2002 Maxima 6speed with SPEC-V trans

[tater02]

Just wondering what all needs to be done to swap a 2006 spec-v manual transmission into a 2002 Maxima 6 speed? The reason I ask is because the input shaft bearing on my 02 maxima went. I have been looking for used transmission(car-parts.com) but all used maxima trans from 02up are at least $800, locking/non diff. Used spec-v transmissions are about half the cost plus most have lsd too. I heard sentra owners have done the swap when puttin a 3.5 in the sentra, wondering if any maxima owners have done the same process.

-I know the bellhousing need to be switched. I have the bellhouseing separated from my maxima trans case. How do you disassemble the gear set from the existing maxima bellhousing with the spec-v gear set? Is it hard?

-Speedometer, is it needed, if so how do you connect it?\


RFS6F51H ('05 & '06 Maxima)
3rd gear double-cone synchronizer
1st & 2nd triple-cone synchronizer

RFS6F51H ('04 Maxima):
2nd triple-cone synchronizer
1st double-cone synchronizer

RFS6F51H ('02 & '03 Maxima):
1st & 2nd double-cone synchronizer

RFS6F51H (04-06 Sentra):
2nd triple-cone synchronizer
1st double-cone synchronizer

RFS6F51H (02-03 Sentra)
1st & 2nd double-cone synchronizer


Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

[maxhopper]

Welcome to NICO.

You can find overhaul instructions for the trans starting on page AT-283 of the FSM. http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/maxima/2002/AT.pdf

Not sure about the speedometer.

Just wondering...why are you using the Spec V trans (I'm guessing the gearing)?

[tater02]

The input shaft bearing my 02 maxima broke so I need to repair the transmission. The reason why I chose a spec-v trans is because of price and lsd. Spec-v used manual trans run about $400-600 cheaper then maxima trans. Also, I have found alot more spec-v trans with less mileage then maxima trans.

[maxhopper]

Interesting. Please keep us updated.

[Fezzik]

I didnt think the spec V would fit into a 2k2 6mt. I could be wrong cause i have no done it. The 6mt max did come with a LSD as well.

[tater02]

I bought a used 06 spec v trans with only 27000 miles (car-parts.com) and swapped the sentra bellhousing with the maxima bellhousing. My friend switched the bellhousings, because both transmissions have the gear-sets mounted in the bellhousing, which requires some internal transmission skills to remove/install. I have pictures, but not sure how to insert them. Anyway, I should have the trans installed this weekend.

Total cost <600 ; trans and bellhousing switch
advantages: LSD, extra synchro in 2nd gear

[the converted]

You'll have to host them through photobucket or a similar program. Lets seem some pictures!

[tater02]

Project is done. It is possible to use a sentra transmission with a maxima bellhousing in a 2002 maxima 6 spd. Also, fidanza flywheel and 350z clutch works great with this setup.

[Fezzik]

Awesome find tater. Good job. Post some pics of the install, and a writeup if you can.

[tmakt]

Yes, you can use a Spec-V transmission for your maxima. You just need the maxima LSD bellhousing. part number: 30400-8H810.

[the converted]

So the LSD bell is different than the open bell? How bad was it swapping everything over?

[tater02]

I'm not sure if the open and lsd bell are different. I used the original bell from my 2002 Maxima SE which was a open diff. I had the transmission in for 8000 miles now, no problems.

I had a friend who did the swap. He has experience with working on manual transmissions. It took him 5 hours to complete and about $170 to do.

I could probably do the swap myself, by using the information from nico repair manual (to get all the clearances right); but I was in school at the time.