Jump to content

Chevrolet LT1 engine swap into a 2007 Pathfinder


Panomine
 Share

Recommended Posts

Hi folks. I've got a rather simple question.. has ANYONE swapped a '95 Chevy LT1 350 engine and trans into a 2007 Nissan Pathfinder? What's the issues and tips. My Daughter's 07 pathfinder's transmission is ruined due to coolant cross contamination, and I've got a complete engine/trans ready to drop in... HELP!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Reason being is that the transmission pooped the bed and I don't want to tie up any more $$$ in it buying another junk transmission. Its a beautiful little car, but I know without a doubt a Chevrolet engine/trans combo is more reliable.. Reading different forums and google searches has shown that this transmission/radiator issue is a known problem that Nissan won't fix. Whenever a transmission needs replacing at 80K miles to the tune of over $4500 is ridiculous. This car's not worth that much in KBB.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi folks. I've got a rather simple question.. has ANYONE swapped a '95 Chevy LT1 350 engine and trans into a 2007 Nissan Pathfinder? What's the issues and tips. My Daughter's 07 pathfinder's transmission is ruined due to coolant cross contamination, and I've got a complete engine/trans ready to drop in... HELP!!

 

I've swapped a 94 Lt1 into a 88 Pathfinder.

 

http://www.nissanpathfinders.net/forum/topic/33315-small-block-chevy-swap-worth-it/page-3

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I hear you on the new part costing more than the truck's worth. My dad's '03 had massive oil consumption and it was the same story with the engine. Not worth the cost of the shop time to dig into it to find the problem, let alone to fix it. I wanted to tear it apart myself but it was his daily and it still ran, so he just added oil until he sold it.

 

Trouble is, I'm pretty sure the R51s are on CANBUS. Some rigs have an aftermarket solution for engine swaps, but aftermarket for Nissan trucks has never been great, so I think you'd be on your own for getting the CANBUS systems back online after getting the Chevy running gear into it. A fun project if you're into that sort of thing (I don't even want to be in the same room with that can of worms), but I'm guessing your daughter wants it back on the road at some point in the near future.

 

Probably more realistic to find a trans at the junkyard (look for a wrecked donor, the problem's common enough that I wouldn't trust a trans from a rig with no obvious reason for being there), flush the strawberry milkshake out of your cooler lines, get an aftermarket radiator that wasn't designed by accountants, slam the SOB back together and get it out the door.

 

And then find something more fun to put your 350 in. :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

There are a few major issue to consider before making the decision to do this type of a swap. Is this your 1st ever swap, or have you done a less extensive swap, such as a Chev to Chev swap before (ie V6 to V8, or LS into a older SBC)?

 

The first 2 major questions are budget and knowledge/expertise (and/or the willingness to do a lot research and be able to understand the research). You will also need to be able to do custom work, so this is not a "basic" driveway or bolt on type exercise.

 

What is the plan for the rest drive train? Are you looking to retain the Nissan transfer case? Is this part of a SAS or will you be retaining the existing front drive line?

 

The answers to this will determine what other parts you will need, and the level of modification to things such as oil pan, exhaust, etc. etc.

 

The secondary detail (but no less important) will be routing of hoses, wiring and fuel delivery considerations, etc etc.

 

Its a lot of work (and most will not feel it's worth it), but if you're up to a challenge, the reward at the end of it is a thrilling unmatched Pathy ride.

 

Be happy to answer any questions.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...