Transmission Woes

[EMK]

I've spent several days reading looking for these answer and nobody seems to have touched it. And these questions pertain to the USDM VH45DE as other engines have been covered.

1. When swapping to a manual what is done about the ECU looking for the auto transmission control module?

Leave it and don't worry about a CEL?

2. When swapping to a manual trans has anyone found an option that retains the starter from the Q?

Or is this something that requires relocation thus flywheel clutch matching

Dying to do this swap in my s13 as nothing makes more sense. But transmissions are the limiting factor

[elwesso]

i wouldnt think itd be a big deal using the Q starter so long as you're willing to modify the bellhousing appropriately.

The ECU doesnt care if theres no TCU but will throw a code (but no CEL). Its looking for a simple voltage or something (check your FSM) so itd probably be pretty easy to trick.

Its like the ECU is smart, but its definitely not trying.

[Ford Falcon]

I'd like to use the 350Z/G35 6-speed transmission with my VH45. Has anyone done this, and if not, can this be done without much modification (besides the adapter plate)?

My intention is to chop the first 3 or so inches from Q45 bellhousing, and weld it to the G35 bellhousing (with 3 or so inches taken off that). I've only seen the transmission once, and don't have easy access to photos and dimensions, so I've not checked how the starter motor will fit.

Any ideas?

[T45]

It's not the bellhousing that's the limiting factor, it's the flywheel you will use that lines up differently on the Q starter because it's designed for the auto ring gear. There are people that have popped off the ring gear and transferred it over to the manual flywheel and I believe it worked. There are a few threads on this if you look through old posts.

[nat0Z]

cant comment on Question !, im sure some of the ECU minded guys can comment.on Q2. yes, use the t56 with the Q/vh bellhousing, and adapt the rans @ the front of the t56 box not the belhousing, maintains the q satrter and also allows you to run those nifth hydraulic throwout bearins i see so much in the US for the ls1/2 swaps, gets the best of, maintaing the starter, runing no clutch for or slave cyl on the box (best thing). NO engine-> bellhousing adaptor, thus is taken care of with the much smaller and easier to make bellhousing to trans adaptor (much thinner also). flywheel you can still use the z32 NA & just flip the ring gear and it meshes directly with the q starter! yeahaawww!! aswell as the ratios i believe are better for the V8 because it doesnt need the extra gear to get to 1:1 so it has 2 overdrives, the 4th gear 1:1 is better in my opinion as the v8 has plent of torqe to push even the 2nd overdrive in stock form. just put a higher ratio diff, as it is not a 6cyl which cant push lower gears without boost! opens up better option for rear ends too in my opinion but i know all here beg to differ, but have they driven a t56 with a diff ratio above 3.5??? its f*c*i*n awesome... wheelspin in first is a bit much but once you pul 2nd cccceeeeyaaa...

nat0PS please all the z32 swappers don flame, as the t56 and other split bellhousing /box g/boxes are far easier to adapt, true???

[EMK]

I've actually read the different swap threads that went into this with any detail and I believe that you yourself may have done this. (Could be wrong could have been gs14) If it was you and you can remember.......any input on that???

[EMK]

I would love to keep it all in the Nissan family but two overdrives does sound nice. I wonder about the method of adaptation that you mentioned though. If you go in between the trans and the bell housing aren't there some drawbacks? If not why have people been wasting so much money on the adapters at the bell housing engine interface. Not flaming here just kinda wondering why nobody seems to mention it because I'm sure we've all thought about it.

And can you explain this in further detail I'm not quite sure I understand what you're saying about the clutch, throwout bearing, and slave cylinder.

I always did think that the 350Z was geared a little off. Now I have to find out more about the T 56.........hmmm

[SuperHatch]

It's not the bellhousing that's the limiting factor, it's the flywheel you will use that lines up differently on the Q starter because it's designed for the auto ring gear. There are people that have popped off the ring gear and transferred it over to the manual flywheel and I believe it worked. There are a few threads on this if you look through old posts.

Z32 NA Auto ring gear is the smallest.

Z32 NA Manual, Z32 TT Auto, G50 VH45 Auto ring gears are all the same.

Z32 TT Manual is the largest.

The above info is kinda pointless I guess, but hey, someone might find it useful.

[Raxephon]

I'd like to use the 350Z/G35 6-speed transmission with my VH45.

Also bare(sp?) in mind that the 350z/G35 6-speed has no speedo sending unit built into the transmission.

[Ford Falcon]

EMK,I was thinking the same. I'd like to keep it all Nissan too.

I thought about the T56 at one time, but they were always $$expensive.

Guys, what year Camaros/Mustangs/(other vehicles?) were the T56s in, and does it matter which would be a better fit for the the VH45? Maybe I can find one at a wreckers and get a rebuild kit for it.

[nat0Z]

If you go in between the trans and the bell housing aren't there some drawbacks? If not why have people been wasting so much money on the adapters at the bell housing engine interface. Not flaming here just kinda wondering why nobody seems to mention it because I'm sure we've all thought about it.

