Lol, what Corolla? You mean the 3rd gen? Or my E28?

 

More great progress as well.

What's the story with the black mirrors? It actually looks alright. I have a pair of black heated mirrors and it would save me lots of frustration by installing them as is.

Your wheel fitment is spot on. My rear fenders have been repainted and I don't dare roll my fenders.


Your neighbor's with the jack up hood?

 

Thanks, there's always more to come! I put the black mirrors on because the paint on my original mirrors was failing, and I have a lot of black accents all over the car (grille, usually have black trim tape around the windows over the chrome, headlights) and I think they kind of help "hide" the mirrors from certain angles. They're also just a lot easier to find in a junkyard than mirrors of my color! All my fenders are already rolled, so I'm good to do the rust repair and painting. Yeah, Drunkie posted up in my E28 thread for some reason and confirmed he was talking about my neighbor's Corolla. I had forgotten it was even in the picture. Yeah, he hit something, it got repaired, they kept driving it for a while, and then they eventually got rid of it. It was replaced by an old RX300 with an atrocious exhaust leak that is very obnoxious.

 

It this new format with keep scrolling down and it goes into a different thread and you can post some where else completely.

 

So I can't stop thinking about an 09+ motor and a 6 speed swap. The more I think about it, the more I think I should just stick with 3.0 timing equipment. I've already got my nice Nistune ECU, and wiring diagrams are not my strong suit. Regarding the 6 speed, it seems like the 05-06 Maxima transmissions are the best bet. They have the upgraded synchros like the Sentra 6 speed and the same nice 4.1 FD, but I wouldn't have to worry about switching bellhousings. Aside from far more limited availability and higher pricing, there's no reason to not get a 6th gen trans, is there?

 

6th gen trans is the best bang for your buck without cracking open the transmission. 05/06 maxima trans had a HLSD option whereas the same year altima trans did not, but they are otherwise identical.

I'm personally running an 05 altima trans.

 

Saying the 05-06 Maxima has better synchros is like saying the stock dual mass flywheel from the 6mt is better than a lighter single mass unit.

I do not think I can make a more accurate comparison.

With that being said I'd love to see another nistuned 3.5 swap. I really wish I went this route before being fully committed to the Osiris swap. With 3.0 timing I would have the easier supercharging option but now I just gotta wait for this current batch of 3.5 supercharger guys to build, fail, get tired and partout

Back to the shadows!

 

Wait, come back!

Maybe it's too early and I haven't had my coffee yet, but your analogy went right over my head. I know that if I do this swap I would prefer to run a single mass flywheel instead of the heavy stock 6MT dual mass, but I suppose some people may prefer the smoothness of a dual mass. Are you saying the "upgraded" synchros in the 05-06 transmissions are not important enough to worry about, or that they're somehow worse than the ones in earlier transmissions? I found a low mileage Sentra 05/06 trans, but I really don't feel like doing a bellhousing swap. Or are you saying I should find a 4.4 FD Sentra trans like you and just go wild with super short gearing?

 

I've got some questions about the 6 speed swap, does anyone know the answers?

-Can I use the shifter assembly and cables from a 6th gen, or only 5.5 gen?
-Can I use the trans frame mount from a 6th gen, or only 5.5th gen?
-Can I identify an HLSD 6th gen trans the same way I would in a 5.5th gen? Metal pedals and the plate on the firewall with RS6F51H code?

Edit- I did some more reading and at least one person confirmed you can 6th gen shifter parts, but it sounds like 5.5th gen fits with less work.

 

Since you're actually interested in cornering I'll do the legwork and copy and past the gearing here. Use the Honda Transmission calculator webpage to visualize the gearing with your tire size.

It's really up to you to decide, i'm unfamiliar with what speeds you maintain during boring-x i mean uh autocross.

Sentra Spec-V Gear Ratios
--- 2002 / 2003 / 04 to 06
1 3.416 / 3.153 / 3.153
2 1.944 / 1.944 / 1.944
3 1.258 / 1.392 / 1.392
4 0.947 / 1.055 / 1.055
5 0.772 / 0.809 / 0.809
6 0.630 / 0.673 / 0.630
F. 4.428 / 4.133 / 4.133

All 6mt Maxima gears are the same as the 04+ Spec BUT!

