R50 manual transmission conversion

[D.Rheaume]

Hi everyone, I'm new here, and relatively new to Nissans. But my wife, daughter and I drive a Rogue, an Altima and a Pathfinder. My 2004 r50 4x4 has the vq35 3.5L and an automatic transmission with the manual transfer case. I would love to some day convert it to a 5 speed manual. I would like some input on what vehicles I can source parts from. Transmission, hydraulic clutch parts, cross member, center console, and pedal assembly. Also any experienced help with the potential problems along the way. Thanks in advance!

[Slartibartfast]

 

The manual VQ R50s are pretty rare and parts may be a challenge to source. A guy on here a week or so ago was looking for a flywheel for his and the only ones available are stupid expensive through Nissan, and the PN didn't cross-ref to anything else that I could find. (I didn't check the second-gen Xterra, though--they had the 4.0, not the 3.5, but I don't know that the bolt pattern is different.) The auto VQ engines have a set of valves in the intake that the manual VQs don't, suggesting that the computer is different too. If you're dead set on it I'd start looking for a whole truck--either as a parts donor so you've got everything you need in one place, or to build up with parts from your current truck so you don't have to mess with harnesses and computers.

[D.Rheaume]

I appreciate the feedback. It may be a pipe dream that won't be attainable at a reasonable price. The idea didn't seem too crazy since I know Nissan did build them, but it is probably not worth it if finding one or more components is improbable.