dead transmission / manual transmission swap

[KillerAngel]

Well my '95 Q45 (with only 83k miles) now has an almost dead transmission. This is a $7k replacement job according to the dealership so i gota give my dad (his car) some options. Chances are we'll just get a new car since the car is 11 years old anyway, but i was thinking that if he would let me put a new transmission in if i could stick a manual in there for about the same price. My question is could this be done for about $7K and what kind of transmission am i lookin at getting and if anyone here could fix me up an adaptor plate and provide plans so i can make one. Also, any suggestions on who to have swap out the transmission? Any help, info, or whatever would be greatly appreciated...

[sijoko]

For about $200, you can get JDM takeouts on Ebay.

With shipping, let's say you spent $400 for the trans. Then you have to pay someone to install it. That is the cheapest route.

You could also upgrade to a performance rebuild from Level Ten or Import Performance Trans. (IPT) for around $3000-$3600.

Going to the dealer is most expensive choice.But you could just buy the Nissan factory rebuild trans and have it installed elsewhere.

You could even do it yourself if you are mechanically inclined.

One thing I would not recommend is going with some local transmission shop.

Level Ten and IPT are specialists when it comes to the Jatco transmissions.

[elwesso]

For about $200, you can get JDM takeouts on Ebay.

With shipping, let's say you spent $400 for the trans. Then you have to pay someone to install it. That is the cheapest route.

You could also upgrade to a performance rebuild from Level Ten or Import Performance Trans. (IPT) for around $3000-$3600.

Going to the dealer is most expensive choice.But you could just buy the Nissan factory rebuild trans and have it installed elsewhere.

You could even do it yourself if you are mechanically inclined.

One thing I would not recommend is going with some local transmission shop.

Level Ten and IPT are specialists when it comes to the Jatco transmissions.

I agree!! you can get remans from Joe for $1800, and $500 labor or so (3-4-5 hours labor), so it remains under $2500 shipped and installed fora nissan rebuilt trans..... Thatd be the best way to go, as the remans last as long as OEM or at least very close

Ive never seen an MT swap on the Q45 done, but everything is out ther eto make it posisble....

[RobertsnewQ]

Ive never seen an MT swap on the Q45 done, but everything is out ther eto make it posisble....

Where's the adapter????

[elwesso]

Theres a guy in chicago that can make them

Theres a post about it here in the Q45 forum somewhere, John Dixon posted it.

[KillerAngel]

call me stupid... i cant quite find any info on it. Anyone feel like pointing me in the right direction? A manual trans would really be nice...

And im not really sure what a JDM takeout is...

[RobertsnewQ]

Theres a guy in chicago that can make them

Theres a post about it here in the Q45 forum somewhere, John Dixon posted it.

I must have missed one. Here's my list of transmission adapter resources:

John Dixon (working on it)450zxtt (wants $450 and have to wait for him to pull the engine to reproduce)RBmotoring (for the 350z trans, not done?)Driftjunkie (for his 240 swap, not done?)Some guy in New Zealand?

[elwesso]

The information is going to be extremely hard to fiond and in many cases non existant, becaues no one has documentation of it being done. I have heard rumors of it being done, but nothing more....

Heres what we know: A few people can make adapter plates, but assume you will have to make the adapter your self (to mate the Z32 MT to the VH45). The Z32 clutch/flywheel will bolt onto the Vh45. Then you will have to have a custom made driveshaft (or maybe use a combination front half Z32 driveshaft and a rear half Q45 driveshaft), and somehow mount the pedal. the pedal shouldnt be too terrible, but you definitely will have to remove the E brake pedal and relocate the BCM..

FAR FAR FAR from a bolt on or something thats easy, but its not impossible.

[sijoko]

Where's the adapter????

Didn't the guy who put the VH45 in his 300zx make an adapter plate for the Z32 trans? He had said that he wanted to sell them.

I would like to see a newer auto trans installed. The new six speed GM 6l80E and 6l90E transmissions look really good.

Check out these gear ratios: First=4.02:1 Second=2.36:1 Third=1.53:1 Fourth=1.15:1 Fifth=0.85:1 Sixth=0.67:1 Reverse=3.06:1

This is a good match with the factory differential gearing. It would negate the need to get a 4.08 differential.

From what I have read about them, they are the same length as the 4l60e 4 speed autos found on most GM vehicles, which means they should fit in our cars.

These trannies are going to installed on a lot of the GM trucks and SUVs soon. Also, the Corvette is supposed to get it too.

If they are reliable, then it would be worth it to build an adapter plate to connect it to the VH45DE.

You would get a super low first gear for takeoff and enough gears in the middle to keep the engine in its power band. Finally, you would have lower cruising rpms for better gas mileage.