02-03 Maxima 6MT FD 3.813
04-06 Maxima 6MT FD 4.144

My personal favorite transmission to build is the v6 gearing (or 04+ sentra gearing) and swapping out the main shaft and pinion from an 02 spec-v and I believe this will work best for you as well. Of course this is all depending on the speeds you maintain during your events.

anymoreeeeeeeee questions?

 

Oh, this gearing?
Edit: Gearing fixed, thanks aackshun!

4th gen gearing:
1st 3.285
2nd 1.850
3rd 1.272
4th 0.954
5th 0.795
FD 3.823

5.5 gen gearing
1st 3.153
2nd 1.944
3rd 1.392
4th 1.055
5th .809
6th .630
FD: 3.813

6th gen gearing:
1st 3.153
2nd 1.944
3rd 1.392
4th 1.055
5th .809
6th .630
FD: 4.144

Sentra gearing:

2002
1st 3.416
2nd 1.944
3rd 1.258
4th 0.947
5th 0.772
6th 0.630
FD 4.428

2003
1st 3.153
2nd 1.944
3rd 1.392
4th 1.055
5th .809
6th .673
FD: 4.133

2004-2006
1st 3.153
2nd 1.944
3rd 1.392
4th 1.055
5th .809
6th .630
FD: 4.133

 

Well fine den!

hrmph!

Your gearing is wrong.

Mine is right btw.

Ehhh maybe my final drives are wrong but the gearing is correct. i'll edit again.

 

Well, I just snagged an open diff and all the accessories out of an '06 at the junkyard today I was hoping it would be HLSD, but I can always replace it later. It was only $170 for the trans.

I really don't auto-x very often any more, so I'm not super duper concerned about speeds in gear. I'll do it again, but it's not the priority it once was. All my numbers were pulled from random threads all over the org, I'll trust yours over mine! So 04-06 Sentra FD is 4.133 but 04-06 Maxima is 4.144? Weird.

Why, yes, I do have more questions
-Can I put an HLSD into a non-HLSD case? I know in a 5 speed the answer is no....but from what I understand the open and HLSDs both share a DS axle. So maybe there's hope?
-I assume the later Sentra 6 speeds with the updated synchros have the same problem as the Maximas, correct?
-So in your opinion, are the 02-04 6 speeds the one to get now, simply because of parts availability? Are there other differences that my uninformed self isn't aware of?
-What's the deal with the PS axle? Why do people say that only an OEM one will be the right length?

 

2 characters.

I get my low opinion of triple cone synchros just for the fact that it's less meat on the bone and more moving parts. with my +7500rpm shifts you tend to notice things like that.

 

My goodness, so much knowledge has been dropped, I am grateful.

Your extremely low opinion of the 5 speed is rather hilarious. I guess I'm glad I've never driven a 6 speed before, so I could continue to drive my 5 speed in the safety of my ignorance.

So wait, you CAN put an HLSD in an open case, but it's not a "drop in" solution? I know there's a lot of work involved when putting Sentra guts in a Maxima case due to shimming and all that jazz. Does the diff add even more complexity to the equation? Oooh, do all Sentras come with HLSD?

Yes, I got the PS axle carrier bearing/bracket off the 6th gen. I got both axles off it too.

What are the details on the trans that you're selling?

 

No transmission available, just a HLSD diff which is darn near worthless except to australian fellas who never got the HLSD in 6mt's

Shameless 6mt track adventures.


HEY DONT JUDGE THE LAST TIME I WAS ON A TRACK WITH CORNERS WAS THE VIDEO ABOVE! I know I could have hawked down that Z but my road driving instincts would not let me get closer to him and I haven't been able to corner in oh 8 years......

 

Made a mistake. HLSD is drop in. Remove pinion, new shims and bearings and etc. just like any diff swap for a RWD car.

 

I'm going to watch your videos Do you have a build thread(s) or something similar where I can see all that crazy work you've done to your cars? This is what I've been doing to have fun:





Regarding my Quaife, I have a feeling it's pretty similar to the HLSD, but I'm far from an expert on how diffs work. It's certainly in another world compared to VLSDs.

I know someone who has a 2004 HLSD that they may be willing to sell. So the ideal solution (at least in your opinion) is to buy that (because of synchro availability) and then a 2002 Sentra trans (all SE-Rs and Spec Vs come with HLSD) for the FD, and have a shop put the two together? Then I would sell this 2006 open diff to recoup a few bucks, or keep as a spare in case of emergency. Or use its shims/case to help the "good" one get built to spec. Would you recommend me replacing synchros (All? Only certain ones?) when the shop has it all apart? I would do the bearings for sure, but I'm not sure what else would be a smart idea to do while it's all apart.

