Misc

The motor I have Weighs aprox 178 lbs. That's engine, intake, water pump, exhaust manifolds, T/B, wiring harness, Did NOT have the starter, alternator, motor mounts, flywheel or clutch. The 3.5L engine would be a little heavier due to the variable valve hardware

Introduction - Summary

Well it seems my project is getting to the point where it looks like I can finish it so I thought it would be a good time for a post showing it's progress.I bought the chasis in march of 2003.

Sold off some of the engine parts while looking for a suitable engine to install.

July 2003, Bought a nissan maxima engine V-6 to install.

I'm still not sure why but it sounded like a good idea at the time. Converting a FWD engine to RWD has not been without problems. First of which was finding a sutiable trans.

August 2003 I bought a 2003 350z 6 speed manual. One of the very few that would bolt to the maxima block. I'm using a maxima flywheel and maxima clutch which required making an adapter to bring the 350z throw out bearing closer to the clutch assembly.

FYI I'm using a 2002 pathfinder starter. I'm using the stock maxima ECU. Fitting the mess under the hood without cutting a hole in the hood was not an easy task. I had to totally rework the front subframe and I cut the firewall and moved part of it back 2" to make room.

I have also cut the intake manifold appart and reglued it so the throttle body now points to the front of the car.

I had to fabricate my own shifting linkage to get the shifter to come up through the Rx-7 shift boot. I thought that part turned out nice. Since I was making it up anyway I made it to be a shorter throw shifter. Feels perfect to me.I had a lot of difficulty getting a driveshaft but finnally have been able to get one made using an infinity G35 driveshaft for the front slip yoke and weld yoke.Saturday I pulled the engine/trans for hopfully the last time. I am finishing work on the firewall. I hope to reinstall the engine trans and the newly made drive shaft soon and take it for a drive (driveshaft arrives in 2 days).I'll add more pics soon.

Last night I did add some doublers to the sides. There are also brackets that support the main tube and the throttle body. There shouldn't be too much load on the joint. There will still be vibration and heat so....

Well I have most of the glueing done and things are looking good. Well I thought it looked good until I looke at the picture. I guess cosmeticaly it doesn't look that great but functionally it is wonderful. I'll paint the white and grey parts black when I am all finished.I think it is going to be strong enough but only time will tell.

I've boxed up all my driveshaft parts and am shipping them to a place that has the skills and interest in making a shaft for me. It's more expensive but at least the local idots won't get my money

Turns out maybe the 04 Nissan Titan may have a slip yoke that has replaceable u-joints that might fit (at least this is what I am told). Too late now. Looks like the Drive shaft specialist can modify the shaft no problem. I still have my fingers crossed until the shaft is in and working. The cost on this shaft keeps going up. Pretty soon the driveshaft will cost more than the trans Got to have it to make the wheels go round :3gears:

Drive Shaft

I just got back from the local drive shaft shop (scientific brake). They say they can't modify my drive shaft. It's METRIC is about all they could mumble. Idiots! The driveshaft is becoming the hardest part of this whole project (no after market slip yokes fit the trans). Who knew.  I have an e-mail to the Driveshaft specialist. To see if they can modify make a drive shaft that will work out of what I have.