Infiniti M45 Conversion
Infiniti M45 Conversion Need a little help ladies and gents. Have a 06 Infiniti M45 and I've come to a crossroad of doing a LS2, LS3 or as a last result a LS1. My VK engine was rebuilt 10k miles ago and have already dropped a cylinder " well think it has". It's basically a FBO car "without the headers" and Uprev tune. The car run good for what it is but lack the power of what I'm use to.
So to make a long story short and my question. I know the G35, 350 and 70Z's have conversion kits for their LSX swaps but nothing for M's. How hard would it be to have this setup installed and a custom Bellhousing to mate to the factory transmission "at least temporarily because that trans is fun to drive". So yea the Infiniti trans would be behind the motor until it decides to take a crap on me.
So estimated , what would a close estimate be to have my M45 converted to a LSX setup, including the computer and all? Won't be a Cammed or Head car, will basically be the basic FBO so hopefully the trans will remain behind it for a while like listed above.
Went through this pretty fast, so please feel free to ask me any questions if something don't sound right or mis-worded.
Thanks for looking and hope to hear great replies back.
So to make a long story short and my question. I know the G35, 350 and 70Z's have conversion kits for their LSX swaps but nothing for M's. How hard would it be to have this setup installed and a custom Bellhousing to mate to the factory transmission "at least temporarily because that trans is fun to drive". So yea the Infiniti trans would be behind the motor until it decides to take a crap on me.
So estimated , what would a close estimate be to have my M45 converted to a LSX setup, including the computer and all? Won't be a Cammed or Head car, will basically be the basic FBO so hopefully the trans will remain behind it for a while like listed above.
Went through this pretty fast, so please feel free to ask me any questions if something don't sound right or mis-worded.
Thanks for looking and hope to hear great replies back.
Love the big M cars and hope you post pictures of progress on this one and complete it.
My guess is running an LS motor with what I assume is an electronically controlled Infinity auto would be difficult.
My guess is running an LS motor with what I assume is an electronically controlled Infinity auto would be difficult.
The largest hurdle will be controlling the M45 transmission. The lsx also makes much more power than the vh45de. The M45 already has pretty weak transmission. They tend to let go with a few bolt on's. It would likely be easier having a T400 back the LSX. Or a 4l80e if you'd like OD. You could use something as cheap as a microsquirt to control the 4l80e. But the T400 & 4l80e are larger than the m45 transmission. So some messaging will be in order. Anything is possible with enough $. If you want an even easier transmission you could swap for 300zx or 357/370z manual transmission. They make adapter plates to run them behind the LSX. There's not very many manual swapped M's but it's been done. You should look into Chris Forsberg’s M35 drift car. It's been converted to manual. It's just one of the few I've seen.
I'd guess a custom bellhousing would cost more than either trans would be worth. Resale value on it when you do switch would also likely be near zero, unless of course using the Infiniti computer turns out to be super simple. Even then it'd be a tough sell.
Getting a new yoke put on that funky driveshaft might be cheaper. Keep us updated though, those are cool cars.
Getting a new yoke put on that funky driveshaft might be cheaper. Keep us updated though, those are cool cars.
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Thanks for the inputs. Yea it would make more sense to to go ahead with a 4l60e but the stock Trans with the Rev match and instant shifts are fun in the M but yea it would be best to sell before it take any damage. Money is a object so it wouldn't be a couple weeks build but something I'd dedicate a year or so to do, but have had that thought of just getting rid of it and going to a E63 AMG or one of the new CTS-VBC after the prices drop in a year or so to satisfy my Power needs in a big sedan.
Last edited by bamaballa205; Oct 16, 2016 at 07:39 PM.
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Verdad Gallardo +1! Majority of the time the dealer will have likely loaned the loaner AMG's. Which means you'll be driving a base or lower model. While still making payments on an AMG.
Note taken. Will keep you all updated on the decision, assessing the damage today. Will see which way I go afterwards. Thanks again!!