This is a pretty self-specific Maxima project question and probably won't help anyone else's projects that I know of. It still applies to a 4th gen Maxima.

Since you guys seem to be pretty gung-ho on Nissan (as I am) maybe you can give suggestions. I am debating 3 transmissions for my current project. The engine output is under 500 (No N2O) [guesstimated at ~420-450] for now and will be heavy output on the bottom end. I am debating the VG30DETT 5 speed, the new VQ35DE (Z) 6 speed and the RB25DET (GTS) 5 speed. I have already ruled out the SR20DET 6 speed (S15) and 5 speeds (S13/S14). The engine is mated to a S13 5 speed now and it's shredded. Before I move on to the next stage - and next chassis - I'd like some input. It needs to be able to take torque.

I'm most concerned with durability. I'm not known for being nice to my cars at launch. I baby them and take good care of them... except at takeoff. I'm leaning toward the GTS tranny, but no shops I know have a clue about it. The VG tranny is cheap and available, but I'm not sure on durability. I would like very much to go with the Z gearbox, but again, don't know about how it will take it. It will be mated to a Kaaz 2-way R200 VLSD (3.7 ratio) + custom shafts.

Regardless, I will have the transmission built a t a point in the future, but not off the bat. I need to be able to rely on it for testing purposes. This is a very non-standard project and don't want to have to worry about the volatility of the transmission. Too many other variables to mess with just now. The engine output will go over 500 at some point after the initial bugs are worked out, and that is when I will build the selected gearbox.

Any suggestions? What is the most potent Nissan RWD transmission out of the box? Would anyone suggest going with a non-Nissan transmission?

 

No one has any input? The rear suspension geometry is finished and mostly fabricated, the differential is temporarily in place, the tunnel is virtually nonexistent, the gas tank is gone, the trunk is gone.... just looking for a suggestion. The Z32 guys say the VG tranny, the Z33 guys say the 6 speed. The Silvia guys say the GTS box. Just wondering if you guys have any input since it is for a Maxima and no one will have any pre-RWD bias.

 

get a beefy ford rear end and a gts box