My buddy showed me a pic of (I think) schmelly's approach to the DS frame mount, where he left the stock 4th gen mount on the car and hacked it up a bit to just fit in a bare poly/rubber round mount (that may have been custom?). I would prefer to not have to cut off my stock frame mount. What's your preferred approach to that?

Got any preferences for clutch/flywheel? I see that Nisformance offers what appears to be a nice drop in solution for the flywheel for people running 3.0 timing with a 6 speed:
http://www.nisformance.com/JWT-Flywheel-p/jwt-fly-2.htm

And a stage 1 clutch kit:
http://www.nisformance.com/Stage-1-C...p/nis-cl-2.htm

2J Racing offers some parts to supposedly shorten the sifter throw and tighten up slop:
https://www.2j-racing.com/sentra-max...-bushings.html
https://www.2j-racing.com/bushings/b...-bushings.html

Any idea if these are worth considering?

 

FWIW, the 2001 20AE model did feature a viscous limited slip in conjunction with the 5MT (the only 5th gen Maxima to get a limited slip diff). I think it was borrowed straight from Infiniti.


Norm

 

Hi Norm,

Yup, some 4th gen I30s came with VLSD, as did some Canadian Maximas IIRC. I have a nice one sitting in my shed as backup, but it can't compare to the Quaife.

 

This thread is awesome. Props to you sir for all the pics and detail.

Curious, do you have a rear strut bar? Sorry if I missed it..... lot of info here. If yes, wondering if you notice any difference with on vs off - either dd'ing or at the track.

 

Thank you! I do have a RSTB, a Stillen one. It's been on the car for years, and I don't specifically remember the moment that I put it on the car, so I'm going to say that it probably didn't make that much of a difference. That being said, these cars can use all the chassis stiffening you can throw at them, so if one is available and within your budget, I don't think there's a reason to not install one, aside from the fact that it does block off some area of your trunk from being used. A RSB on the other hand, was an immediate difference in reduction of understeer, and I wholeheartedly encourage everyone who wants to have more fun with handling to install one of those.

 

I have not used 2j's bushings nor their short shifter. All of my 6mt short shifters are the ghetto rigged drilled hole method on the shifter.
I will like to use the 2j delrin bushings in the future because I have actually killed more than one set of ES bushings (even though they are dirt *** cheap compared to 2j)
In my opinion the Axxtion shifter feels very nice and keeps the shift **** in a stock position. My free99 shifters and the 2j shifter will leave the shifter slightly tilting to the front. But only slightly... it's not like I can look at my friend's SER and my Maxima and be like OH! THIS GUY SPENT $125 ON HIS SHORT SHIFTER VS BEING A BROKE**** WITH A DRILL AND $3 IN HOME DEPOT SCREWS ... Or really even tell until I look down and go man my hand is kinda close to my climate control

http://axxtion.com/index.php/product...throw-shifter/

 

Come back to the org, I can't stand FB and it's harder to make a "thread" with useful info that people can follow along with. Things just get lost in the ether over there.

Rally-x in a Maxima could be fun, but these cars are big compared to most rally-x cars, and would be challenging to handle on tighter courses. While we can get a lot of power out of these cars, putting that down in the dirt would be a challenge too. That said, BUILD IT!

Regarding my Quaife, let's make a deal. I pay for your plane ticket to come to DC, plus some more to help me put together my 6 speed, and I'll let you drive my car to your heart's content, both with the Quaife and with the 6 speed Because once this 6 speed is in there, both my Quaife trans and my VLSD trans are going up for sale.

The open diff from the 2006 Maxima that I picked up last week will be kept as my spare. I already have more things picked up, but that's for another post.

Regarding replacing bearings, how many are there, three? Final drive, main shaft, and input shaft?

For the DS/trans mount, you said you don't have one??? That's nuts. I've got poly engine/crossmember plus PS mounts.

