The demise of mine was emissions, and I hate to say it rust. Maybe I didn't care for it as I should have, or, I got duped by the dealer (it may have had body work as a new car). But oh the trips I took in that thing 1998-2002. $0.76/gal regular (I ran it on regular all 25 years) and those nights in Montreal, like something out of a Yacht Rock tune!
Yes, excellent engines, but not as free revving as the VQ or J series. Sort of like the staid Toyotas of the era.
Interesting, I suppose anybody can be in that position. I don't watch him often, however, I first became aware of him since I was wondering what to do with a used car I bought and the auto trans fluid, car was 10 y.o. and 81k miles...
the Maxima was available with VQ35 and a manual from 2002 to 2006. Earlier Maxima were available with the manual, too.
Yes. But Toyota's tend to run under the radar.
Yup - the Cyclone engine series is a very good one indeed. The FWD pump replacement is the only real Achilles heel in the otherwise outstanding engine. Powerful, smooth, quiet, low oil consumption, reaseonable fuel economy, excellent wear traits, not a sludger ... I love these engines.
He'll typically spend half the video blaming the previous owner for bad maintenance, then another several minutes blaming all the other shops for not fixing the car properly, then he'll actually FIX the car himself (off camera of course) and then he wraps up the video telling us how he's the hero once again for saving this vehicle from the junkyard.
Yes. I've left VCM active. I drive with a very light foot trying to hypermile (always trying to conserve momentum and coasting whenever possible). So with my driving style, its on 3 cylinders only most of the time with the eco light on. Also, a few of my vans are short trippers.
Agreed. Car wizard is a lazy mechanic who charges his customers too much.
The 3.3L Cyclone was efficient, powerful if revved and moderately frugal. One problem at 22K I either had a lifter ticking loudly, or the beginning of Phaser Issues.
Yes, the PCV is too small and inadequate. I replace every 30k miles.
I didnt realize the 2GR-FSE dated that far back. How well do these age? After I bought my GS-350 I learned it is a populr engine with somewhat of a cult following for swaps. Forged internals, piston squirters, and it definitely has both punch and refinement… but not really sure how solid they are for the long haul? Albeit, mine came used, and I suspect rather poorly maintained - it makes funny noises when cold.
I never hated the VG33, it was a smooth, super reliable engine that never gave me any issues. I had the supercharged version (VG33ER) and it was a thirsty pig, premium fuel at that. I'm not sure I ever got over 17mpg even in perfectly ideal highway driving, 14-15 was the norm.
You sure about that? I'm certain I drove a 5.4L 3 valve in an Econoline. It sticks out in my mind because it was the first 3V Triton I'd ever driven and I remember thinking how much an improvement in power there was over the old design.
He’s correct the 3v series never went into E series. Neither did the 6.2 gasser or the 6.4 diesel. The E series continued using the 6.8 2v V10 and 6.0 diesel until it was discontinued. After it’s rerelease I’m not sure of engine availability.
It’s funny because I think the VQ37 was the worst iteration of that engine in some ways. It was kind of harsh and coarse at the top of its range IMO, like it seemed happier at smaller displacements. I owned a G35 coupe with VQ35DE and thought it was smoother than the 370Zs I drove. However, neither hold a candle to the BMW S54 or Porsche M97 in terms of actual feel and performance, but those aren’t Vees and aren’t in the same price bracket. Still, miles ahead of the other crap most manufacturers were selling at the time.
