Imported V36 - Convert Av To English (Use Parts From Infiniti G37?)

[Luke V36]

Long time reader, first time poster….

A quick question to those in the know who can maybe help me understand a bit more about the Skyline V36 I have just imported. It’s a 08 Skyline V36 370GT Sports from Japan and I love it. The only thing I hate about it is the fact that the AV System is all in Japanese, as is the information on the dash behind the steering wheel.

As the model I have imported is very similar to the Infiniti G37 Coupe (sold and delivered in the US), I wonder is it possible to replace the headunit AV system with one that I can source from the US. Obviously the US one would all be in English and this would be much nicer to look at and work with. I am just wondering if all the harnesses etc will plug into the back nice and easy or if its going to be a lot of work for no guaranteed result.

I understand the navigation will still not work (No Australian Maps) but I still want the AUX input to work, as well as CD/DVD and Cameras and wonder if the FM Radio will work also. My import has Music Box feature (which is pretty cool) but it too needs to be in English. Does anyone know if the G37 has this feature in its AV system, and if it would be present if I did the conversion.

Has anyone out there attempted this, and if they have, did you simply get the parts required or did you bring in a halfcut and go from there. I am hoping it will be as much plug and play as possible, however being similar cars and not the same I am unsure.

The parts I think I would need is obviously the G37 Navigation Radio unit (or maybe another part seems I don’t want the nav because it wont work), as well as the Control Panel with Bezel (as buttons and layout are different) and maybe a Display from a G37 so the setup is the same as a Infinity G37. Not sure about Amp etc. – that’s why I am hoping someone has had a crack at this and can give me some insight and help as to what is required, if it is indeed possible. Will the V36 plugs and harnesses go into the back of Infiniti parts, will it make everything English?

AV System (Infiniti Reference: 25915P)

Control Panel (Infiniti Reference: 28395Q)

Display Unit (Infiniti Reference: 28091)

G37 AV Parts Diagram

http://parts.infinitiusa.com/infinitiParts/index.cfm?bodyColor=&trimColor=&BODY=C&ENGINE=VQ37VHR&DRIVE=2WD%2F4WAS&GRADE=SPORT&TRANS=5AT&action=replacement&groupid=E&sectionid=280&partcode=&jointvehid=7516&makeid=14&siteid=216578&illust_seq=01

Can anyone out there tell me if I am on to something or if it is just plain impossible? Looking forward to replies, hopefully with good news

Thanks, Luke.

[Chris Rogers]

best we talk..

(and read the FAQ if you have not already.)

[Wogboy]

I've looked into this, it isn't plug and play. The plugs are all different, may be easier with local 370Z parts but it gets expensive unless you can find a wreck some where.

[V35_Paul]

This is your best bet

http://www.prestigemotorsport.com.au/modules/stock/index.php?StockID=5089

[Chris Rogers]

yep but not that one. I know who has that car and its a jap one. so no good.

[Wogboy]

It's a 350Z not a 370Z

[V35_Paul]

Whoops.

[pauls]

yeah this is just cr@p.

many have said you get used to it. I have had my v36 coupe for 3 months now and cant stand the Japanese characters.

Its got an awesome unit and we cant read or use half of it.

Very dissapointing.

I dont get given its a global market why Nissan didnt simply have a language option and ship the same units globally.

The US units are able to be switched to french from memory, but ours nah! tuff luck.

why our head unit would have 10 plugs and US just 7 hmmm go figure.

I gather no progress in converting language pack on the hard drive?

My V36 will be up for sale soon.

Anyone in Vic interested in a blue manual coupe 08 sports model?

[Chris Rogers]

about a month ago I asked for somone to host a 30 GB image.. no one responded so I didnt bother. the local Navara STX550 runs the SAME box as the V36 does with maps and in english. if someone had piped up I could have imaged that hard drive..

[M34N]

about a month ago I asked for somone to host a 30 GB image.. no one responded so I didnt bother. the local Navara STX550 runs the SAME box as the V36 does with maps and in english. if someone had piped up I could have imaged that hard drive..

Chris,

Are you saying if we basically order the HDD for a STX 550 from Nissan, it would be a straight swap over for the V36? Or are you actually saying the software is identical and the hardware is different?

I will try to see if I can find someone to host the hard drive for you, have a mate who does that kind of stuff, not sure on the file size limit though, 30GB is massive. Is it possible to compress/ZIP the image into a smaller size or something?

