Engine swap/rebuild
 

I have a 2000 with the 3.3L V6 VG33E, auto, with 200k on it. Th engine is starting to rattle. In preparation for the inevitable engine failure, I am wondering if I can rebuild the 3.3L to get more torque or swap the engine for the 4.0L V6 VQ40DE available in the 2005 and newer models. I believe the 2005 model was a major redesign and the truck is longer, so this may prevent the 4.0L swap. Has anyone put a diesel in one of these yet?

You could find a supercharged out of a 2002 if you want more power. Though you'll probably need the ECU out of it also.

I think trying to put the 4.0 out of an 2005+ is going to be a HUGE undertaking. It's a totally different beast and I am sure if you got it to physically to fit, your electrical issues would be too much to bother.

As for the diesel. It might be doable, but I am not sure which engines would fit. If you got one shipped up from Brazil you might be able to get it to work.

If you want to find out what it takes to swap engines in a 2000, talk to Powerguy, he did it last year, but he just put in another 3.3L from a 2004 I think it was.

Thanks. How do I get ahold of Powerguy?

So if we abandon the idea of swapping in the 4.0L, what can be done to the 3.3L on rebuild to increase power, besides a supercharger?

When you mention a diesel from Brazil, is it the 2.0L X-Trail that was engineered with Renault?

Nissan made a 2.8L diesel that was available in Brazil. It might have been available in other countries, but I know it was never offered in the US.

Powerguy is on this forums well as many other Xterra forums). His real name is Dana and he goes by Powerguy37 on here.

I looked him up in the directory and sent a message. I hope that is the best way. Thanks again

i'm in the process of a rebuild right now. you can get the motor board 40 over with bigger pistons, install aftermarket cams (Google S1 cams) and that might get you alittle. i didn't go 40 over on the motor. its alittle expensive. You could send your motor out to a performance shop and let them do it but it will cost some $$$

So what triggered the rebuild in your case? Something catastrophic you can warn me about? What about a throttle body spacer? Did you order a rebuild kit from someone?

Save your money, forget about a TB spacer. They do nothing.