Q45 engine/trans in Nissan Truck ?????

Mr. Telephoneman · Jun 6th, 2004, 10:12 AM

I have a 1995 Q45 bought used. It is driven or aimed by my wife daily and has low mileage.
I just drove it to FL again and can never get over the power and smoothness of shifting this combo has. I want to remove the eng and trans (would have to pay someone) and install in Nissan truck.
Is this possible? I want truck utility and Q45 power. Any help would be appreciated.
My direct email is tcga@comcast.net
My direct line is 678 283-6464 Thanks

**88pathoffroad** · Jun 6th, 2004, 06:46 PM

You'd have better luck modifying the stock pickup's engine for more power, man. Swapping MPFI engines from one vehicle to another like that is a problematic project at best. You have to worry about the routing of every hose, pipe and sensor wiring, as well as the engine computer and full wiring harness.

1997XETruck · Jun 6th, 2004, 09:39 PM

You have my attention!!! I have no idea if it can be done, but man it would be smoooooth. My guess is that it would be too large for the engine bay - engine is packed in there even in the Q chassis. Have you taken any rough measurements yet?

Heath

Mr. Telephoneman · Jun 6th, 2004, 10:21 PM

I have only had the thought. My first instinct was to find a Nissan forum to see what anyone knew or could suggest. The front end of my Q is large and the engine is big. Perhaps in a chevy body? You have to give AMERICAN automakers credit... their bodies last as long as Nissan, Toy, Honda. hahahahah! Maybe I could put a truck body on my Q frame? I am ignorant when it comes to these matters, but I am reprehensive about having a hitch installed on my Q to haul my Bass boat and atv. Yes...I am a redneck but I think thats a little overboard for me. I have an 02 toy tacoma ext cab SR5 auto and use it for work and want to keep it new with low miles. What do you think?

1997XETruck · Jun 7th, 2004, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Telephoneman

...but I am reprehensive about having a hitch installed on my Q to haul my Bass boat and atv.

As well you should be... the Q's rear subframe isn't up for the extra strain - you'd damage the bushings and they're only replaceable as an assembly ($$$$).

I'll try to pull up an old eBay auction and post it later... I call it Qcamino!

Heath

Mr. Telephoneman · Jun 9th, 2004, 02:45 PM

Thanks alot. Talked to a guy on the job today.
He has a 220 hp nissan truck with 2.4. Installed turbo with 260 ft lbs of torque as per individual.
I need to beef up my 02 Taco (Tacoma) and just sell the Q when its paid for and use the money to do so. Still will consider any ideas you guys have.

himilefrontier · Jun 14th, 2004, 03:53 AM

I would say it is do-able, but not cheap or practical. You would have to be able to weld and do fabrication work to make it fit, but it should fit in the engine bay. You may have to trim the fenderwells, but that's the easy part. The difficulty comes when you try to wire your monster! Things like the speedo and A/C are all computer controlled in most late model vehicles, so you need to figure these things out, not just the engine management. You could avoid these issues by using an older truck that does not have them integrated into the ECU, but you still would need a way to get the signal for the VSS (vehicle speed sensor) that the Q45 invariably uses. This is easy with GM and Ford engines, as companies such as B&M offer convertors and piggyback senders to work with both and ease swaps. Nissan's are nowhere near as popular for swaps as domestics so I see this as a major issue to the swap. Compared to the wiring, welding and fabricating all of the engine mounts and brackets you would need is easy! I'd love to see it done. I think Nissan engines are built far better than those offered by domestic manufacturers, but reality is that the limited availability of any given Nissan engine makes it an unpopular choice.I say that if you have access to a good running but shot Q45 and a old Hardbody truck with a shot engine, why not try it? Other than that only attempt it if you are absolutely in love with the idea. Heck, I really want a 60's or 70's Austin Mini with a Honda B16A2 swap but that doesn't mean I can afford it! If you are really in love with it, hit me up on AOL IM (eeyoreamc9083) I would enjoy brainstorming this idea further!

nissannut · Jun 14th, 2004, 11:49 PM

Its already been done. I think it was done by Nissan USA as a proto type.

I have seen pix of a Q45 V8 in a Fronty 2wd truck. But the truck got crushed. Pix are on nissan4wheelers.com or 4x4parts.com I cant remember where.

I tried to find the pix real quick but failed. But It did fit... It would be an awesome swap..

89Joe · Jun 15th, 2004, 07:36 PM

I know what you're saying. I drive an 89 XE 2wd. I want significantly more hp/tq too. Here's something I've been pondering for a long time now: 86-95 Pathfinders with the v6 have VG30 engine codes. 90-96 300zx's also have VG30 engine codes, but are DOHC (better anyway). Stillen sells VG30 motors. I don't think they're complete, but there are like 3 levels you can get. I've always wondered if one of those motors would simply bolt right in. Ofcourse the computer would have to be reprogramed and/or replaced to accomidate it. I've seen 2 photos on the web of a Pathy with the motor. I think it was from Japan and it said you can only use the non-turbo motor because the turbo hardware doesn't fit under the hood. Anyway, I've always wanted to call the Stillen shop to see what they'd say. I've never made the call. I'm afraid they're gonna say it would be like $20,000 and need the truck for 6 months.

nissannut · Jun 15th, 2004, 08:28 PM

You have a VG30 with throttle body injection right? I had an 88 Pathy years ago.

All VG30s have the same bolt pattern and motor mounts. If you want to upgrade to Multiport fuel injection that is a bolton upgrade, but will need ECU wiring etc...

A q45 swap would a new trans, problay new mounts and wiring, ecu etc. I plan on doing one day just for Fun. I put a Z24i in my old 85 720(carb). I had to migrate wiring harnesses etc.