[Chris Rogers]

Chris,

Are you saying if we basically order the HDD for a STX 550 from Nissan, it would be a straight swap over for the V36? Or are you actually saying the software is identical and the hardware is different?

I will try to see if I can find someone to host the hard drive for you, have a mate who does that kind of stuff, not sure on the file size limit though, 30GB is massive. Is it possible to compress/ZIP the image into a smaller size or something?

the O/S is similar , hardware is similar. both run the sony GVIF chipset and the audio side of it is the same. as for being identical . they are not. the software that runs the unit would cover navi,BT,DVD playback (though most of the clarion stuff is firmware coded.) and a portion of the radio operation.

it would be a case of software hacking the two together to make it run.

as for buying the software only , not to my knowledge. it will be the whole box and that is on the wrong side of $5k.

the30gb drive splits into 4 smaller drives. so to compress it may prove a bit of a task.

truck is long gone. when I had it I was doing 4 cameras on it and two of them were in a horse trailer. when I had it I had the chance to pull the drive and unlock and unmarry it from the unit. no one responded so I let it be. for me to unlock one its a $55 a pop exercise and given I see VERY few of these cars not something I wanted to do on a whim.

[pauls]

the O/S is similar , hardware is similar. both run the sony GVIF chipset and the audio side of it is the same. as for being identical . they are not. the software that runs the unit would cover navi,BT,DVD playback (though most of the clarion stuff is firmware coded.) and a portion of the radio operation.

it would be a case of software hacking the two together to make it run.

as for buying the software only , not to my knowledge. it will be the whole box and that is on the wrong side of $5k.

the30gb drive splits into 4 smaller drives. so to compress it may prove a bit of a task.

truck is long gone. when I had it I was doing 4 cameras on it and two of them were in a horse trailer. when I had it I had the chance to pull the drive and unlock and unmarry it from the unit. no one responded so I let it be. for me to unlock one its a $55 a pop exercise and given I see VERY few of these cars not something I wanted to do on a whim.

how unfortunate. oh well, too soon it seems.

will sell the skyline and revisit this in a year or two when hopefully it has come together.

I have my own server so can host this, but even so 30gb is quite large.

[Wogboy]

how unfortunate. oh well, too soon it seems.

will sell the skyline and revisit this in a year or two when hopefully it has come together.

In a yr or two you will be able to buy a G37 here so you won't need a conversion

[Alkatraz]

In a yr or two you will be able to buy a G37 here so you won't need a conversion

You will just need around $80,000 in your pocket lol.

Actually, has anyone read about what they should be costing when they come out over here?

[M34N]

You will just need around $80,000 in your pocket lol.

Actually, has anyone read about what they should be costing when they come out over here?

Told by one of my contacts at Nissan that they will basically be priced the same as a BMW or Merc, but have more standard features as a trade off. They already have a couple test mule V36's here, seen one in Victoria myself (but can't disclose where) and it had already been converted to Aussie spec, including buttons, maps, etc. Anyone expecting them to be 'cheap' is going to get a real shock.

The only positive I can think of is at least it will be easier to find spare parts etc for our cars!

[Wogboy]

Told by one of my contacts at Nissan that they will basically be priced the same as a BMW or Merc, but have more standard features as a trade off. They already have a couple test mule V36's here, seen one in Victoria myself (but can't disclose where) and it had already been converted to Aussie spec, including buttons, maps, etc. Anyone expecting them to be 'cheap' is going to get a real shock.

The only positive I can think of is at least it will be easier to find spare parts etc for our cars!

Which model BMW and Merc? I've read that they are aimed at 3 series Beemers, which can price them anywhere from 50K to 110K depending on model. Hopefully they will split the difference.

[M34N]

Which model BMW and Merc? I've read that they are aimed at 3 series Beemers, which can price them anywhere from 50K to 110K depending on model. Hopefully they will split the difference.

Well, when I asked I was told they will launch a G-series coupe and convertible (not sure on a sedan) with the 3.7L V6/7sp auto, so it'll compete directly with the 335i and C350. Very similar specs to what the Germans already offer, but with a few more things standard is how it was explained to me. I did ask for pricing, but was told they are still deciding on specific prices and exactly what models will launch here. I kept pressing for prices, was basically eluded to the fact that it would be 'more than a 370Z' and 'close to what Mercedes and BMW are priced'. I asked about manual vs. auto too, was told they were only looking at autos only at the moment to 'keep prices more competitive' or something along that line. So at a GUESS, you're looking at probably $80K+ on roads minimum for the coupe itself, probably another $5-10K for the convertible? Only speculating here, but judging by the prices of existing Mercs and BMW's, I wouldn't be surprised if it was more.