[Q45tech]

If you are persuasive almost any Infiniti dealer will sell a Nissan reman unit to a local shop [25% discount] for less than $2,000 [delivered] with core exchange. Many Nissan specialty shops will accept $600 labor to do the swap. Also you must make sure the dual inradiator heat exchanger is clear and not blocked up with crud........why dealer wants to change radiator and TCU [special new one mandated for reman [not necessary].

You must shop prices.

[96Qowner]

I would like to see a newer auto trans installed. The new six speed GM 6l80E and 6l90E transmissions look really good.

Check out these gear ratios: First=4.02:1 Second=2.36:1 Third=1.53:1 Fourth=1.15:1 Fifth=0.85:1 Sixth=0.67:1 Reverse=3.06:1

This is a good match with the factory differential gearing. It would negate the need to get a 4.08 differential.

From what I have read about them, they are the same length as the 4l60e 4 speed autos found on most GM vehicles, which means they should fit in our cars.

These trannies are going to installed on a lot of the GM trucks and SUVs soon. Also, the Corvette is supposed to get it too.

If they are reliable, then it would be worth it to build an adapter plate to connect it to the VH45DE.

You would get a super low first gear for takeoff and enough gears in the middle to keep the engine in its power band. Finally, you would have lower cruising rpms for better gas mileage.

Yep, that's what I want. I drove a 05 Max with the V6 and 6 speed auto and loved it, absolutely loved it. With that many gears, the transmission is perfected mated to engine torque.

[RobertsnewQ]

The information is going to be extremely hard to fiond and in many cases non existant, becaues no one has documentation of it being done. I have heard rumors of it being done, but nothing more....

Heres what we know: A few people can make adapter plates, but assume you will have to make the adapter your self (to mate the Z32 MT to the VH45). The Z32 clutch/flywheel will bolt onto the Vh45. Then you will have to have a custom made driveshaft (or maybe use a combination front half Z32 driveshaft and a rear half Q45 driveshaft), and somehow mount the pedal. the pedal shouldnt be too terrible, but you definitely will have to remove the E brake pedal and relocate the BCM..

FAR FAR FAR from a bolt on or something thats easy, but its not impossible.

I'm ready, I've done manual swaps on four cars and I'm ready for my biggest challenge.

I almost forgot there is anothe one-off adapter out there - that guy with the VH45 powered 240z on cardomain - but his is for a TREMEC trans. I'd rather go with the 300zx.

[elwesso]

Didn't the guy who put the VH45 in his 300zx make an adapter plate for the Z32 trans? He had said that he wanted to sell them.

I would like to see a newer auto trans installed. The new six speed GM 6l80E and 6l90E transmissions look really good.

Check out these gear ratios: First=4.02:1 Second=2.36:1 Third=1.53:1 Fourth=1.15:1 Fifth=0.85:1 Sixth=0.67:1 Reverse=3.06:1

This is a good match with the factory differential gearing. It would negate the need to get a 4.08 differential.

From what I have read about them, they are the same length as the 4l60e 4 speed autos found on most GM vehicles, which means they should fit in our cars.

These trannies are going to installed on a lot of the GM trucks and SUVs soon. Also, the Corvette is supposed to get it too.

If they are reliable, then it would be worth it to build an adapter plate to connect it to the VH45DE.

You would get a super low first gear for takeoff and enough gears in the middle to keep the engine in its power band. Finally, you would have lower cruising rpms for better gas mileage.

interesting info siju.... I think its something worth looking into, but dont you think the MT swap would be significantly easier??? I guess it depends what you want, if you want a luxury cruiser with mad balls, then the auto might be the way to go.. But if you want a M5 killer, the MT seems the way to go.

main problem I see is electronics becuase its an OBDII and GM has a habit of making all their electical systems self inclusive. In other words, there isnta seperate TCU and ECU like on nissans, the engine and trans is controlled by the PCM (powertrain contorl module)..

Getting it to work in the Q (mounted and stuff) is only half the battle, getting it to OPERATE properly would be hell.... With the MT swap you only have to wire up very basic things.

[96Qowner]

And im not really sure what a JDM takeout is...

Been trying to find the JDM place someone recently recommended. Anyone remember?

[sijoko]

Wes,

No matter which way I look at it, the cost is still high in a transmission swap.

I am looking at every option.

Swapping in another auto trans has advantages in that you won't have to fit the pedals in the car.

Also, you won't have to chop up the interior for a shifter.

In the end, it is costs vs. benefits.

-Siju

[KillerAngel]

for me a MT is a pretty big benifit...

Im pretty lacking in knowledge when compaired to all you guys, but we got a game plan for a MT swap? If its about $7K i think i really would do it... A documented MT swap would be nice for a lot of people i think...

[elwesso]

Wes,

No matter which way I look at it, the cost is still high in a transmission swap.

I am looking at every option.

Swapping in another auto trans has advantages in that you won't have to fit the pedals in the car.

