Differential Compatibility for 97 Q45?

[NYCQDude]

I have read that a 300ZX diff bolts into a Q45 with just a swap on the drive flange and maybe removing some material from the 300zx diff cover (or off the Q45 sub frame - not sure which is safer to do?).

I just picked up the 300ZX dif and planned on putting it in until my mechanic said that it's a HUGE difference in highway power vs low end acceleration. How huge a difference will it be? He also said although the Q45 diff is 3.69, there are probably other Nissan diffs between the 3.69 and 4.08 that might be a good upgrade without costing top end speed. He said maybe a J30 (or I30 - don't remember)?

Is there a bolt on swap a bit higher than the Q, but not as high as the 300ZX?

Also, will any diff swap for much more wear and tear on the tranni?

Your help is appreciated!

[NYCQDude]

Nobody has any comments on diffs?

[maxnix]

Nobody has any comments on diffs?

Plenty in the previous posts, but most concern the F50 and G50. All Nissan differentials differ slightly, especially in the Infiniti series. No simple bolt ups, many difficult ones.
Modified by maxnix at 11:32 AM 4/13/2010

[NYCQDude]

Thank you Brian. I had seen previous posts on the 300ZX swap but never saw anyone comment on 3.90 rears (but I may have not dug deep enough).

I'm just not sure a 4.08 is practical for a daily driver, but I do like the idea of some low end pick up...

[maxnix]

Unless you want a sprinter, just not worth the trouble. Can't think of anyone who has done it on a FGY33 unless it was farfetched. He did a lot of weird things, but like most of those that do, he sold it.

Search his posts.

[qsiguy]

I put a 4.08 on my '94. Not that big of a difference so don't get too excited. It's not going to make you do wheel stands off the line or anything like that. I am planning to put my OEM diff back on at some point in the near future. Plus with my turbo I think I like the powerband better with the stock rear end. Highway RPM @ 65 is also higher than I like, It's like driving down the highway with the gated shifter down in 3rd instead of 'D' when you are in stock form.

[NYCQDude]

I put a 4.08 on my '94. Not that big of a difference so don't get too excited. It's not going to make you do wheel stands off the line or anything like that. I am planning to put my OEM diff back on at some point in the near future. Plus with my turbo I think I like the powerband better with the stock rear end. Highway RPM @ 65 is also higher than I like, It's like driving down the highway with the gated shifter down in 3rd instead of 'D' when you are in stock form.

Thank you all for your responses. I am actually going to skip the swap for now Thanks to QSIGuy's experiences with the larger rear. Will stick with suspension (found a pair of NOS Eibach's!), breaking (bought some cross slotted/drilled rotors and ceramic pads) and some new wheels. Might do the Jet chip upgrade as JW and NICO do not make chips for the '97. Put together a makeshift ram air intake. very little difference at idle up to a few thousand, but once I push the pedal I do get a bit more aggressive acceleration (and it sounds cool lol)...