And can you explain this in further detail I'm not quite sure I understand what you're saying about the clutch, throwout bearing, and slave cylinder.

hydralic throwout explained below, just have a gander.http://www.weirhotrodproducts.com/id2.h ... ec...s.htm

nato

[Ford Falcon]

Ok, I found some information in Wikipedia on the vehicle applications...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B...ssion

[EMK]

I have read that the Getrag V160 and 161 will bolt right up to the vh45de. I've looked at the gear ratios and although I wouldn't prefer it it does seem to be and option for those guys who want a 350z 6 speed but don't know how to get one to mate up. Can anyone with some Toyota experience confirm or deny this?

[craigztoyz]

I'd like to use the 350Z/G35 6-speed transmission with my VH45. Has anyone done this, and if not, can this be done without much modification (besides the adapter plate)?

My intention is to chop the first 3 or so inches from Q45 bellhousing, and weld it to the G35 bellhousing (with 3 or so inches taken off that). I've only seen the transmission once, and don't have easy access to photos and dimensions, so I've not checked how the starter motor will fit.

Any ideas?

Thats what i want to do to this next project I am starting, but the big problem is mating them flush in line to have no vibrations, balance issues.

i remember a few people back in Feb, talking about using the 6 spd. My issue with it is the 6th gear ratio is the same if not worse then the 5spd. I remember they were very close, so it would not save gas mileage, just means more shifting to get to the same speed, but sometimes it is good to have more gear choices.

[midnightsliding]

im mating a 350z 6 speed up to me VH, i hope soon

[EMK]

I believe this question has been asked but never really answered....What would it take besides an adapter plate to put the 350Z 6 speed behind the VH45DE?

Before everyone goes just use the Z32 5 speed DON'T. I know it's easier I know, but the problem is that they are for some reason hard to find and too expensive when you do. I think 500 for a transmission with 180k miles on it and no knowledge of it's synchro condition because it was pulled out of a beater that's been wrapped around a tree or sitting for years is way too much. My findings have shown 350Z 6 speeds to be plentiful and cheap. With knowledge of there working condition as well as much lower miles. Try 250 for one with good synchros out of and 04 with 57k miles .

Now I understand that this isn't everyones realtiy but this is what I've found now if someone wants to help please be my guest. I just wanna know what it takes to put that trans behind a vh because it seems to be my best reasonable option.

[Carl H]

if you look at my build thread you can see how i kept the vh starter by hybridizing the bellhousings with a ka...works well but is time consuming.as far as the ecu goes, ground the auto signal wires and cel goes away.

[midnightsliding]

EMK i live in Greensboro(well kernersville but my shop in in GSO) i have a Z33 mission that i am going to mate to the VH45 maybe we should get up and figure this sh*t out

[EMK]

Yeah definitely.

My email is [email protected] That comes straight to my phone. Nothing personal I just had a bad experience actually putting my number in an online setting.

I had a couple ideas about how to do to the trans but nothings better than first hand experience. Kernersville is like Greensboro's back yard. Let me know what works for you.

[nismos145]

Curious as to what you guys come up with. I orginally wanted to use the z33 trans for the same reasons. Either way I have already got my motor and a z32 trans, if you need to cross reference anything.

BTW I'm in lexington.

[midnightsliding]

yeah well i already have the Z33 mission i got from a friend for almost free so i would really like to use it. i dunno the next time i will be at my shop i just go up their after work when ever. i was thikin of just getting an adapter plate made for it. i also have a z32 mission but would rather use the 6 speed

[nismos145]

Yea I understand that you want to use the 6 speed, as do I. Either way there was a guy on here SeanDean who was gonna use the z33 trans but then later said he was gonna use a supra box. Here is what he did http://img.photobucket.com/alb...0.jpgh ... lb...m.jpg Anyway its just a thought, helps retain the Q ring gear and starter.

[Carl H]

6spd = more shifts for the same speed.

[midnightsliding]

i just get z33 mission cheaper so i would rather just use it and the one i got now is brand new. so ehh

[nat0Z]

6spd = more shifts for the same speed.

NOT with a tremec with 2 od'sBorg Warner 6sp T-56 Gear Ratios 1st 2.66:1 2nd 1.78:1 3rd 1.30:1 4th 1.00:1 5th 0.74:1 6th 0.50:1so really same gear changes to 5th, then an extra one for low rev'n cruising, why is that worse, no one can explain why except when they talk in comparison to a 350z 6 spd........the t56 looks like the simplest option especially when you have tight space constraints when you can use the hyd throwout as shown in links above.they are plentiful here in aus and i dare say the USA too, put your hard earned cash into one of these with less headache????use the 300zx na flywhel, flip the ring gear and the vh jdm starter meshes, how hard is that? the grab a 300zx NA clutch (aftermarket heavier if you please) use a Gm / tremec type spline on the clutch driven disc, with the right OD for the pressure plate used, use the hyd throwout with appropriate size throwout bearing installed and spaced to operate effectivly and thats pretty much the swap bar the tailshaft and hydraulic master cyl & mounting crossmember.

