Pathfinder Newbie --- Questions

[Harbinger]

Hi All, I'm picking up my first ever Pathfinder tomorrow. Its a 1987 2dr, with the 3.0 v6 and the automatic. It also has 265000 miles on the original equipment. I was wondering how hard it was to swap engines in these vehicles. Also, could I somehow swap in a 5 speed?

[MaritimeMan]

Use the search function, you could answer alot of your questions about the swap pretty quickly. As far as a tranny swap, you'd need to change out the ECU, and assosiated wiring to achieve it. Ask away if you have any more questions (after you use search), and welcome to NPORA.

 

M.M.

[Harbinger]

Ok, I might scrap the auto ---> manual swap (will forever be searching for the clutch at start up though :-) ) But I am still guessing I'll need to change both the engine and tranny before to long.

 

I bought this truck for $450 with 262,000 Miles on original engine and tranny, the guy was a business owner and therefore just had a local shop "fix anything that needed fixed", not entirely sure what that means, but hey, it does still run :-)

 

Basically, How much can I expect to pay for a new engine/tranny, or even a rebuild? I'm not near a mechanic but I do know some wrenchers I might be able to bring in to help me.....*hits the drawing board*

[jj big shoe]

I'd check with one of those shops that import low mileage engines and transmissions direct from Japan. They usually have pretty low mileage because of a vehicle inspection law over there called the Sha-Ken law. I got a 5-speed with t'case from one of those places for my '87 for $550 and installed for another $400 with a three month warranty.

[Mr. Pickles]

Unless there is a real problem with your motor or tranny, I'd suggest just running with it. They're gutless, in case you're wondering, that's not your imagination. Just try driving it around. There's no point dumping more money into it than it cost you unless there is a real issue that needs addressing. If it drives fine, let her be. 265K miles is middle age for a Nissan. I'd suggest a tranny oil cooler if there hasn't been one before, and DO NOT flush the engine or pressure wash it. That's just asking for things to pop up that apparently at this age are happy where they are.

[Harbinger]

Well that makes sense, Well at least she starts every time, my worries extend more to the tranny, How hard do these auto's usually shift? Sometimes the first shift seems more like hitting a wall. (Mass RPMS followed by that good ole clunky shift) Depends on how pedal happy I am as well.

 

I dunno, maybe I'm to used to my GTI

 

How would one check for evidence of a tranny oil cooler?

Edited February 11, 2005 by Harbinger

[88pathoffroad]

Yep, that's how these things shift. It takes some getting used to.

 

The tranny oil cooler is integrated into the bottom of the radiator.

[GrimGreg]

 

The tranny oil cooler is integrated into the bottom of the radiator.

Unless it's an aftermarket add on.

 

 

Just follow the lines out of the tranny, they'll lead you too the cooler, whichever kind it may be.

[Harbinger]

Ok, After another weekend went by I came up with some more newbie-ish questions.

 

It seems to me that my steering is kind of sloppy, and I can almost literally "feel" the road/trail through the steering wheel. Is this also typical to our swiss army knife trucks?

 

My engine seems to run rather on the cool side of my temp gauge. The guy I bought it from said something about a problem on these trucks where the Thermostat gets stuck open?

 

I'm certain my Pathy is suffering from the Exhaust Manifold issue, want to save up for headers, but could this be causing anything in the mean time?