editing an older .max file?

[kalikut]

I wasn't sure where to post this, but as there is a potential for a resource, I'll post here. Here's the thing, redwoodtreesprite has the .max files for the skycity resource by _fidel. Here's a post at ESF, where I've asked if someone could simplify the model for Morrowind to cut down on FPS hit. Razorwing has shown an interest in having this resource for Oblivion, so I was wondering if it would be possible to use this max file to simplify it and possibly update it so that it's editable in newer versions of 3dsmax and/or other programs. I know nothing of this so I need to hear from more experienced 3dsmax-ers.