Sounds like you're on the right track honestly. Definitely do plugs/wires when you can. New coils maybe also, desi is right in that they either work or don't work, but they can be hard to notice behind other problems. (Mine would stutter a bit and run out of breath at 4500-ish rpm, and it was because one of the coilpacks was crapped out. Just putzing around town and you didn't notice it).

With 157k miles, some of the clutch packs in the tranny may be wearing out, which could be causing your first gear woes. That's a lot of miles for an auto tranny really, especially one that is under suspicion of being abused.

 

Hmm well replacing the tranny is not a real bad problem if I have to do it, I do it for warranty nissans all the time. But what options do I have, has anyone made a write-up or faq on the parts needed to 5-speed swap? Lol is there a 5-speed swap for this motor :P

 

And about the coil packs, I was meaning replace them with a set of MSD or similar performance brand. I eventually want to fix up the car some (intake/exhaust/simple stuff) and i figured if I was doing it anyway throw something nicer in there.

 

Ayup, while you've got it apart, no sense in putting something in that you would end up replacing later.

And yes, V6s did have optional 5-speed manuals (That's what I drive). The ubiquitous T5. There is someone on either this forum or http://forum.camarov6.com/index.php that's working on adapting the T56 6 speed to the V6 also. I think he's putting a really short final drive ratio in the rear end to make up for the taller gears in the T56, but still having that 6th gear for highway cruising.

If you're not going to make crazy power (300 or less I'd say) then the T5 will survive just fine for the most part. If you tend to beat on it and want to make LOTS of power, the T56 is a heavier duty unit. But to fit on the 6er, you'll need some sort of adapter plate to go from the V6 bolt patter to the SBC bolt pattern.