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Possible BIG 3rd gen build!

2378 Views 16 Replies 8 Participants Last post by  markismail
Hello everyone, I have been tossing around the idea of doing some crazy things to my SE-R. I'm not one of those big talkers, I'm not even saying that i'm doing this for sure. I've just been thinking about it for awhile and I wanted to run it buy you guys and see what you think...

So i'm currently attending Wyotech in PA, i took a business class first and now i'm in the core automotive program. They have a hi-performance course that i'm thinking about adding on, in which you learn every single thing about how to squeeze horsepower out of an engine. The school provides a supra, some SRT4s and a few other things, but for the most part, you apply what you learn to your own car. The shop has several dynos, and all the tools you could possibly need to do pretty much whatever you want.

So my idea is to use my car as a project car. Initially i was thinking an engine tear down, port and polish, basically a rebuild and keep it N/A. But, no offense to the altima croud, you can only build a FWD car up so much before it becomes sort of useless. So then i started thinking about a total engine/drivetrain swap from a 350z or G. THEN i started to think about possibly finding a g35x drivetrain and using that. The thought of having the 3.5 in my car with an AWD setup makes me go crazy. The ONLY thing that i dont like about my car is the set of wheels that move it. If i could change that, i would love my car, and probably keep it forever.

So basically i just want some input on this "plan", i know its crazy and there's a TON of work involed, but i have enough time and recources in the hi-performance class to do a lot of work. I have found this drivetrain setup for pretty affordable prices, anywhere from 2-4k with the engine and tranny.

Once again, i know this is a huge project that requires lots of tweaking of lots of things, but i truly think all the work would pay off once i have an AWD altima, then i could start building off of that.

I'm not another one of those nut-cases that thinks he can do anything, and this is a legit idea that i have been pondering for a while. This could ACTUALLY HAPPEN.

So please, any input, negative or positive, would be appreciated. I just want to know what all you guys think and have to say. Thanks!
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i don't see how the AWD setup could work with out a ton of custom work, and not to mention having around $10k to blow. i personally think that money would be better spent swapping in the HLSD trans from the maxima. from there you can get cams, then PnP head, port match upper and lower intake manifolds along with throttle body, get a good tune and raise rev limit to 8.5k. you'll be beyond happy with that, and it would cost around the same amount as just swapping in an AWD trans. you could also get the speed force racing intake manifold with a 2k9 throttle body instead of porting the manifolds and tb. all this would put you WELL over 300whp.



Hello everyone, I have been tossing around the idea of doing some crazy things to my SE-R. I'm not one of those big talkers, I'm not even saying that i'm doing this for sure. I've just been thinking about it for awhile and I wanted to run it buy you guys and see what you think...

So i'm currently attending Wyotech in PA, i took a business class first and now i'm in the core automotive program. They have a hi-performance course that i'm thinking about adding on, in which you learn every single thing about how to squeeze horsepower out of an engine. The school provides a supra, some SRT4s and a few other things, but for the most part, you apply what you learn to your own car. The shop has several dynos, and all the tools you could possibly need to do pretty much whatever you want.

So my idea is to use my car as a project car. Initially i was thinking an engine tear down, port and polish, basically a rebuild and keep it N/A. But, no offense to the altima croud, you can only build a FWD car up so much before it becomes sort of useless. So then i started thinking about a total engine/drivetrain swap from a 350z or G. THEN i started to think about possibly finding a g35x drivetrain and using that. The thought of having the 3.5 in my car with an AWD setup makes me go crazy. The ONLY thing that i dont like about my car is the set of wheels that move it. If i could change that, i would love my car, and probably keep it forever.

So basically i just want some input on this "plan", i know its crazy and there's a TON of work involed, but i have enough time and recources in the hi-performance class to do a lot of work. I have found this drivetrain setup for pretty affordable prices, anywhere from 2-4k with the engine and tranny.

Once again, i know this is a huge project that requires lots of tweaking of lots of things, but i truly think all the work would pay off once i have an AWD altima, then i could start building off of that.

I'm not another one of those nut-cases that thinks he can do anything, and this is a legit idea that i have been pondering for a while. This could ACTUALLY HAPPEN.

So please, any input, negative or positive, would be appreciated. I just want to know what all you guys think and have to say. Thanks!



It's great that you are taking those courses and have this opportunity to work on your car in class not to mention a great learning experience. I do not know if this swap over is possible but I think I think I remember somewhere on a different thread that said it would be very difficult to do if not even possible. My 2 cents is if it is possible and you want the experience and gain the knowledge I say do it, would love to see a AWD Altima.
also if you did this, then you would have to be auto



Interesting train of thought. I would take the FWD SE-R as far is it will go N/A. Show everybody what you can really do with some good know-how. The awd is a neat idea but there are just too many questions to answer before dropping 4g's on something that might not work. Not to mention when you're done, let's face it, you're still left with an Altima with its cheap interior and tin like panels. If you really like the car, then go for it but I think there are better platforms to do a big build. Example, 2G for a late model fox body and rebuild the motor for a street fighter - just sayin'.

If you're serious about awd then you should have a serious look at the X-trail that was offered in Canada. It was based on the Altima platform and I think would be a lot easier to work with.
come on mike, encourage him to make a high hp n/a altima!



If you really like the car then go for it, honestly. I'd support your decision 100%. If this is your DD then you have to be prepared to be without it. High HP machines require lots of work to maintain. I think Penguinchit said it best when he said the car gets moodier the more he mods it. Anyway, enough with the negative.

What's your first move?
There is one AWD Altima in the works. altima02Dub on NC. Nick is his name. His car's been in a few articles and too many shows to count.

Here's his site:

http://v8altima.com/

It's been a ton of work and a bigger amount of dough for this car...
When did he make the decision to go AWD?
probably when it hit him that he's putting a v8 in an altima lol



I was unaware he was going AWD. I thought he was going RWD.
his original plan was to go rwd, but i have a feeling he realized you wouldn't be able to control a rwd v8 altima if you hit the gas hard at all.



Yeah I saw that guys sight a while ago. He's doing some crazy things, i sure can respect his dedication. I reeeally can'd decide what to do..and Mike, I guess my first move is figuring out whether I'm taking the hi-performance class here at school or not. Because if i do, that is where and when I would do most of the work.
i say you should do what i recommended. you'll actually learn MUCH MUCH more towards performance doing it my way too. like an incredible amount more. unless you only wanna have experience with transmission swaps..



That would be an awesome idea to execute... but just remember like others mentioned if it's your DD, that's a REALLY bad idea, lol. It will take you a VERY long time to get everything straightened out and running/aligned properly. Also, as for the AWD drivetrain, look into the AWD system out of the Nissan Murano, might be easier/cheaper than G35x parts or Canada parts. Just food for thought.


Also, I thought that the v8altima.com project was RWD as well, did he switch to AWD now? if so, either way it's in amazing project, can't wait until it's on the road.

I personally don't HATE FWD like most seem to, I'd say stay FWD and put the money into the motor, and turbo maybe? I'm a big fan of Twincharge setup's, maybe build the first twincharged Altima? (Supercharger AND turbo for power throughout the whole power band).
his original plan was to go rwd, but i have a feeling he realized you wouldn't be able to control a rwd v8 altima if you hit the gas hard at all.
flash forward 10 years and theres atleast a few rwd altimas, most popular rn in 2023 is probably caleb andersons ls3 swapped rwd altima ser
Also, I thought that the v8altima.com project was RWD as well, did he switch to AWD now? if so, either way it's in amazing project, can't wait until it's on the road.



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