my main reason for not trading my car for a 5 speed was that i was going to get jipped by dealer (since i couldn't find private owner to buy max at price i wanted to sell it with all features (7500 to 8000) and all dealerships in my area only had 4th gen maxima's from 97 and up....i didn't want to spend the extra dough for another max but it hit me....

i'm about to spend 2,000 dollars to make my maxima a 5 speed....now if i could sell my max to dealership for hopefully 5,000 or more (without mods - fstb, diamond cut bumps, stereo) and put that 2,000 i was going to put into conversion into a 5 speed max and get a used 4th gen for around 7,000, it would be the same thing plus i wouldn't have to worry about a bad trans, leaks bad bearings and all....plus i can get the color i always wanted...black or blue....

the only thing is that when i buy that used 5 speed, i don't know what condition that max will be in...my conversion would have involved all new pieces except trans and tha'ts tip top condition....i'm THINKING of debating on whether to go for conversion or sell my car and use extra to get what i want....just want to get ideas on this....

 

Now for you, it may be easier to sell, but in my case, I cannot afford it, but since I got a really great deal on a 5-speed conversion, I am keeping the car and going at it. I expect to have it in..in less than 4 weeks...

 

that's what a lot of people have been saying all along, it would definitely be much easier to just sell your car and try and find a used 5-speed, or at least in my opinion that is

 

Dude - you're pretty funny. I figured that you had already gone through all of the cost scenarios - but apparently not.

Here's one take - assume that the clutch on the potential 5 speed CAR that you buy isn't in good shape - only has 10k miles left. A new ACT clutch (probably better than whatever you're getting from the scrap yard) costs $350, plus ~$300 if you don't install it yourself. Worse case scenario - $650 additional cost. Build that into your calculations.

*This is assuming that you find a car without CV issues.

Keep in mind that, if you don't trade in your car, you'll have to pay sales tax, license, registration, which depending on where you live would be ~$1,000. Just a guess, based on 7% sales tax.

Good luck!

 

Same thing with me. I'm going to do a 5spd swap in the future. I just can't afford to buy another car, even though it's an used one. I think the hardest part is finding all the parts needed for the conversion. I wish there was an easier way like someone selling a whole 5spd conversion kit, I know someone posted a for sale thread about it before. Ramius, did you got the kit?

 

cummy...it's not that hard really...these are the only used part u need to get...tranny, mount, clutch and brake pedal, shifter and linkage assembly....everything else is worth buying new...considering u gonna use auto tranny...

 

uh
well,
u have a GLE.. it's worth more then a 5 speed Max... SE or GXE..

What about the sales tax or whatever u pay when registering the car u just bought? that will also be extra $..

I want a 5 speed as well and one day i'm like, **** it, i'll keep my car and keep the auto.. who cares... but then i drive 5 speeds and say, wtf.. **** my car, putting it up for sale... I havent done much to it, everything can be taken off easily.... If someone can give me 10 grand for it, i'll give it away, the car is in absolutely perfect functioning condition, i dont drive fast, i dont race it... 66k miles, auto 98 GXE, superblack with a sunroof...
It would also hurt me letting it go, now that i did a full tune up and it really is in perfect condition. I might buy a different one and it will be ****ed up. i can't decide

 

that's all i needed to know....forgot about sales tax and all....gotta do conversion.....

 

I'll probably be doing a conversion also as soon as my new V1 SuperCharger rips my Auto to shreds.

But it will be the kind of pain that feels good, if you know what I mean.

 

Yeah, I got that full kit......I got lucky though, very lucky. Thank you Demian, you da' man.

 

Ramuis? Kit? Demien? ?? huh?



Anyways, that's what seperates normal ppl, from Maxima enthusiasts.

 

If you have spent alot of time, energy and money in your car and you are wondering if you should sell or put in the 5-speed, put in the 5-speed. It seems overwhelming, but really it's just putting a puzzle together. You've even got perfect insructions. I am telling you I wouldn't get anywhere near the same satisfaction of going to redline in a car from the factory. It just puts a smile on your face everytime. Hard to explain, but now it feels more like its my car, something i helped create.
If any of you plan on putting one in somewhere reasonably close, I'd be more than happy to come and help.

 

So you're the guy that stole my kit! j/k...


I was about to get that kit too, but I guess I wasn't sure and by the time I was sure I want it, he said it's been sold.

 

I got Demian's STS so it worked out for all parties involved
I think the biggest problem with investing in new mods is that they aren't really worth much to insurance. If you spend a ton of money on a 5 spd. swap and get into an accident, you're out your car and quite a bit of extra cash. So it goes.
-hype

 

*subliminal message* direct port nitrous kit... very fast... mmm... beat V1s... yes... buy direct port nitrous kit...*end subliminal message*

 

Beat V1s? Hm...too bad I already have something going on. Plus, I want something with constant power, not having to refill, and great sound.

 

lol, same here.

 

meccanoble, in your situation, yes, look around for a used maxima - weigh the costs.. in my car, I just knew there was no way I was goin to sell my max, and even more importantly it is very hard to find a 5spd maxima w/ leather, bose, sunroof, etc like I had and wanted (now i know everyone on this board that has those options and 5spd is going to post and show me up.. I dont care.. its a verry small percentage of total max's made) so i decided i was keeping my car and going for it.

its not that hard of a process, just alittle more then changing a transmission - granted time consuming and frustrating its not impossible by any means.

weigh your costs, dont convert if its near the same price to buy the car youwant in its color and stock 5spd.

 

i did weigh it out and although it is cheaper to sell car and get 5 speed max, in the long run is cheaper to do conversion because i'm taking too many chances...what condition is used 5 speed trans in? how bad is clutch? when i do conversion i am getting ALL BRAND NEW parts except trans and that's gonna run me almost 2500...but it will be worth it in the long run when i will never complain about needing a new clutch any time soon and what not....getting used car and changing clutch and all will run me more....