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Possible yes. Not very difficult, but the devil is in the details. To swap to a manual transmission will require getting the clutch pedal, master cylinder, piping, and trans wiring harness for the Pathfinder. Also will have to change part of the center console and the floor plate where the shifters are. You will have to do some rewiring for the starter and to connect the Pathfinder to the 3.3 engine as well as some parts swaps. Not hard, but there are a bunch of little fiddly bits. Not certain, but the Xterra shifter might be a little long, not something I have considered doing since I prefer the automatic transmission. Just recall the fiddly things when I was young and went from 5 speed to auto and then back to manual in my 1980 200SX I had.

Slarti, Mr. Reverse, Aegis, you guys rock. Your contributions provide excellent information. It gets very confusing about what to disregard and what to seek. I'm putting together a plan that starts with what I hope are a complete list of changes. My plan will be to get an engine (I'm actually about the pull the trigger on one), dig all the way to the timing belt and change it, replace any pumps/accessories that look worn. My usual luck is that I do a job like this and then something like the water pumps leaks everywhere. I just want to get it prepped and secure before installation. Running list of changes: 1. VG30E camshafts (anyone know where to buy new ones? The Nissan dealer says I'm SOL) 2. A/C hoses, check. I know a good hose guy locally. 3. Xterra oil pickup (which years?) 4. Frontier / Xterra VG33E accessories, check. (also which years?) 5. Nissan Quest / Villager alternator (years?) 6. VG30 original oil pan 7. Check for 10mm exhaust holes in the manifolds, enlarge to 10mm if necessary ... good list. Am I missing anything? What about wiring? ECU? Distributor? Intake? I'm just trying to be as complete as possible for both me and future readers. You guys are great. I wouldn't even attempt this without all the great info you all have provided. Cheers!

The blue arrow is pointing to the nuts which are loosening up. Nylock nuts sound like a good idea.

I’d have to agree that modding a vehicle is a slippery slope. I’ve found that when it comes to modding mine out, my best ideas happen while I’m driving/working on the vehicle- music sounds crappy while I’m driving, so I upgrade the sound. Rocker panel got a dent, add rock sliders. Missed a turn on a dark trail at night, added 45* “ditch” lighting. Need trail communication, got a cb radio. So drive it around, use it for what you want to use it for, and upgrade accordingly. For me, buying stuff I don’t use or need (like my rotopax) is one of the more frustrating feelings

We got a little dusty!