I dont know if im stupid or everyone being cheap is?? what worth more???

cheers nat0not venting, but i need to get accross to people that are being bum steered into a 300zx / rb box swap with heaps of headache.

[gs14racer]

Let me say first, i prefer a 6 speed on the back of the vh. Having said that, i have to disagree about the headache part.

Z32 trannys can be had for 200 or less, i personally have bought them for 100.00.

Assuming you would go with the mazworx kit, you take the bellhousing off to be machined, 1 hr even if you dont know what your doing. Get it back reinstall it, bolt any z32 flywheel and clutch to the back of the motor install adapter plate and bolt transmission and your done, you even use the z32 starter. Nothing special or difficult here. With the whole mazworx kit, 200 dollar transmission plus clutch and flywheel you could easily beat the cost of an average t56 transmission alone. Here in the states ive seen them go for 1500+.

In my opinion if you want easy than z32 is where its at, if you want to be cool put a t56 on the back.

[Carl H]

that is assuming you go with a z33 box as mentioned in the thread, getrag/tremec boxes wernt considered at the time of the post.

[WizardBlack]

NOT with a tremec with 2 od'sBorg Warner 6sp T-56 Gear Ratios 1st 2.66:1 2nd 1.78:1 3rd 1.30:1 4th 1.00:1 5th 0.74:1 6th 0.50:1so really same gear changes to 5th, then an extra one for low rev'n cruising, why is that worse, no one can explain why except when they talk in comparison to a 350z 6 spd........the t56 looks like the simplest option especially when you have tight space constraints when you can use the hyd throwout as shown in links above.they are plentiful here in aus and i dare say the USA too, put your hard earned cash into one of these with less headache????use the 300zx na flywhel, flip the ring gear and the vh jdm starter meshes, how hard is that? the grab a 300zx NA clutch (aftermarket heavier if you please) use a Gm / tremec type spline on the clutch driven disc, with the right OD for the pressure plate used, use the hyd throwout with appropriate size throwout bearing installed and spaced to operate effectivly and thats pretty much the swap bar the tailshaft and hydraulic master cyl & mounting crossmember.

I dont know if im stupid or everyone being cheap is?? what worth more???

cheers nat0not venting, but i need to get accross to people that are being bum steered into a 300zx / rb box swap with heaps of headache.

You know, I think it's more of a crowd mentality. Someone did the Z32 so many just go for what they know works. I actually was wondering if the T-56 thing might work a while ago. After seeing your post, I'm gonna try to grab one (or at least get all the dim's on it) and see how tough it'd be. The nice thing is, T-56's are in abundance; probably more than Z32's and there is a bigger aftermarket for beefing up the T-56. Gotta check the weights, however. Anyways, I will try to work with someone to get a proper spacer plate designed and post the print for it. Easy enough to print it out and take it to a machine shop to have them cut one out. That way there is no freight for machining a bellhousing and/or no risk with some of the current VG<->VH spacers.

[nismos145]

This guy also used a T-56http://www.cardomain.com/ride/563982/3Once again just trying to help

[nat0Z]

i havent yet personally got both in my hands and measured them up also, however when i do i will draw up a suitable adaptor plate that mates the t56 to the vh45de bellhousing. go to work, get it watercut from whatever thickness it needs to be etc, and run all gear needed.

Z32 trans here in aus will set you back 800-1500 (or rb25 g/box 1000+)the t56 is locally (and i mean locally, here at holdens in adelaide in our VE commodore and hsvs on the back of the lsx motors in them) now yes they can set you back from 800-2000 or more if brand new in a shipping cardboard crate as they often come up like this here.

this gearbox is off a motor with 300 or so kw and a crapload of torque so no dramas there.

getting a plate laser, water, machine cut is like going to the supermarket and asking for your hot chicken cut in 1/4's. tailshaft yolks are common as the commonwhores they come from as are clutches & other associated bits.

i suppose the geographical constraints make the 300zx box a better option, for you yankie boys and the t56 a better option here in aus, but im suprised more people havent explored this option yet.

i certainly shall detail this swap come time i am performing it, prices and all too. currently getting another car done which isnt my baby and it always seems to be this way.

I also feel that a few ppls performing the manual swap dont have the technical ability & know how to take things to that next level of innovation, so they tend to follow a known solution regardless of the guff involved, i think this would be a fair & reasonable assumption to make.

but if anyone is starting the t56 bellhousing swap before myself, make sure you post your findings up here in nico.

as for the g35/350z 6 speed swap, i feel having the 1 overdrive (4 shifts to 1.0:1 ratio) is not a disadvantage as it all comes down to final drive ratios, so you would have technicly a close ratio box, which may suit some people for racing, driving style etc etc, i suppose it comes down to horses for courses!!!

nat0PS i have heaps of t56 pics and bellhousing and g/box front pics and also the hydraulic throwout setup too, ip any one wants to see them.