Hey guys,

I ordered a Maximum tuning VB from a member here on the org and will hopefully get a chance to install it within the next few days. I already have the fluid and I am going to pick up a pan gasket and filter kit. Is there anything else you can think of that I might need?

I remember when I recalibrate mine last time there was a spring that fell out. Does anyone have any heads up's or suggestions for me this time around? Thanks!

Oh yeah, I added a tranny cooler last time when I did that mod... Should probably do it again since they are pretty cheap.

Any recommendations on a cooler?

 

1.) Put it in N or D when removing it so it's easier to get around the gear selector rod "thingy" when you put it back in.

2.) Keep an eye on the o-rings when you drop it, highly unlikely they will fall out, but it's better to be aware.
Of course keep an eye for the spring, but it's pretty big and wont be hard to find unless you're doing it on a sidewalk and it rolls into traffic.

3.) Cooler isn't necessary IMO, I don't have one on my car and it has 124k. But by all means, it's a good idea, but it doesn't have to be done at this time. Hayden 404 used to be popular back in the day.

4.) How did you "recalibrate" last time?

 

Hey thanks,

last time I ordered a kit online and dropped the VB, cracked it open S**t my pants and just followed the instructions ( it has the gaskets and a few other things like springs and I had to remove some of the ball bearings and stuff like that it was back in like 2001 I really don't recall all that came with it)

 

Ahh yes, one of those DIY deals. I thought that's what you meant.

 

NEVER AGAIN! lol jk maybe again... wait no NEVER AGAIN!

 

I am hoping to install the VB within the next few days. I have 6 qts of fluid, how many do I need?

 

I would get like 3 or 4 more. Just to be safe. Stuff leaks out anytime the freakin pan isn't under it.

 

Get a stacked plate cooler, not the fin/tube one....... much more efficent

 

I used to have a fin/tube. I will look into the stacked plates.

Does anyone have an estimated time for how long this takes? I am thinking a few hours... Also IIRC there is a lever that connects to the tranny for the gear select that has to go in exactly how it comes out so I will look for that.

 

It took me about an hour from beg. to end. The pain is all the tranny pan bolts and associated bolts on the VB. Check Jime's write-up or the write-up on VQPOWER or if you have an FSM, check it, because not all the visible bolts need to be loosened in order to remove the VB from the tranny.

 

I printed out a picture with the bolts I need to remove. I am going to do it tomorrow night after work. I cleared a space in the garage tonight. Also I just realized I have syntetic ATF-4 so I have to go get new fluid anyways :/ I have 7 quarts lol. Dang it!

What type of oil should I get since I cant use my ATF+4?

 

I usually go w/ either Matic D from Nissan, or read the label at your local parts store and get whatever reads Nissan Matic D compatible in the back of the label. I forgot the brand I went with last since I had a few problems and ran out of Matic D, and my nearest Nissan dealer is 60 mi round trip.

 

Maybe I can return my ATF+4 to Walmart... I think they take returns without receipts lol. It sucks I bought it for our dodge but I ended up selling it before I used the fluid.

 

Quick question, is the tq spec for the VB to tranny bolts 80in lbs? I can't remember lol.

 

If you have the FSM it will be right in there. I believe it is though.

 

Started working on this about 40 mins ago. I have the pan and filter off. And the replacement vb unpacked and ready to go in. I was down there and noticed some coolant and oil possibly? between where the trans and engine hook up. I will upload pics of the leak later.

 

I also noticed when I shake the new VB around I can hear the bearings moving around... is this normal? Its from and org member who had it done by maximum tuning.

 

oooh man, I am such a loser. I took my time with everything checked all the bolts for tq 3 times cleaned everything off and what did I forget to do????

PLUG THE DAMN SOLENOIDS HARNESS IN... I bought an extra pan gasket anyways so I am going back outside and going to drop it and plug it in... Glad I bought 9 qts of fluid too lol... FML

 

This has to be the roughest install of a VB ever... Well not really just had a bunch of snags, all self induced lol. Anyways I finally got a chance to drive it around and my slipping is completely gone! I am not a fan of the 1-2 shift though, its great for WOT but it really bothers me driving around... I was about a quart low when I was driving it though so it may have helped after I added some more fluid... I will test it tomorrow.

 

you don't like it because its a like a slam into gear feel?

Thats how I ended up setting up my Maxima and my Grand prix is no different either LOL, you get used to it. Its hard to explain to the person who is buying the car from you though LOL.

 

Yeah 1-2 slam lol. I really don't like it. Which kind of sucks because I spent 200 bucks on the VB... I guess I could rebuild mine since its out now and try to get some of my money back reselling it lol. I just don't know about that 1-2 slam it makes me feel like I am riding in a bucket lol.

 

Mossy Nissan uses some other Tran fluid and I was surprised it wasn't the Nissan D-matic stuff they sell the public over the parts counter, but maybe that's just the Nissan Labeling B.S. to make the cust feel like the **** is Nissan Brand,.......next time I go to the dealer I'll take a picture of the Oil they use...... I've never seen it b4 in the local part stores, it's probably some heavy duty commerial brand that dealerships use exclusively......!

 

I already picked up the fluid but thanks for the comment. I installed the VB last night.

 

I am happy that it doesn't take me 5 seconds to switch gears anymore.

 

There is no adjusting the pressure on the 1-2 shift is there? I dunno what the hell it would be but I figured I would ask.

 

If there was a way to keep shifts smooth but eliminate the stock lag, I'd be in... so I'm subscribing

 

Do you have the same VB TunerMax? I have read that some cars have adjustments for the line pressure but who knows.

 

No I'm stock. I hate the shift lag.

 

Is there a drop resistor mod for the 5th gen?

 

Oh and I forgot to mention my magnets had a decent amount of shavings on them. The fluid looked relatively new... Not brand new but it had no burnt smells just a decent amount of metal particles. The filter looked ok but I changed it anyways.

 

There is a DR mod for 5 and 5.5 gens. Also, one thing to do to smooth things out would be to get some PU mounts and Aaron's torque link.

My stuff had a lot of metal shavings in it too, weird.


OP, do you know what level this VB is? i.e., I,II,II.5?

 

Any further info or links for the DR mod ?




No, I didn't search....

 

Look in the nitrous section or search DR and Jime. What works for the 4th gen will work for you.

 

I had a DR mod on my 4th gen... I liked it. I don't need it since I have a shift kit.

 

SupraStick might be an option for you.

It lets you control the 4sp auto a little bit more, can't remember how much though