I've searched the third gen pages and have come up empty handed. I own a 90 Maxima SE with an automatic transmission. I wanted to know if anyone here has dropped a 5-speed manual in an automatic maxima already? Converting a 74 Chevy from Auto to Manual was pretty straightforward, but I don't want to end up ruining my max. Like my dad says, if it aint broke don't fix it. I just love standad transmissions! Any info is greatly appreciated

 

there are instruction for a 4th gen on a site i found. It might help a little bit. I've heard of some people swapping the trannies. It's definately possible. here's the link to the 4th gen swap, it might help out a little. http://www.css.tayloru.edu/~hheiner/...autoto5spd.htm

 

kinda hard to believe you came up empty handed, i know this has been talked about. For a 90 imo its a waste of time, for what your car is worth you would be better off selling it and finding a 5 speed vg/ve max. Search again

 

I dunno, I've heard of a few people doing it for well under $2000!!!

but yeah unless you can't live without a 5spd, or are upgrading it for FI reasons, or you can't afford Level 10, then I see no major reason to swap.....but if you got the cajones, go for it!

 

would you say that a level 10 auto tranny is faster then the 5-speed..
i would think it would be...

 

the gearing of an auto is still different, unless they re-geared it. it will shift faster than a 5-speed but until the gearing is the same or better the auto will still be slower. (i would also think there would be more power draining out of an auto due to so much more crap in there compared to a manual. auto is also heavier than a manual)

 

off the line a COMPLETE Level 10 auto tranny would most likely murder most if not all 5spd Max's due to the high stall TC, and the VB would help relatively match the shifting between the two, but highend would be a toss up based on other mods between the two cars! all in all I'd say yes it will most likely make the car as fast if not faster than a 5spd! but as far as I know no one has ever done any real comparisons so I'm not sure...

 

How much do you think a full Level 10 transmission upgrade would cost?

 

I think $3500+/- for the entire tranny rebuild(upgraded interals, high stall TC and VB), but you can also by their upgraded internals(PTS kit) seperately for $800, Protourque TC for $400 and Level 10 VB for $700(or Don's VB for $450, if he still makes it) and have a shop do the rebuild for you for arounf $1000+/-.....it comes out to be around the same price($500+/- less), but labor charges will vary depending on the shop you goto.

 

is a level 10 practical for everyday driving??

 

i still think a manual is better than an auto. you can just control everything a lot better. i.e. staying in gear when you want, peeling out when you want, etc... you also have 1 more gear... which would probably help on top end. and the thing is lighter i'm pretty sure. the manuals are light enough for me to lift it up on a table and carry it around and stuff.

 

yes....the stall on their converters aren't set too high(I think 2800rpm) so it should be cool, plus they list it as a "street/strip" application, you'll definently need better traction tires though because of the upgraded TC!

 

ah yes search does yield wonderful things..

i am as well currently toying around the idea with some type of "tranny work" whether it be a simple rebuild of my auto, a 5 spd swap or now this 'Level 10' i hear about. I plan on keeping my VE for awhile until it dies basically, so i want to have something i can enjoy and will last. Id like to have the 5 spd, but im weighing my options and questioning the practicality of this major mechanical work to the car. Also I dont plan on heavily modding this car performacewise so i dont think the level 10 is absolutely necessary, but if its an "easier/simpler" job than a 5 spd swap i may consider it; plus i wouldnt mind the better off-the-line jump Also the objective of the high stall TC If the car keeps launching at higher rpms wouldnt that harm the tranny over time?

i know max/od is knowledgable on this being that it was done to his car...btw congrats on the turbo work i cant wait to see some times

This wasnt strictly a direct question i know, but sometimes just posting my situation helps me organize my thoughts...this was a helpful thread so far, im looking forward to more comments and info...thanks all

 

5 speeds are funner to drive. DA-MAX knows his ****, so listen to him.

 

Hehe. I have all the parts in my garage and it was only $600 (got a good deal)! That includes tranny, flywheel, pressure plate (need a new one), master cylinder, slave cylinder, all the lines, shifter assembly, shift ****, shift boot/console piece, all the mounting bolts and a bunch of other stuff. Now I just need a new clutch, throw out bearing, flywheel resurfaced, pressure plate, etc (about $180). All in all, it will cost me way under $1k when added up. I just wish I could get some time to do it!

 

I know 2 people who have done it. I watched one of them. The key is to make sure that you have both cars handy, because you'll never know what oddball piece you're gonna need.