automatic z32 to vh45 swap

[MRJERRY300ZX]

I was wondering besides the adapter plate that mazworx offers what else would be needed to complete the project? I have everything pretty much completed motor mounts, rear sump oil pan, fuel pump, things of that nature.My motor is in its final resting place . Npez is finishing up the harness for me which is a big help!! I was also wondering if my auto Z32 transmission would be able to handle the power of the vh45 or if I should upgrade to the TT auto? are the transmission computers similar between the two or would I have to get the TT transmission computer? Thanx in advance!

[Carl H]

use the q45 trans as it is beast when compared to the z32 auto trans...just use the z32 autotrans logic and you'll have an autobox vh that wont suck.

[T45]

The bellhousings are interchangable from what I've heard, no need for a Mazworx adapter, just swap bellhousings. But then again, the Q trans was designed for the torque of the VH, not sure if the NA Z auto has enough ballz.

One way to find out though... use the Z trans until it blows up, then swap in the Q trans. Just my logic, I seem to like doing things twice...

[MRJERRY300ZX]

I have the q45 transmission already just trying to make it easier for Npez as far as the wiring goes because so far it's been a P.I.T.A. for him because the transmission harness that I have it's missing some of the trans control sensors thats making it more difficult to get the harness completed and I'm not trying to take to much more of his time, plus he's been a big help already. Has anybody to date did the swap with a automatic? my next line of business is mating both the Q45/Z32 driveshaft together. I got quotes and the cheapest around here is like $400

[T45]

Shouldn't cost you that much, most driveshaft shops are in the 150-250 range. If you keep the Z auto you can keep the trans in the same location, using the stock driveshaft. That's what I did on my 5 sp swap. The VH will fit fine in front of the trans, the only tight spot is at the radiator requiring lots of enginuity to get the rad hoses plumbed.

I think you could also use the truck trans or similar without all the computer controls. Any auto trans bolted up to a VG30X-XX should work. I am unsure about the auto's elec controls between the models. Not a lot of auto guru's online but maybe someone could chime in with their torque convertor wizdom.

[SuperHatch]

Even though the Z and Q bellhousings swap, it creates problems. The Z32 bell is a different length than the Q bell, so the trans ends up 1.1" farther back with the Q bell, screwing up clearances, driveshaft, etc.

My suggestion would be a Z TT Auto, which is the same internally as the Q auto, get the Maz adaptor. Use the Z TT flexplate, torque converter, trans, lower harness, and TCU. Then use the Q engine ECU. Adapt the Send/Recieve signals from the Q ECU to the appropriate places on the Z TCU. You may still need a custom driveshaft.

[nissantech4x4]

did any of this work yet Im doing vh45de swap and want to keep auto in 02 frontier I have eng,ecm,harness,trans but am interested to know if I can use my stock 4x4 trans or should i use Qs trans and swap tailshafts and get tcm

[elwesso]

Remember that the stock auto Q trans is an RE4R03A which is the same as a TT...

So if you're using a stock TT auto trans thered be no reason to go to a Q trans. Use the Z32 bellhousing, torque converter and flex plate!

In the long run if you're gonna have to get the adapter plate, you're going to cause far less hassle to use the 5 speed instead of the auto, unless you're dead set on using the auto!

[darinz]

Remember that the stock auto Q trans is an RE4R03A which is the same as a TT...

And Patrol! VH to 4x4 is a bolt up with no adapters needed.I'd check to see if the RE4R01A trans has the same pattern as 3A as the Fronteir Transfer case may bolt straight up! (I'm not sure but worth a look)

Patrol T-case is RH drop so doesn't suit Nissan IFS.

[DJ Raijin]

what about a pathfinder?

I'd love to have a VH45 Pathfinder for a DD....with 4x4