I have a 2000 Maxima with manual trans. I have a 2003 Maxima with auto trans. I want to put the manual trans from the 2000 into the 2003. How difficult is this endeavor?

 

First a little history. Not only was the 2002/2003 Maximas the first with the bigger V6, but the manual transmission available to them was a 6-speed manual. Some even came with HLSD. That 6 speed manual was not only different in the number of gears, but also in other technical things like a dual mass flywheel and the 6-speed being a cable shifter as opposed to the 5-speed's rod shifter.

In many ways, putting a 5-speed manual in the 2003 Maxima would be a significant step backwards.

 

Look up ateick posts
pm me and I can email you a parts list I made too

 

Valve Body Auto > 5mt.

In many ways.

But if you're insistent on degrading your vehicle.... And making it nearly impossible to sell...
The only real problem is fabbing the 3.5 trigger ring to the 5mt flywheel, it's not that big of a deal but it takes a little thought and ingenuity.

PS. my 5mt is not the one from a Maxima.

 

I didn't think the auto trans was that valuable on the 2003 Maxima.


I guess I can put that 2000 manual trans in my 1996 I30 instead.

 

Valuble? No. Not at all, which is only one of the many reasons why it's better than a 5mt.

Much less fab work, just part swapping over involved for the '96.

But again... Valve Body Auto > 5mt.

Why are you dead set on manual swapping a car that can be easily found manual may I ask?????

Oh chit nvm you're in Hawaii

Swap away on that '96

IMO I don't think it's worth it on the 03 unless you're just itching to have a 3rd pedal.

 

I purchased both 2000 and 2003 Maximas that were salvaged. They both run and drive well.

I originally bought the 2000 just for the MT and wheels for my 1996 I30. Rear-end damage and very well taken care of. Only 90,000 miles.

Then I came across the 2003 for only $400. This one only had sunroof glass damage and water soaked interior with 120,000 miles. Now the plan is to swap the interior of the 2000 into the 2003. And to swap the MT into my 1996. I also plan on keeping this engine as a spare since its in such good condition.

I prefer driving manual over auto.

I

 

Since you are sacrificing the 2000 to the 2003 and 1996, take it further and put the variable intake manifold of the 2000 into your I30. This mod is called the 00VI. This give the I30 motor better top end breathing, like above 5500 RPM. The 00VI would mostly benefit autobahn style driving as the mod really comes into its own in the top gears, like 3rd, 4th and 5th. Being in Hawaii, I dont know if you have any roads long enough to enjoy that kind of performance.

 

I do too.

And I used to say, without hesitation, that the 6mt is the single greatest transmission for our cars as if it were religion.

But a friend of mine has had two modded autos (modded as in valve body, solenoids, etc)... Makes me hesitate a bit on that previous statement.

Always try to step outside of your comfort zone to make sure it is where you thought it was, you might be surprised some times.

 

^
HLSD 6 speed bolt on >>> transgo hd2 bolt on

 

Thank you for taking the time in responding to this post. I really appreciate it!

I was wondering what that 00VI swap was all about.

I just changed the timing chain (and everything else) 3 weeks ago on my I30 due to a leaking o ring on the rear timing cover. So I still want to run the engine that's in it(173k miles).

 

Just to be clear, the 00VI mod changes the intake manifold on top, not the engine itself.

Also, the VQ30DE motor is quite bulletproof. Keep your oil changes regular and you can easily see 400K miles or more. The only worry would be body rust, and on the 5-speed manual, the differential bearings. The bearings are something I have to watch for on my car.

My car's at 200K now. I only anticipate changing the water pump and maybe the timing chain tensioners and guides at some point in the future. My oil changes are every 5K miles so I know all my oil passages are clean and sludge free. I'm pretty sure I'll make it with the original engine to 400K or more.

Anyway, for maintnenace you should look for posts by CS_AR. He has fantastically detailed pics of Maxima maintenance. Also on youtube you can find lots of youtube maintenance videos for your car. Search youtube for boredmdr maxima.

 

Sorry, I shouldn't have worded my response like that(where it seems as if the entire engine needs to be swapped over). The VQ30DEK only has 90k miles. Would be nice to swap in the lower mileage engine.

I read up on doing the 00VI swap and not sure if it's worth it for me to go thru all of that at this moment.

I change oil every 4,000 miles. I didn't need to change the timing chain/guides. But as I dug into the engine so deep to change the o-rings on the rear timing cover, I thought it was a good idea to change it now rather than later (since that entire side of the engine was in pieces).

 

What does this have to do with this thread?

Waste of time to be honest.

 

I saw some documentation on this forum to do the 00VI swap. It claimed 15rwhp.

I don't know if they ever dyno the car before and after or not.

15rwhp is a lot. I have a hard time believing it.

 

Dude just drive the 3.0L with auto for now... MT to AT conversion is very expensive and a 00vI swap with auto transmission isn't worth the $$$

 

I have the entire 2000 Maxima running and drives great. It just was in a rear end accident that damaged the trunk, rear bumper, and rear window. Doing the swap would only cost me the car, which I already paid for.

 

I plan on swapping the 5spd MT into my 1996 I30. The 2003 Maxima (AT) will stay automatic. I just will repair the sunroof and air conditioning. Then swap the interior from the 2000 into the 2003.

 

DIY or paying someone?

IF latter, not worth it due to ****ty resale value of the Ifiniti I30/I35.

 

eh, I guess if the costs justify how badly you want the 5MT and makes you a lot happier with the car I'd say go for it but to a reasonable extent

 

Resale value? That's funny.

The resale value of my I30 dropped as soon as I dropped it and installed the aftermarket exhaust.

And yes, I will DIY.

And yes, I love manual trans. I hate automatics. That's just my opinion.

 

Also remember that your 5MT tranny fluid is GL4 only.

 

GL4 only?

That's exactly the same as my Hardbody. Thank you for the heads up!!