2009 VQ37 Engine Replacement
 

Long time lurker, first time poster. Appreciate all of the information this forum has to offer.

2009 G37 Journey Sedan RWD - Motor locked up at 220k, she had a great run, guess is the motor became oil starved and main bearing locked up. I am wanting to replace motor with a used unit. I want to put a parts list together for items that need to be replaced on the "new" used engine. What should I attack while I have full access to the motor?

CZP Rear Timing Cover Oil Gallery Gasket Set w/ replacment bolts.
Nissan OEM Timing Cover & O-Ring Seal Gasket Kit

Would you guys replace water pump, timing chain tensioner, oil pump? Any other must-do's while motor is out?
500 miles before the lock up, I replaced the entire front suspension, brake calipers, rotors, and pads all the way around. Thanks for any input!

few threads I've seen recommend doing the water pump with the timing cover. Also check the timing chain tensioner.

So it's been a while but I finally started on the G. I am videoing and will hopefully get a little tutorial together for pulling the motor out of the front.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.myg...d9f15c5e2e.jpg
Front gone, motor next.

Exhaust got me, I think I stripped both bolts to the test pipes. Will the engine pull out with test pipes attached and disconnected at exhaust or do I need to pull the headers with the test pipes attached then pull the engine?

This engine had 220k miles on it, motor locked up and crank will not turn. Might tear it apart to diagnose it further. The idea is to purchase a used vq37vhr with 91k and while the motor is out update/upgrade some items. A Z1 silicone master hose kit, updated oil galley gasket kit, maybe a fastner dress kit, thinking about a Z1 timing kit with water pump. I have OEM head gasket set for any gasket/seals that need to be replaced.

Not sure about the motor pull question with test pipes on. If you really feel strongly about it, just cut the damn things off.

I wholeheartedly give you kudos for not dropping a ****bucket back in the car and slapping it together with glue. Sounds like you could hit 400k with another engine at the rate you are going. Upgrades galore are not needed, but some like the Z1 timing kit and updated oil galley gasket kit...while it's out it's 10 times easier to do.

Welp, I'll try pulling it tonight with test pipes on. If I can't clear, I should have enough room to remove the headers. Next random question, have a couple local options on engine. 2010 91K $900 or 2013 100k $900 both are an hour away. The plan was to replace timing chain while motor is out regardless of shape. I believe the 2013 has the updated oil galley gasket so I may lean towards that options. Any suggestions or tips on deciding? Thanks

Will a VQ37 from a 2015 Q50 work in a 2009 G37, assuming I swap everything over?

Try using car-part.com. There is a interchange choices option in the upper right hand corner. https://www.car-part.com/cgi-bin/sea...y=&userPage=14

Maybe that will help you be more sure of what you can put in there.

Ive never done it but I don't see why test pipes can't come out attached.

Thanks for suggestion, I found a motor on car-part but do not "trust" the interchange. I spoke with a rep at Z1 Motorsports and they confirmed a '15 Q50 VQ37 will fit into a '09 G37, swapping the accessories and what not. A user here on this site also confirmed.
As for the test pipes, they will not come out attached to headers. I removed the drivers side headers because I rounded my demon bolt. On the passengers side, I had removed the 2 nuts and gained better access to the demon bolt which I snapped the head off, all good, dropped test pipe and left header attached. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.myg...b853bc1d01.jpg

Picked up a "running" '15 Q50 Vq37vhr w/ 40k, on the red stand. Swapping harness from the "stuck" '09 g37 vq over to the '15, that's the hope. Pulled the air plenum and found oil between the intake and plenum. I am guessing its from the PCV system. Is this "normal" for 40k? I have it on video and looking down into lower intake but I'll need to grab some screen shots. As I pull the '15 harness, I tag the sensor I pull it from with a colored lettered tag. The corresponding harness plug on the '09 is then tagged with the same letter, different color tag, easy swap. Z1 Blue master hose kit and a blue fastener kit will be here Friday.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.myg...d7492644bb.jpg
vq37's

Just ideas...Upgrade your exhaust cams and maybe upgrade the valve body and torq converter. New engine mounts too. Good luck with the build. Following.

I think the oil is normal. I had the same when I cleaned my injectors. I just wiped it all out w carb cleaner and a rag. It was a little bit for me anyways. Will check again to see how much is there when I do my knocks this weekend.

What's the upgrades for? Are they needed because of the oil or weaknesses in they year of production?
Thanks, I hope to help others while doing it, put together a tutorial of sorts with my video.

I'll try to grab a picture. I think it is just residual PCV vapor that collected.

Little update, got some things painted. Going to pull the harness tonight and redo the electrical tape and the plastic protection around the harness that needs replacing.