Auto to Manual Swap - 370z
 

I know I know, it's cheaper to buy a manual car.. trust me I do want that.
but the options in Korea are a bit limited.. there are 7 manual 370z's and the I know all the owners and they do not want to sell it. to bring a used manual car from the states or canada costs around +170% of the car to just bring it here, so my options are either a swap or get rid of the car and drive a hyundai. I want to do the swap. I have a couple people who worked on Z's for a long time (professionally) so we can have the parts and hardware installed, no problem. The only problem is the software side of things. Since noone has tried to convert a 370z auto to a manual with the original VQ engine, there are no information available to me. So despite all the criticism from basically everyone who doesn't drive manual here in Korea, how would the software side work to make this swap work?


P.S. please keep the criticism to yourself, I'm pretty tired of all this "I would buy a BMW, BENZ, etc. with that money" crap that I get everyday while I'm here: I just love this car and I love to drive manual.:tup:

I haven't heard of anyone doing the swap successfully, which is why there is virtually no information. Since you're paving the way here, I'm guessing you're on your own for figuring out the software. Good luck!

You will need to replace the ECM and TCM plus some wiring harnesses. Plus the shifter position switch will have to be replaced. Probably some other stuff.

The FSM (link in sig) will be a useful resource for your project.

Personally, I'd enjoy the auto until one of the manuals comes on the market.

There are almost 10 370Z/G37s that have converted from 7AT to 6MT including mine here in Taiwan. I have been driving it for almost 3yr without problem.

To answer your question, you can either swap to 6MT ECU or use your original ECU to re-flash it to the version you want.

I would *LOVE* to swap my 7AT to a 6MT!!! I have two teenagers who have grandiose visions of going to college, so my dream of upgrading to a 2019 or 2020 6MT Nismo will continue to remain a dream for LONG time. By the time I am ready to upgrade to a 6MT Nismo, Nissan will have a new Z ready to buy (ha-ha, just kidding).

I love my Z and I have little desire to replace it with anything (...except possibly a Camaro 2SS...), I just wish it had a manual transmission.

do you have details on how u have done it ?

yeah if there was a nismo in korea I would have got it straight away but the 3~4 nismos here costs around $80,000 and nissan korea doesnt sell manual or nismo:shakes head:

sweet thnks for the info ! we have some used salvaged parts that we can get directly from japan and a manual tranny is one of them :tiphat:

hey thanks for the support, really appreciate it :tup:

I'm sorry, but Japan is right across from the Korean peninsula and wouldn't be it easier/cheaper bringing the vehicle from Japan where it's made?

I wish it was but with the boycott that is happening currently in Korea, the tax is enormous if you want a right hand drive car.

Fortunately, the dollar is at the moment way stronger than the won. I’m currently in the Gangnam area of Seoul for work and I’m treated like a king when I tell them I’m an American (I’m 100% Korean but born in the States) and you’d be surprised how much they will bargain and deal. But yeah, good luck on your venture and keep us posted!

Yeah I bought new trans, clutch combo, clutch oil reservoir including clutch line, pedals, and manual shifter. Rear diff, manual drive shaft, and ECU I also bought but they’re optional. Seb can do the manual ECU firmware reflash if you don’t have a local tuner that’s capable of doing it.


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so there were no electrical issues like no rev matching or other sorts?

yeah same for me , I'm 100% korean but born in the states, lived in Canada for the other half of my life. but the paycheck I get is won and it kinda sucks for me cuz the won is at a shitty state atm. I'm also in gangnam haha nice to meet someone like me here :rofl2:

If you want SRM you'll need the engine harness as well, and reflesh the firmware accordingly.

Curious to what the cost was roughly to get it all up and running. Labor cost wouldn't be an issue, strictly parts.

It’s about $2500 USD for complete parts here in Taiwan.


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Damn... I would just put it in neutral at a light and let it roll back a bit like everyone else does.... :wtf2:

so basically would a manual ecu cover all the electrical and wiring issues that seems to be the main problem? I would like to contact you personally with the people I am trying to do this project on later if that's ok with you