For the clutch/flywheel, I definitely prefer to keep it as stock as possible, but I think I want to run a lightened single mass flywheel. 350z disc plus Maxima pressure plate sound good to me. They can be used with any single mass flywheel, right? JWT also makes a lightened single mass, so I could get that if schmelly is still making his adapters.

http://www.jimwolftechnology.com/cus...asp?PartID=433

 

Crawling around under the car, I decided it was time to finally replace the flex section in the Cattman headers:





So I ordered a new flex section but haven't installed it yet. Then I got to wondering, did Cattman ever make a 3" version of this thing? I bet that would make some nice power gains with a 3" cat and catback....

I also fixed up my oil catch can. Sure enough, one of the lines had started to rub against the throttle cable.



So I removed the little bracket from the can and was able to slide it a little lower.



I have also been dealing with some very annoying squeaking from the passenger side door area for many months now, so I decided to buy some anti-squeak/anti-rub products:



While I had the panel off, I noticed the window rubber guide was out of its track, so I superglued it back in place. I also liberally applied some Shin-Etsu silicone grease to the tracks to hopefully keep the window moving smoothly.







I think I found the source of the squeaking: I had too much sound deadening around the holes that the door panel clips into, preventing one or two clips from clipping in. This allowed the panel to stick out just a little bit, rubbing against the dash, which made the noise. I trimmed the deadening off around the clip holes, and did some other things while I was in there. I also trimmed the foam surrounds for the door speakers, since they were too tall and were pushing the door panel outward.



I applied the anti-squeak tape all the way around the door panel to prevent that from rubbing as well. I think there was something similar applied from the factory, but it had worn smooth and wasn't doing much anymore.



I also had found that my A pillars were making some noise, so I put more anti-noise tape on them and the dashboard:





And with all that done, all my squeaks were banished (at least from that area) and I could move on to more important things.

I hit up a junkyard a while ago and was able to get some parts out of a mint condition 98/99 I30 that was there.





To replace this:





I also have had trouble getting the interior plastic door release surrounds to stay clipped in. Since I've seen a number of the chrome I30 handles start peeling, I always grab them when I find them in good condition at the yard. On these, I noticed that the little clip area was much larger (right) than the ones I had in the car (left), and sure enough, that fixed my loose trim problem. The surround clipped in nice and tight and solved another stupid little issue.

 

So last week I went to a pick and pull junkyard and scored a 2006 Maxima 6MT with 160k and an open diff for $170. I also picked up both axles, the trans mount, and all the shifter stuff for another $100 or so. Then on Friday I went to another yard that had an 02 Sentra Spec-V trans on the shelf with 138k for $120. Then yesterday I drove out to WV to another yard that had a 2002 Maxima 6MT with 80k and an open diff on the shelf and picked that, as well as all the shifter stuff up for $300. Here is my bounty:



2006 Maxima:



2002 Maxima:



5.5th gen on the left, 6th gen on the right



The cables out of the 5.5th gen were pretty mangled:





But the 6th gen cables were in good shape. However, they are definitely longer than the 5.5th gen cables.



The 2002 trans, which is what I will be putting in the car with the FD and diff from the Sentra, looks like it had been sitting around in the dirt for a while. I'm going to have to do a thorough cleaning to it.





On a side note, the shop that sold me the 5.5th gen trans neglected to drain it, or tell me they didn't drain in. Thankfully none of it managed to spill out in my trunk, but it did spill all over me when I took it out of the trunk and into the garage. By the time I realized what was happening, I was completely soaked in MT fluid, and that **** stinks. Much cleaning followed....

I tried to then separate the 6th gen PS axle from the carrier bearing, but that must have been the OEM axle, because those two were seized together like you wouldn't believe. Much soaking with Kroil and whacking with a hammer got them to loosen a bit, but they still aren't apart. Much more to come! Then plan is to keep the 6th gen trans as a spare, and combine the 2002 Maxima trans with the 2002 Sentra trans to make the ultimate 6 speed!

 

That 6spd swap idea sure escalated quickly. This should be good. I skipped over a bunch, are you going 2nd Gen DE 3.5 too?

Do you have a link to the flex section for the headers?

I like those chrome handles. I had the same issue years ago with them not holding the trim. I want another set if I could find a clean set.

Rattles drive me nuts too. Nice fix.

 

Ha, yeah, once I saw the top speed in gear numbers for all the different options in front of my face, I just couldn't help but want a 6 speed with the 4.4 FD. I have some other projects I need to take care of first before I open these things up and get busy, but this is a good start. Once the 6 speed is done and installed I plan on installing an 09-14 Maxima motor. I was wondering, has anyone done one from a 2015+ yet?

