I know you guys are saying go 5 speed, but i don't think its worth the effort in my case. I've looked everywhere and haven't seen any threads about using the auto's from the 3.5, either the 4 speed or 5 speed. Does it use the same mount? And would all you have to do is change the TCM or is the auto laced into the ECU as well?

 

Th A33B 4AT is still geared . The 5AT from the A34 would be somewhat better, but the electronics seem to discourage people from using it.

Use an A32 tranny and put on an 06 L31 4AT F/D in it...

 

any other insights?

 

Why is your case different?

To use an 02/03 maxima auto tranny, you would need to use both the ECM and TCM from that same model. You would want to find them from a vehicle without traction control as that system is tied into both the ECM and TCM through the CAN network and I don't think you want to open that can of worms.

The 04+ maximas have a full CAN implementation which brings all the electrical systems for the whole car into the play. Easily an order of magnitude more complex.

Believe me, I have been through the wiring to implement the 02/03 ecu with a manual transmission. Doing a 5 speed swap or keeping your auto with the VQ35 and a 4th gen ecu will be significantly cheaper and far less time consuming.

 

^^ thanks for the info, just what i wanted to hear. My case meaning my car is worth 3k at most and to put a lot of money is just not worth it to me. I'd rather buy a new car. I just hear all these people saying the the auto 4th gen trannys won't hold up. I do have a tranny cooler on mine, has had one for about 20k now.

 

In my opinion tranny cooler is worth nothing for auto. Well anytime you modify a car you loose money you will never modify your car and sell it for more. It is done for the joy of makeing your car faster, nicer looking, a sleeper. Basically modding cars for some of us is like a hobby, for instance you might collect stamps, well we mod cars. So if you dont want to do it then just go by a 02 03 6spd max and have fun.

 

How is a trans cooler worth nothing? It definitely reduces fluid temps which increases the life of the trans.

 

thanks dad. Plus you are right for the most part. 90% of the time modifications do not add value to the car. The only exception is when the buyer is looking for something like that right out of the box. That way he doens't have to do anywork, just sign and drive.

 

Tranny cooler is helpful. Do the research before posting your uneducated opinion.

 

Am I missing something? I read this a while ago, but what would be the cost difference between a 5MT swap with a 3.5 and a 5G auto swap with a 3.5? I wouldn't think there would be a huge cost difference between the two. Or are you wanting to stay with your 4G tranny?

 

trust me, i woudl want a 5 speed swap if i could afford it, but then again why not buy a car with a 5speed first. I asked this question wondering if it would be more cost effective than going to a manual tranny. Hell, maybe i'll just do a DE-K swap. Anything need to be modified for that? elexctical, etc?

 

what gives you the idea that 02/03 4 spd auto will not work with 4th gen ecu/tcm?

 

Thank you, someone makes sense, its like saying if your tranny overheats its ok its good for it.... and saying puuting a tranny cooler on it would kill it, lol

 

What drive plate/torque converter combo would you use?