I've got a 5AT. I have found a great deal on a 6 spd tranny. I've done searches on this topic and most of the info people have been giving is to trade cars. This is not an option for me.

When I bought the car, it was going to be a daily driver, so I got the 5AT. Now, the modding has gone out of control and before I go forced induction, I'd like to have the 6spd.

Anyway, I have several questions that I hope someone knowledgable can help me out with.

I will not be doing the install myself, and I'm sure whoever does it will know what I need, but I would like to have an idea before I begin.

1. I will have the 6 speed tranny and all sensors. I know I'll need a clutch and shifter and clutch pedal, but what else will I need.

2. Can I use my stock ECU and have it re-flashed by technosquare, or will I need a new ECU?

3. Will I need a new wiring harness?

4. What clutch would you recommend. I'd like to have a pretty good clutch(stage 2?) since I plan on adding a supercharger.

5. Would any experts recommend just not doing this for any reason. Am I looking at alot of potential problems, or is this a relatively easy job?

Feel free to add any thoughts.

Thanks.

 

One think you should get is the Nismo clutch and flywheel. Another thing I would think you would need the ecu reprogramed to the 6mt standards. Another problem you might face is what the screen that shows what gear you are in the auto going to be? Is that going be still there and usable or will that have to be covered.

 

i am going to do the same thing...who knows it might be a rush to see who can get it done 1st.....the tranny is the big thing....gears driveshaft...rearend i beleive...i had my stock ecu reflashed already and i used a 6mt ecu...and my car still runs great! stage 2 clutch i say go with the JWT flywheel if you still wanna be able to drive it on a daily basis....or u can run with the 8lb tilton flywheel and rev like a beast....it is a relatively easy job....as long as you have the time and patience...not too much work is involved......PM me with any other questions though cause i am doing this once christmas hits and possible a rebuilt engine and TT.....i only like doing my tunning and performance during winter...drop me a line on my pm though and i will help you out

Ben

 

A buddy of mine was the first 5th gen prelude to have that done.. I believe it cost him about 3 grand down here in so cal about 4 years ago maybe more. Had to put the tranny in, new ECU, swapped the gauge cluster out, clutch pedal, sensors.. all sorts of stuff.. but it's possible, if you have time and money.

 

First off....awesome looking Z man! 2nd.....i have 5At also and was thinking about doing the same thing...what kinda cost would I be looking at?

 

That's what I'm about to find out. I got a great deal on a used 6 speed tranny. I have to buy a clutch, get the ecu re-programmed(or buy a new on, not sure), maybe get a new drive shaft(not sure on that one yet either). I'm sure there are several things I don't even know I need yet.

 

You'll need a manual trans ECU and some rewiring unless you swap the harness also. Reflashing the MT air/fuel and timing maps to an auto ECU is easy, but the communication of the trans control unit(TCM) and the auto ECU will be hard to remove without check engine lights.

Unless Nissan changed how the auto trans is controlled and the harness and ECU connectors are the same, but I doubt it.

 

Though I am sure that you have put a lot of thought into this, I would personally reconsider the decision to swap your transmission. You could buy and install new rods, pistons, and sleeves for the price of a tranny swap.

Your car has probably been at some shows and I'm sure you have gotten the "nice mods but it's an auto" remark; hearing this must make you believe that you made some sort of expensive mistake. You may be kicking yourself for getting an AT, but I would much rather have a 550whp TT AT monster than a (relatively) mundane 380whp SC MT.

Of course, it's your choice. And whatever you choose, your Z is anything but mundane! I absolutely *need* those seats..

 

I kinda felt the same way when I had my auto Celica GT-S(daily driving in NYC). I started to mod it like crazy, but not FI yet. When I wanted to go FI, I said to my self "Damn, WHY! why, did I get auto".I really wanted manual but realized my car would be in the shop for a long period of time and it was not cost efficient. Like shivak said, you should just spend the money on building a 500+ HP car w/ auto. Atleast you can see the people go when you tell them it's an auto. You mentioned that it's was a daily driver. Is it not you daily driver anymore? In the end...it is really up to you! If you have the $$ and the time, and think it's worth it, DO IT!

 

Nismo clutch would be your best bet!

 

your totally opisite i want an auto in my car lol

 

Though wouldn't a 6mt be stronger stock? A lvl10 upgrade is pretty pricey as it is (also Ive heard as many good things about level 10 as bad). And I dont know if the auto will hold up like the manual.

 

gurgenpb (TT Auto early 2003 sedan) has a TT kit on his car and blew his engine before the tranny gave. tranny is still in good shape.

for about 1500 bucks you can make an auto tranny shift FASTER than a manual tranny.

for another 2000 you can make an auto tranny "bulletproof" and hold 5-600 hp for several years of hard driving.

and yes from prior experience (went from modded automatic 02 altima to a modded 6MT G sedan) the auto to manual swap is prohibitive and you should really consider a tradein and purchase of a 6MT

I am sure you can find a buyer for your extra tranny and stilll turn a good enough profit to finance your next mod.