I know what youre saying. My previous best of 14.8 was in similiar conditions to when I ran 14.3. In the middle of last summer when it was 90+ I was lucky if I ran 15.2.

Can some people just not accept the fact that this mod helps a lot?

 

Congrats!! This mod is a huge improvement for the 5AT cars. The 3.9 gears are simply way too aggressive for the 5AT and I would only recommend it if your car is only driven on the track and even then you would find your gears being very short and somewhat useless. Someday someone will make a 3.7 FD and that will be perfect for the 5AT cars, but until then a full pumpkin swap to the 6MT 3.5 FD is not only cost effective, but a great performance mod. It helps keep the rpms up after shifts allowing for much improved acceleration and the shifts are also a bit faster because of this. In a 6MT car the 3.9 has the capability of yielding very nice improvements in the 1/4 but it takes an excellent driver to realize the full benefits, with the 5AT it is easier to see the benefits of the FD swap because there is less driver influence. Our track just opened back up so I will get a chance to see if I can hit 12s on street tires this year. I was close last season, but I didn't get a chance to run down the track with the FD swap last year. I have no doubt with DRs or slicks that I would be in the 12s. I will report back.

 

Good luck dude.

 

i have enough track experience to know how much gearing helps...

 

No offense intended. I wasnt doubting your "track experience". I just dont understand how anybody can doubt that this mod helped a lot. Ive made over 100 passes at the same track and my best times are all in the same conditions so I dont think that was a factor. I did agree with you about running slower in the summer. My car definitely runs better when its below 70.

 

wow, this is great news! I've been wanting to do this mod for not only the gearing, but also to upgrade to the VLSD (I have a base G35 coupe) - I guess I'm going to have to start searching for a wrecked Z or see if a built-engine F/I guy wants to swap to the lower gears...

 

I have done the same thing. The other Z was running out of gears (Vortech powered) now he can hit 60 mph in second and I turned a 13.901 and think it is easily capable of 13.85 or better.

The swap cost me $125.00 just find a F/I guy that wants longer gears.

 

well, I found a complete pumpkin for $500 shipped and I think I'm going to jump on it - I was quoted between $100-150 to swap them out, is that about right?

I'm really excited about this mod, I really think it's going to make a great addition to my mods when it comes to both the 1/4 and the track... esp. for around $700 (I'm going to get a Nismo diff cooler as well)

Is there anything that I'm not aware of that I need for the conversion, or is it basically a plug-and-play swap?

 

I did it myself and yes it is plug and play. The one thing you will want to pick up is some rear diff fluid. Best to change that out before you install it onto the car.

 

what would you recommend? I'm about 70% sure that i'm not going to find Redline here in town (seems like it's a favorite) - what weight should I look for?

 

Aren't you supposed to use Nissan J stuff for the rear too?

 

well, after fighting with various recyclers/scrap yards - I finally found a complete pumpkin for $500 shipped that was up to my standards... it should be here Friday or next Monday and I'll have it installed the next day...

I'll definitely keep everyone updated on the install and my impressions - thanks to everyone for the help!

 

Thats awesome man! The install will be a piece of cake.