Also, you won't have to chop up the interior for a shifter.

In the end, it is costs vs. benefits.

-Siju

I agree with your reasoning, and im glad your at least throwing this out there. I hope I am not sounding dismissive.

One thing you might be able to do is oif the auto trans has a removeable bellhousing (the GM one, i bet it does) you could probably make it fit and that way you could ues the Q45 starter ... Still theres gonna be a TON of work to make the Q45 ECU and GM trans controller (however it works) work together.....

[66mgb]

Check this guy out -> http://www.cardomain.com/ride/563982

Looks like he might have a pattern for the GM 6-speed.

[DrewQ45]

call me stupid... i cant quite find any info on it. Anyone feel like pointing me in the right direction? A manual trans would really be nice...

And im not really sure what a JDM takeout is...

JDM = Japanese domestic market. Simply means used transmissions that are imported from Japan. Usually less than 60K on them since Japanese inspection regulations/costs are such that they deter one from keeping a car for more than say 3-4 years. With that high turnover, there is a glut of good (and sometimes bad) used parts being imported from there. I went that route when mine failed last year. The first transmission I picked up was bad, the 2nd good and even with two installs, I was only out of pocket $1500 total.

Whatever you do, don't buy one from ebay as there is little recourse. Much of what you pay will be shipping which is never refundable. Suggest looking for JDM parts seller in your area. Try google, or ask local mechanics if they know of any.

...Drew...

[Q45tech]

"Usually less than 60K on them since Japanese inspection regulations/costs are such that they deter one from keeping a car for more than say 3-4 years."

The Japanese drive less than 10,000 miles per year on average [take trains buses taxi] because gas in currently $4.90-$5.10 per gallon [that's cheap compared to EU where it runs to $6.25 per gallon].......traffic is so bad that it takes to long by car.

Since the last new 90-93 transmission was made in 93.........13 years ago.

http://www-cta.ornl.gov/data/t...7.xls

""The first ones to talk to the government about this were the car manufacturers, and they convinced the government to enforce a rule that used cars have to go to the technical inspection after 3 years, and this is a costly matter since a check costs between 1500 and 3500 EUR. Once you're in the system, you have to get your car checked every 2 years, and once your car is 10 years old, you need to go there every year. This is a reason why the Japanese change cars quite fast, usually before the car is 3 years old. Important aspect is that you have no control whatsoever on the cost of possible repairs, because after the technical check, the car is driven to the garage and they do the repairs that the technical check asked them to do, you just get the bill with your car. A very nice rip-off... and this system is being envied by a lot of other domains, like the electronics domain at this moment.

So from April 1st 2006, ALL electronic products sold in Japan before 2001 will be prohibited from the 2nd hand market! """

from driving in Jap Blog.

[maxnix]

I must have missed one. Here's my list of transmission adapter resources:

John Dixon (working on it)450zxtt (wants $450 and have to wait for him to pull the engine to reproduce)RBmotoring (for the 350z trans, not done?)Driftjunkie (for his 240 swap, not done?)Some guy in New Zealand?

Then there's the guy who made an adapter for the T-56.

[djessyjames]

SWAP OUT YOUR STOCK Q REAR END 90-96 AND PUT IN A STOCK 90-96 300ZX NON TURBO 4.083 GEARS, IVE GOT 2 AVAILABLE

[maxnix]

SWAP OUT YOUR STOCK Q REAR END 90-96 AND PUT IN A STOCK 90-96 300ZX NON TURBO 4.083 GEARS, IVE GOT 2 AVAILABLE

WE CAN HEAR YOU FINE!!!!

Now we have established that, do they have the 6 bolt flanges in place also? Believe the pinion shaft is different also?

[louiegz]

I really don't know if I would like the Q as a manual. Believe you me, I prefer stick shift cars, but I think I prefer a car like the Q auto. The 4 speed box that the Q has now is crap with many dead spots in certain city driving situations. Be great if anyone figures out how to put that 6 speed GM auto that was being talked about in this thread.

zerothread?id=164306

I'd just put the stock auto and save yourself the aggravation. It hasn't been done in a Q before and since it looks like you're not doing the work yourself, you'll spend more cash than you want to.

[elwesso]

Lou, you should consider the ECU upgrade....

[louiegz]

Lou, you should consider the ECU upgrade....

So Wes, what does this ECU upgrade do for me? What exactly does this ECU do and how hard is it for me to swap?

[elwesso]

So Wes, what does this ECU upgrade do for me? What exactly does this ECU do and how hard is it for me to swap?

The ECU will give you about 25-30HP and will defiinitely make the dead spots in the Q seem much less dead... It will also make your car about 95% as fast as mine...

Swap would take about 20mins, if you replacing the window regulator on a scale on 1 to 10 was a 5, swaping the ECU is about a 2.5-3...