
Can you tell me what's the best recommend oil and oil filter for this engine also spark plugs is it denso or NGK meaning the factory original or which is the best I decided to just rebuild my block I found a guy and yes I'm doing preventive maintenance on the engine before I install it back in the car I will also ask my neighbor who has the M56 on how he got it to 700 horse power I do know he have a posi rear end his brother inlaw works at a tuning shop that did the work on the M56 says he turn my car into more sleep car they specialize in this
I use the recommended NGK spark plugs. Nissan doesn't restrict you to any brand of oil, so I use a Nissan oil filter and any good quality oil. Recently Valvoline synthetic was on sale so that's what I bought. Castrol, Pennzoil. And always use premium gas
Hey question are you in Texas I ask because getting set to rebuild my engine .....new engine bearing new timing chain going to get heads bored if I'm saying that right going to even get new pulley's what would you recommend on rebuilding this engine
@@kennethaytch3163 How many miles on the odometer? I think rebuilding it now, before everything hits the fan is a solid idea. I'd suggest you first reach out to an engine rebuilder/machine shop to see what they are capable of doing to it. They will tell you if they can actually source the parts needed to properly alter the design. Unfortunately, I think most rebuilds we see are to put them right back to factory spec. Not too many people have gone wild with the engine internals, but if you end up doing something crazy, it will be nice to share with the VK45de family.
I have an 2006 Infiniti M35 and the mileage is pretty high, 270k. My question is, can you swap to the vk45de engine from 06-10 m45 with no issue? Can the old ECU be kept? Thanks
@@EdBwoy I see, well was planning on getting m45 later based on how much Im liking the M35 now. How reliable are the vk45de's? If it's anything like the vq I'm happy.
I believe it would be possible, but I have not seen any adapter marketed for this application. The VK45DE intake manifold is considered to be a pretty robust design and is usually used in platforms such as the Titan/Armada
They look different front what I've seen, but I don't know how much the differences as I haven't played with the VH. You could confirm the workability by buying the intake gaskets for both engines and overlay them to see what would need to be machined.
@@blalien777 I appreciate it, very underappreciated engines they are. If I may ask, what application are you looking to use the VK for - a drift project?
The VIN b/a stuff gets confusing. For example the 2006+ m45 is a vin B car, but the engine isn't the correct one. The 2003 m45 is a vin A and the engine will work. The best way is to lay your eyes on it. Look at pictures and make sure the starter is on the right side for any replacements for the q45
@@EdBwoy i havent the knowledge or time to remove the engine, it is currently at the shop waiting for me to provide a new one to be put in. I tried to locate the starter by peering into the engine from above the bay to no avail, do you happen to know what side mine would be on just off the year? Maybe even what years would go in? Say a 2005 engine, is it likely to be any different than the current one? I wouldnt think so... id get a 2006 one if there was one anywhere, theres only like one other q45 from 06 for sale in the states so they appear scarce... i heard the 06 m45 intakes are forward facing which is not the case with my 06 q. any help would be so damn appreciated man loved the channel since my M35.
@@kramermillay to see the starter, you have to go under the car. For a direct drop in engine, you'd be looking at a 2005 or 2006 q45. They are rare even on the road. However, it would be cost effective to get any other compatible engine then switch the few parts over that are different. Any engine from the 2003 & 2004 m45, or 2002+ q45 should be similar for the most part. I know those have to be easier to locate.
@@EdBwoy how difficult would a the opposite side starter be to work with if i so happened to get the wrong one? Just a simple extension of wires i could definetly do. I did just see a 2005 q45 engine for 1200 this morning which might be the route i go if it is likely going to be straight up bolting it in and plug it. Alsp you have no idea how much i appreciate you ed, my sister boyfriend happened to worked at infiniti servicing them in the late 2000s but wont really help me which sucks.. idk why.. but you're the real deal brother. I hope to continue what you do when i get to a place i can do such, such a help and i know others are very in need on info for these rare cars. Really rare, found a number on Wikipedia for just the 2005 model selling just over 1000, cant imagine the 2006 number...
Historically, engines with the starter on the right side have always been listed at lower selling price. Price aside, if you were to get a wrong side starter, you also need to get the transmission bellhousing to accept it. For wires, you need someone experienced with making heavy gaige wire. I wish you could just buy the 06+ m45 harness, but the batteries are located in a different spot so the wires aren't directly compatible. Hoping that engine came with a starter, or you'll need to buy the correct "wrong side" starter. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-iPgTnrFP86o.html All in all, you do the financial assessment on making the wrong engine work versus just buying the correct one.
