2020 Frontier 3.8L V6 -> 2005 Pathfinder swap

Any topics related to 2005-2012 R51

Moderator: volvite

User avatar
ShipFixer
Posts: 769
Joined: Sun May 24, 2009 9:52 am
Location: San Diego, CA

2020 Frontier 3.8L V6 -> 2005 Pathfinder swap

Postby ShipFixer » Wed Feb 05, 2020 10:00 pm

2020 Nissan Frontier gets the next-generation pickup's new V6

The current Nissan Frontier is like ferns or the coelacanth fish: It's a living fossil that has survived tectonic upheavals in both society and the automotive industry. The version currently on sale in North America has gone almost completely unchanged since it was introduced around 2004.

Naturally, Nissan is aware of this situation and it's feverishly developing an all-new Frontier, which should debut before the year's end. It will be built in America, specifically for American drivers.


Ahead of that 2021 model's formal unveiling, the automaker gave us a look at what will motivate this revamped rig. Making it more competitive with other midsize pickups, a newly developed 3.8-liter V6 has been created specifically for this application. Lest you think it's a warmed-over powerplant pilfered from another application, some 93% of its components have been redesigned. And you'll be able to experience it sooner than you think, as Nissan's going to put it in the current Frontier.
So what I'm really thinking is...in 5-7 years I could drop this in my 2005 Pathfinder if my engine ever dies 😎

Full article here:

https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/2020 ... ew-engine/


User avatar
underworld1001
Posts: 328
Joined: Sun Nov 27, 2016 9:05 pm
Location: Austin, TX

Postby underworld1001 » Thu Feb 06, 2020 2:52 pm

Yeah read that today. Someone mentioned in the comments that this is like a factory engine swap lol. Also read that the transmission is from the Titan. A comment was made too that since this is a new engine and things go south, then the failures will be associated with the old body style truck and not the new one. With that said, if this engine does good and I still have my Pathy, then hell yes a swap sounds good.

User avatar
eieio
Sponsored Member
Posts: 1841
Joined: Fri Jul 17, 2009 6:42 am
Location: Prescott, Az.

Postby eieio » Thu Feb 06, 2020 7:56 pm

In a well maintained R51, the engine will probably be the LAST thing to go.

User avatar
palmerwmd
Site Admin
Posts: 2343
Joined: Tue Jan 31, 2017 4:45 am
Location: Mid Atlantic

Postby palmerwmd » Fri Feb 07, 2020 8:50 am

eieio wrote:In a well maintained R51, the engine will probably be the LAST thing to go.
Agreed.

It would be kinda cool though to have that 3.8...

User avatar
ShipFixer
Posts: 769
Joined: Sun May 24, 2009 9:52 am
Location: San Diego, CA

Postby ShipFixer » Fri Feb 07, 2020 9:32 am

Well, yeah. I don't expect my engine to go, especially with how well it's running at 179K. But if it did...:-D

User avatar
disallow
Site Admin
Posts: 2820
Joined: Wed Aug 13, 2008 9:02 am
Location: Winnipeg, Canada

Postby disallow » Fri Feb 07, 2020 9:42 am

underworld1001 wrote:Yeah read that today. Someone mentioned in the comments that this is like a factory engine swap lol. Also read that the transmission is from the Titan. A comment was made too that since this is a new engine and things go south, then the failures will be associated with the old body style truck and not the new one. With that said, if this engine does good and I still have my Pathy, then hell yes a swap sounds good.
The RE5R05A transmission in our R51s is used in previous and current Frontier, Titan and the 350Z/370Z as well.

User avatar
Thupertrooper
Posts: 674
Joined: Sat Jun 15, 2013 10:17 am
Location: Mesa,AZ

Postby Thupertrooper » Fri Feb 07, 2020 3:34 pm

For the money might as well do a VK swap lol v8 is plug and play look up drivendesire they have done atleast 20 xterras and frontiers. Even 1 350z 6speed with a 5.6.

User avatar
eieio
Sponsored Member
Posts: 1841
Joined: Fri Jul 17, 2009 6:42 am
Location: Prescott, Az.

Postby eieio » Fri Feb 07, 2020 3:40 pm

Thupertrooper wrote:For the money might as well do a VK swap lol v8 is plug and play look up drivendesire they have done atleast 20 xterras and frontiers. Even 1 350z 6speed with a 5.6.
I seem to remember that the 2008 had serious redesigns to fit the V8 option in it.

User avatar
palmerwmd
Site Admin
Posts: 2343
Joined: Tue Jan 31, 2017 4:45 am
Location: Mid Atlantic

Postby palmerwmd » Fri Feb 07, 2020 6:29 pm

eieio wrote:
Thupertrooper wrote:For the money might as well do a VK swap lol v8 is plug and play look up drivendesire they have done atleast 20 xterras and frontiers. Even 1 350z 6speed with a 5.6.
I seem to remember that the 2008 had serious redesigns to fit the V8 option in it.
A longer nose.. but it can be done.

User avatar
ShipFixer
Posts: 769
Joined: Sun May 24, 2009 9:52 am
Location: San Diego, CA

Postby ShipFixer » Sun Feb 09, 2020 2:16 pm

Thupertrooper wrote:For the money might as well do a VK swap lol v8 is plug and play look up drivendesire they have done atleast 20 xterras and frontiers. Even 1 350z 6speed with a 5.6.
Yeah but other kids in school already have that :-P

If I were going V-8 I'd just go get the new Armada. But if I were going bigger, I test drove the new Expedition and it sure didn't suck! Size aside, it's better sorted out for driving than the new Explorer. Gets better mileage than my Pathfinder (not that I care that much), and will haul much more bike and surf stuff.

User avatar
ShipFixer
Posts: 769
Joined: Sun May 24, 2009 9:52 am
Location: San Diego, CA

Postby ShipFixer » Sun Feb 09, 2020 2:18 pm

palmerwmd wrote:
eieio wrote:
I seem to remember that the 2008 had serious redesigns to fit the V8 option in it.
A longer nose.. but it can be done.
I don't think there's any significant difference. Same mounting points, same radiator location (believe it's even the same radiator?), etc. Just slightly pointier plastic that looks better or worse, subjectively.


Return to “R51 General Chat”