Here's the flex section, it's a Vibrant 60806:

Yeah, rattles and squeaks suck, I can't stand them. I'll go to great lengths to get rid of them.

 

You wouldn’t happen to remember the LED bulb numbers would you?

 

A lot here to respond to...... but real quick nice finds on the trans!, and for that rusty pass axle carrier bracket..... mine was like that too. I used much oil, but a painting "5-in-1" tool and a drywall mudding blade ended up being the saviors. Blades were thin enough and strong enough that I could tap them into the crease to separate them a little bit. Then put the bolts back in but not all the way and hammer on them (use wood block) to push the carrier off the axle. I fought with mine for.... idk... probably 20-30 mins a day for several days lol. You would've thought it was one piece when I started. It'll feel really good once off and wire-wheeled back to like-new!

 

Someone one the .org actually did all the LED work for me years ago, so I don't know any of the part numbers unfortunately. I would like to know them myself since some of the LEDs might need to be replaced.

I got the carrier bracket off with a few more minutes of work after letting it soak in the Kroil for a few days. It's all cleaned up and looks pretty good now. Pics to come!

 

Hellll yuhhhh 4.4FD FTW! Unless you're making 500whp or sumfin.

Yes, it's been done. In MY opinion it's pointless. Just get the 09-14 and buy a 15+ Manifold. not worth doubling the motor purchase price.

 

So when I build my super 6 speed using mostly 2002 Maxima parts with 80k miles, is it worth replacing the 3rd gear synchro while I have it apart? Or does that add a ton of extra labor and cost? Regarding replacing bearings, how many are there, three? Final drive, main shaft, and input shaft? I assume I should do those for sure?

 

Each separate shaft should have two bearings.

I had the transaxle to an '85 Maxima apart a couple of times and don't remember the second time where I replaced a couple of synchro rings being particularly difficult. I do remember getting a bit lucky with respect to end play vs selective-fit shims. This would have been 25+ years ago.


Norm

 

I'm about to assemble another transmission for my 5.5 gen I'll take pictars.
And unless your 3rd is already crunchy I wouldn't worry about it unless the shop says it's out of spec.

 

Sweet, pictures and explanations would be super helpful! Without putting the trans in the car, I won't know if 3rd is crunchy....To save on costs I'm considering doing the disassembly myself and then taking it to a shop for the reassembly. I'm mostly curious as to how you check for gear lash and do shimming properly. I think I can follow the rest of the FSM pretty well since it's so detailed. Teach me!!

 

That's the way it goes, but you can also look at the synchros and if they're broken/worn then well replace em. Chances are if the car was stock (and NOT from the .org)and appeared to have gotten at least basic maintenance then you have a good trans. The only questionable stuff comes from us idiots

Unless you personally know someone at the shop do not take un-assembled parts to it, that is my #1 nightmare when working on people's cars.

I really wish I had the time to make a step by step on this stuff, maybe one day, I am under pressure to get a lot of things done because of some major deadlines coming up that will severely limit my ability to do major projects after June.
Plus I work on transmissions under the watchful eye of an old master. I'm still on rookie status. When I graduate to feeling comfortable on doing everything without him watching I'll let you know

 

Ahh good point, they might not take kindly to that. I'll ask first. Reading 6spd Hayes' thread about putting Sentra gears in a Maxima case sure makes it sound like something I could do myself if I take my time and follow the FSM, but there are just so many things that could surprise me along the way. Can I just follow the disassembly and reassembly sections, or will I have to do stuff from the sections that are between them (Repair for component parts, and adjustment)?

 

Just follow the instructions.... the only curve-***** are shimming the shafts and attempting to save the differential bearing race from the spec-v bellhousing. If you clear out a weekend and a big table you can do it all by yourself in one sitting, just don't be like me on my first time attempting to take it apart day by day, just set your alarm Saturday morning and get to it. Take pictures, take pictures, take pictures..... Especially of the shift lock spring/ball mechanism.... That's caused some issues with me in the past not re-assembling that correct;y (THIS IS NOT OUTLINED IN THE FSM!)

Buy a quality punch set and c-clip pliers... Like not harbor freight.....

 

Got any specific recommendations on those tools?