Thanks for answering my question. I really only wanted to know firstly because it would give me a better understanding of my current engine and the nature of how and if it can fit with certain other Nissan parts, thereby giving me a better understanding of my truck in general.
The other reason I ask is that in the case of completely blowing my current 3.3 V6 (in a few hundred thousand miles) and being forced into purchasing a new engine, would it be physically feasible, and if so, an economically sound choice to install the arguably cheaper, smaller 2.4 I4 engine currently used in some Frontiers and Xterra XEs.
Not out of my mind....just thinking out loud. Thanks again.