Hello from Miami again. Im in the middle of the swap and it looks like the Jdm only spins about 320 degrees. 👎 is that normal?? I’m so confused. The bottom is super clean. Any advice?
It should turn a good 360 degrees. Have you tried both clockwise and CCW? Also, there is good compression on 4.5 liters of air. Try turning it with the spark plugs out.
It's possible. My first JDM engine was a smooth job. The other ones I received have had some quirks (I doesn't seem they're big on oil changes, lol) Back on topic though, it's not impossible, but rather unlikely to have bent valves in this engine. If you have checked the spark plugs then pop the valve covers and watch how the valve lifters behave under the camshafts as you turn the crankshaft.
What models are we talking about here? This might help you though - forums.nicoclub.com/v8-engine-replacement-options-do-the-03-and-06-m45-use-the-same-vk45de-engine-t619905.html
Let me know if they come through. I have ordered several times through a few different websites and it never seems to be in stock. Maybe I'll try with a dealership next. I designed mine to be able to hold the engine + trans + me jumping up and down on it. I'll see how fast I can make them again, and if there's interest I'll offer them
+Gregory Hines Yeah, that's a big one. Electrical problems are no fun. Are you having any driveability issues as well? What I'd start with is the negative terminal from the battery. Make sure the clamp is good, then move to the bolt that secures it to the body.
EdBwoy the main problem I'm having is when I start it in the morning I'll drive down the road maybe three or four blocks then it just shuts down I give it gas 3 or 4 times or hold the gas down for like 10 seconds or 5 seconds and little ride fine sometimes for a few blocks and shut down don't turn off but just lose all power then sometimes when I hold it down for 5 or 10 seconds it'll be fine for the rest of the day but if it's all for more than a couple hours I'm getting the same repeated steps but far as the ground issue right now I have no gauges besides fuel all the check engine lights are on my radar and cruise control don't work my manual shift doesn't work but as soon as that reset happens or that ground-fault goes away all that stuff starts working again
+Gregory Hines ok, thanks for the additional info. If you battery is verified to be good, look into the IPDM (fusebox behind the battery), which you can buy a used one to test. I recall reading something similar on the forum: forums.nicoclub.com/topic533437.html?hilit=Christmas%20ipdm
Ya do know that the JDM Infiniti M45 aka "Nissan Gloria" only came in a 6 Cylinder!!! 2.5 L V6 VQ25DD LEV 2.5 L I-6 RB25DET 3.0 L V6 VQ30DD LEV 3.0 L V6 VQ30DETLEV It was only when it got to America that they decided to go with the VK45DE
Lol, you're losing me when you reply as a new comment instead of continuing the previous. But I found it. Anyway, that makes sense, you've gotta make sure it's all in good shape. I know I'm getting the newer gen M45 intake soon, but not sure about the throttle body. We can compare notes when you get the FX one.
+liblib89 Yup! But its gonna take some effort and/or money. Change intake, change oil pan, change starter (plus custom work to shorten the wire)... if you've figured out how to mate the mismatching engine to the transmission. Things could add up quick.
+liblib89 Yes indeed. Too bad I'm not sure which year or car exactly the JDM engine came from. I have the engine serial number but can't do anything with it. I just referred to it as an 03 M45 because of the stuff that is visible on the top end
@@EdBwoy I found a few do you think it would to get a used engine with 88 thousand miles then to rebuild my engine note I having misfire I'm sure low compression also bad engine rings I'm sure what do you suggest to rebuild my engine to a point where it's not alot and cost effective to get car running back to factory like what's the recommended plugs oil wow I have so many questions bro lol I'm to get this car running like new again huge fan of Infiniti M45 and the M56 is my next mission lol my neighbor has the M56 it's pushing over 700 horse power
@@kennethaytch3163 I can't say either way without knowing any numbers. How much is the seller asking for the 88k mile engine? Depending on damage, a rebuild could cost you around $2,000. You have to call a rebuilder and discuss it with them.
@@EdBwoy he's asking 700.00 I was thinking of getting it but also thinking if I did buy this used engine put a new timing chain on it would that be wise to do kinda like a preventive maintenance on it making sure seals are good which I have the whole engine seals kit brand new and timing chain new as well meaning I would check the slinder walls in used engine before having it in stalled lol I'm almost wondering if you would take on the job I have a friend who lives out there I could if you open to doing this task depending if you could or would and far as time it would take
