1996 Nissan Frontier Engine Swap

MAX_GRAMMATICUS

MEMBER
1996 NISSAN FRONTIER
2.4L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
230,000 MILES

I need to replace engine. I have found the same engine for sale, the only difference being:

(1) My engine to be replaced is coupled with Automatic Transmission

(2) The donor vehicle--also Nissan 1996 PU 2.4 L engine--is coupled with Manual Transmission.

The question is: will these engines swap without complications, specifically:

(1) Are motor mounts (in vehicle) for two engines the same?

(2) Will bell housing, transfer case or whatever need to be installed adapted to fit "manual" (donor) motor to my AT?

(3) What of the motor control unit (computer)? Will the "manual" (donor) motor respond correctly to the control unit currently installed (in AT vehicle)?

Please note: this is not a Frontier, but simply Nissan Pickup (extended cab), sometimes called D21 Hardtop.

3 Replies

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

They should interchange, the only problem may be the end of crankshaft as some engine have alarger hole for a torque converter instead of the pilot bushing for the manual trans.

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Friday, January 10th, 2014 AT 9:26 AM

HECTOR SANTIBANEZ

MEMBER
1 POST

They should interchange, the only problem may be the end of crankshaft as some engine have alarger hole for a torque converter instead of the pilot bushing for the manual trans.

If it have the larger hole for the torque converter it's there a way to still use the engine?
Because I have this problem