Hey i was just wondering if the plate that goes in between the engine and flywheel is important. The one i got with my tranny doesnt quite line up with the bolts to the engine, have no idea why everything else is fine.

 

there's an upper and lower one for a 5 speed, yes they're important, go find the other one.

 

Huh, I only got one big one with the 5 speed. Can I use the ones from the auto?

 

the 5 speed was missing one then, one is a complete circle and the other is a half circle with a rubber seal thing, i'm not sure if you can use a plate from the auto..

 

Hmmm this isnt good i need my car up and running before thursday, I have to go on a 13 hour drive to calgary to move. I hope a junk yard got a 5 speed in the last couple months.

 

well, you could try but it might throw the alignment of the tranny off, you could also wedge something in there, it's only about 1/8", i'd get the part and fix it as soon as you have the chance. you could try and work something out with the one from the automatic, drill some holes if it won't fit up.

 

yes u need that particular plate but only from a 5-speed. the plate from the auto will not fit at all because it won't line up with the brackets that bolt up from the block to the tranny which by the way u have to also use the 5-speed brackets since they r different from the auto. so, no u cannot use the auto tranny plate. go to the junkyard and keep looking unless ur willin' to fab something up to compensate for the plate that u need. remember that this plate goes behind the flywheel so be sure u install the plate first and then the flywheel. i did this in a hurry and realized i forgot about the plate and i had to bring the tranny back down.

 

I dont suppose anyone has a picture of the brackets and plates. Apparently one of the junk yards does have a 5 speed now so i might be able to pick this stuff up.

 

you can also get a sheet of aluminum or steel and make it if they dont have it. All it does is protect your clutch from dirt dust water and large objects. It just has to be decently thick and mostly seal the back of the tranny.

When your done you'll just have the half that just covers the engine and a cover the full size of the tranny.

~Alex

 

Pics to illustrate what's going on here:

 

Now my question is: can you leave off the flywheel cover and leave the automatic brackets (what is currently pictured) on for now and be able to drive the car?

You can swap the auto brackets for manual brackets w/o dropping the tranny at a later date.

 

You have to swap the brakets, But I dont know If Id trust just the upper bolts and mounts. If you have a welder you could always make some thing I guess.

~Alex

 

this has nothing to do with what you are asking.. but i was thinking about buying a 3rd gen maxima.. its auto.. but how much would the conversion cost to go from auto to manual.. labor and everything.. just a rough estimate

 

Well I have another question. I need to know the size of the bolts that bolt the transmission to the block. No one stocks them in Canada and I cant wait for them to come from Japan. And is there any other bolts i'm gonna need for the swap?

 

i answered this earlier so here i go again my friend:

the plate from the auto will not fit at all because it won't line up with the brackets that bolt up from the block to the tranny which by the way u have to also use the 5-speed brackets since they r different from the auto.

 

if ur mechanically inclined i suggest u do it with some help. if ur lazy or not mechanically inclined then u will fork out about $1k -$2k for the swap.

 

Here's my running tally off the top of my head...

Tranny-$150...pulled it myself
Flywheel and large "cover plate"-grabbed them with tranny
New clutch-$130
Flywheel resurfacing-$35
New Master and Slave-$70
SS Clutch Line-$30
Shifter Asmbly, Clutch Pedal, Tranny Mounts-$85 (used)
New Shifter Bracket from Nissan-$50
Other Random Brackets (used)-$25
Gas Downstate and Back to Retrieve Tranny-$100
Hotel Room-$65
Assorted Bolts, etc.-$20
Axle Seals from Nissan-$15
Info from Maxima.org-priceless

Without gas and hotel it comes to $610

And I'm sure I'm forgetting a few little things...And then there's the thing you realize need replacing while you are in there (tie rod ends, CV Boots, etc.)

It's also nice to have alternate transportation so you can take your time doing the swap...I had a Jeep I planned on driving while swapping, then I wrecked it. Then while I was driving the Nissan the tranny blew. So now here I am hoping I'll have the Maxima back together in the next couple of days.

P.S. Good Luck!!!

 

thanks for the write up man.. great work..im only 17 and just learning ALL about maximas that i can.. thanks again

 

Could anyone send me some measurments for the tranny brackets and support rod bracket. I'm going to have to get someone to fab some up. I really need them so I can get back to calgary and move any help would be very very appreciated.

 

I don't know how easily the parts can be fabbed...You might have to call Nissan and fork out some cash. I plan to make a more complete parts list than the ones I've found listed here once I'm done with my little project. If you find a swap car don't make the same mistake I did, make sure you get EVERYTHING you need.

 

I already made the same mistake, my auto is out and toast, and nissan doesnt carry those parts anymore. i got a number for a guy that says he'll fabricate any kind of bracket i need so now i just need the measurements.