I was told there is also an M56 (the M sedan with a 5.6L V8), along with a FX50 (the SUV with a 5.0L V8) - both are apparently decked out with all the options. From the car I saw, it was badged as a 'G37' with Infiniti badges, was Victorian road registered, had the fog lights in the front bar, unique looking 19" wheels (different from the ones on V36 SP models with 19" have) and a few other subtle differences compared to my V36. Can't say much else, they are still deciding on which locations Infiniti will launch from in Australia, but they do have a few models located across Australia at the moment fully complied and registered. These are the 'test mules' I was told, and they are still trying to figure out the suspension setup etc for Australia.

There's a few other minor details but that's the best part of it.

[pauls]

Well, when I asked I was told they will launch a G-series coupe and convertible (not sure on a sedan) with the 3.7L V6/7sp auto, so it'll compete directly with the 335i and C350. Very similar specs to what the Germans already offer, but with a few more things standard is how it was explained to me. I did ask for pricing, but was told they are still deciding on specific prices and exactly what models will launch here. I kept pressing for prices, was basically eluded to the fact that it would be 'more than a 370Z' and 'close to what Mercedes and BMW are priced'. I asked about manual vs. auto too, was told they were only looking at autos only at the moment to 'keep prices more competitive' or something along that line. So at a GUESS, you're looking at probably $80K+ on roads minimum for the coupe itself, probably another $5-10K for the convertible? Only speculating here, but judging by the prices of existing Mercs and BMW's, I wouldn't be surprised if it was more.

I was told there is also an M56 (the M sedan with a 5.6L V8), along with a FX50 (the SUV with a 5.0L V8) - both are apparently decked out with all the options. From the car I saw, it was badged as a 'G37' with Infiniti badges, was Victorian road registered, had the fog lights in the front bar, unique looking 19" wheels (different from the ones on V36 SP models with 19" have) and a few other subtle differences compared to my V36. Can't say much else, they are still deciding on which locations Infiniti will launch from in Australia, but they do have a few models located across Australia at the moment fully complied and registered. These are the 'test mules' I was told, and they are still trying to figure out the suspension setup etc for Australia.

There's a few other minor details but that's the best part of it.

nice to see, however I would not pay 80k+ for a v36.

in America the same car is worth under 40k brand new and fully loaded, while a 2009 fully loaded is under 30k.

Aussies get taken for a ride!!

[M34N]

nice to see, however I would not pay 80k+ for a v36.

in America the same car is worth under 40k brand new and fully loaded, while a 2009 fully loaded is under 30k.

Aussies get taken for a ride!!

Consider in Japan a new V36 starts from ¥4 million (around ¥5 million with options) - this is around $50K minimum, so that is still more than what Americans pay.

Hate to break it to you, but it's $70K+ on roads for the base model 370Z in Aus, while in the UK it's £30K (or $AU45K) - so yes, I think people will pay more for a G37 brand new, with a 3-year factory warranty. I mean most of us on here paid anywhere from $35-55K for a used V36 from Japan with no working navigation, TV or warranty, so I fail to see why they wouldn't sell a brand new G37 here for much more than that.

Look at a BMW 335i here too, they start from $100K (with fewer options than Infiniti will have) and go anywhere up to $110K with the same options, and that's not even for the M Sport model. They are on par with these German cars, and if BMW/Merc can get away with that pricing, so will Infiniti.

[Yo-Yo]

you'd think they'd want to compete with Lexus in cars & price point moreso than ze germans

at least that's what I thought when I first heard infiniti is launching here

it's closest competitor imo would be the is350 which is I'm guessing $70-90k on road depending on model spec?

as much as I am a tragic nissan fanboi I don't see infiniti appealing to the german car buyers; The way i see it it's kind of like the R35 vs euro exotic; the G37/370GT will represent excellent value for money in performance & features vs comparable competitor cars but it's not going to steal too many sales from the "premium" brands. (Anybody that knows me long enough knows about my opinion on overpriced/over-rated euros )

The stock 'sport' model suspension on the 370gt is truly atrocious though, I can understand them wanting to aim for comfort more than performance but even turning through roundabouts felt like a heavy lifeless slug, spirited driving though corners usually meant intital understeer greeted by power oversteer.

I canned the the stock swaybars & springs quicksmart & it's a totally different beast.