2000 Pathfinder SE Automatic to manual conversion?

[SEguy]

Hello,

I've been doing a research on this matter, I currently drive a 2000 (1999.5 really) Pathfinder SE with part time 4WD (Manual transfer case, 4 speed automatic transmission). It has the VG33E block in it.

I'm looking to start upgrading the engine with forced induction, as I hear the VG series are incredibly overbuilt and can handle 15PSI of boost on stock internals, but I also hear that the auto transmission provides much more losses then the manual counterpart (plus admit it, manual is much more fun to drive).

From resources on the net, I found this PDF on 1996-1999 pathfinders, an older design before it got the facelift in 1999.5

http://overlandtrucks.com/system-f/Tran ... _final.pdf

However, I don't know if nissan kept the internals more or less the same, would the swap process be more or less the same with compatible mounts? Could I just find a 2000 manual from another pathfinder and the drivetrain,TC, engine mounts be exactly the same as the auto? (minus replacing the flywheel, adding a clutch, and all the nessasary hardware to accompany this transmission)?

Is there any addtional information on doing a transmission swap for a 2000 model that I may have overlooked?
I realize it is probably simpler to find a manual truck instead and work on it, rather then do a transmission swap, but I don't think I'll be able to do that.

Thank you for your time, I would apprecaite any help I can get.

[Towncivilian]

I'm not aware of anybody having done an auto -> manual swap on an R50. One or two people did a 2WD -> 4WD swap. I know more auto to manual swaps have been done with WD21 Pathfinders and as far as I know it's just pretty much bolt everything in and you're set since the same ECU can be used.

That PDF is fairly in-depth and everything should be the same for a post-facelift VG33E R50 as far as I can tell.

An RE4R01A-HD transmission from a 2001+ Pathfinder or Xterra may be worth looking into; the internal components of the transmission were upgraded to back the VQ35DE engine. See details here.

[SEguy]

Thanks for that link,

From the looks of it nissan didn't even bother changing the transmission housing/mounts, only the internals, seems like there is no even external difference between the two, only internals. (which is fine, I suppose the heavier duty transmission would be usefull once I go forced induction).

[Towncivilian]

You're correct. At least one person on NPORA (Mr.510) has swapped an RE4R01A-HD trans into their WD21 to back a VG34i. An adapter is required for WD21s I believe, but for an R50 it should be a direct swap assuming you pulled the trans out of another R50. Not sure if an Xterra RE4R01A-HD will swap into an R50 without any trouble.

Welcome to NICO, by the way.

[SEguy]

That sounds encouraging, I'll have to see whats at pick-n-pull next time I'm there.
One thing I didn't get,

So an 01-04 Xterra transmission (auto), is a straight bold on job (auto to auto won't be complicated, its pretty simple) but the RE4R01A-HD is simply a beefed up version of my transmission?

The 01-04 Xterra manual transmissions (5 speed) are the same mounts also?

EDIT: didn't see the edit you made on your post, that makes sence now, cheers.

[Towncivilian]

I'm not certain whether an Xterra HD trans or manual trans will be a direct swap to an R50, sorry. The mount points might be different between VG33E and VQ35DE (2001-2004) equipped R50s as well, now that I think of it. You may wish to post on NPORA to see if anybody has some concrete information regarding if anything is a direct swap with no adapters required.

[SEguy]

Will do.

Thank you for your time and great help!