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.

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Chassis '91 Rx-7, Engine 2000 maxima V-6 (VQ30DE-K), Trans 350z 6-spd manual, Daily driver 7/25/04-11/1/07 Sold 3/8/08

Build thread
http://www.v8rx7forum.com/showthread.php?t=22517

replaced by an LS1 powered 3-series BMW sedan
LS1 BMW Swap http://ls1bmw.blogspot.com/

Looks good but why that motor? Just to be different? Seems like there would be easier more suitable powerplant out there.

But again looks good and nice work.

You have done a great job of getting the details sorted out with this project and it is obvious that no momentum was lost along the way.

After you have paved the way on this one......who knows maybe others will follow. Most likely starting with the Z350 or G35 drivetrain. I already like the sound of that......any idea what the motor weighs? The transmisson appears to be about the same size as the T-56.

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Some people just make things happen.

Thanks for the compliment on the work. I see all the excellent work people do on this board and I am somewhat affraid to post pictures of mine.

I wanted to do a nissan motor and I am not into 4 cyl. A 300zx motor probably would have been easier but they were more $, heavier and would have needed a rebuild. The max motor I got was newer and fewer miles. The pathy motor was too tall and the 350z motor was still to new (not enough available when I started). If I were to do it again I'd probably do it differently.

I think having a different car is kind of fun but not really the reason I did it. I just wanted a nissan engine. Almost all my other cars have been nissan. They make good engines but their sports cars are too heavy.

I am SURE there are easier motors to put in. This motor didn't want to fit and there were lots of issues I had to resolve. Many times during the project I have though I should have selected a different drivetrain.

More suitable....everyone likes different things so it is hard to say.

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Chassis '91 Rx-7, Engine 2000 maxima V-6 (VQ30DE-K), Trans 350z 6-spd manual, Daily driver 7/25/04-11/1/07 Sold 3/8/08

Build thread
http://www.v8rx7forum.com/showthread.php?t=22517

replaced by an LS1 powered 3-series BMW sedan
LS1 BMW Swap http://ls1bmw.blogspot.com/

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.

__________________
Chassis '91 Rx-7, Engine 2000 maxima V-6 (VQ30DE-K), Trans 350z 6-spd manual, Daily driver 7/25/04-11/1/07 Sold 3/8/08

Build thread
http://www.v8rx7forum.com/showthread.php?t=22517

replaced by an LS1 powered 3-series BMW sedan
LS1 BMW Swap http://ls1bmw.blogspot.com/

Great project, must feel great to have accomplished so much.

I'll be the first to say it: looks like you have plenty of room in there for a turbo or two!

that is LIGHT! I'm just guessin here, but you'll probably shave some of the vehicles weight off with this motor. Although that transmission looks big and beefy

Nice work.

Nice swap!! I always wanted to do a 300ZX Twin Turbo swap in an FD. Looks more than possible now

Yah, the motor is light, I was going to post a pic of my brother and I holding it but I have been spending all my free time working on the car (I post while eating lunch at work). The trans definately isn't light. Being a six speed I am sure is part of it. It was considerably heavier than the rx-7 trans. I have forgotten the number but was significant. At least that weight is farther back and lower in the car.

I got my drive shaft yesterday :yeah: It has been a long wait. I had driveshaft specialist make the parts I had (slip yoke from a G35 and a rockford flange yoke) into a shaft. So far I am very pleased. I also finished welding/painting the firewall last night. A few more small details and I'll put the motor back in. This time when I run the engine I can turn the wheels

I can't wait to take it for a drive!!

I'll try and get some new pics up of the firewall.

__________________
Chassis '91 Rx-7, Engine 2000 maxima V-6 (VQ30DE-K), Trans 350z 6-spd manual, Daily driver 7/25/04-11/1/07 Sold 3/8/08

Build thread
http://www.v8rx7forum.com/showthread.php?t=22517

replaced by an LS1 powered 3-series BMW sedan
LS1 BMW Swap http://ls1bmw.blogspot.com/

You know what I was thinking.... how nice it would be to swap an LS6 v-8 into the G35 Coupe. Such a nice looking car, good brakes, nice chassis with 400+ hp of snorting American v-8.