Auto to 5spd?

[myviper]

How hard is it to do this? I found a really mint auto rt but want to turn it to a 5spd, whos done it? and whos got a how to list

[TwIzTeD_3kGt]

If you're considering a 5 Speed Conversion, consider this.

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Well seeing how I just finished my 5-Speed conversion I figured I would make a thread telling what's involved since I couldn't find any when I started:

Here's the specifics of my conversion: I have a 94 SL and put a 5-Speed out of a 93 into it, some of the parts, such as axles, MAY not apply to all years, i'm not sure but it isn't hard to find out.

First, here's the parts you need:

- 5-Speed Transmission
- Flywheel
- Clutch kit
- Shifter (direct replacement) / Shifter cables
- Clutch Pedal (requires drilling a hole through the firewall)
- Clutch Master Cylinder / Fluid Line / Slave Cylinder
- Driver and Passenger Side Axles (for driver side only the inner axle)
- Starter (they ARE different between automatic and manual)

all of these things combined cost me just under $1200, some parts used and some new.

Second, here's the special / hard parts of the conversion:

- Installing the new brake/clutch pedal. Had to take the steering column down, and move the brake booster back to make room to get it in.
- Drilling a hole through the firewall. There isn't much room under there, but it doesn't take a professional.
- Installing the master cylinder. VERY small space to work in, but once it's in there's only one bolt that needs tightening. *The lines must be bled.
- Starting the car when you're done: There's a shift control connector that will be hanging loose, which used to plug into the automatic transmission. Two of the terminals need to be crossed to bypass the neutral safety switch so you can start the car, and two others need to be crossed to have reverse lights. It's different for every year from what i've heard, but it will be the one that has voltage and the terminal directly next to it that need to be connected.

After that, there's not much else other than testing everything out.

Labor Time: With no experience it took me a total of about 10 hours (ran into few problems). If I had to do it again, i'd say it would take from 6 to 8 hours.

Difficulty on a scale of 1-10(hardest): 4 (pretty easy, would have been much easier if I had this thread beforehand)

There are instructions available for free on the web at: http://www.ecanfix.com/users/manualc.../3s/index.html

The new 5-speed will require 75W-90 Gear Oil, don't put automatic transmission fluid in it like I almost did.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=301872

That's my write-up about 3/4 down the page.

[myviper]

the link for the instructions doesnt work

[3krazygt]

instructions work. Its generally pretty difficult if you have little experience with removing/installing transmissions. if you actually know what your doing, then it'll still be a challenge, but very possible. You have to custom cut the fitting for the clutch pedal. I guess what im saying is, is it possible? yes. is it easily done? not really.

[Alex3000GT]

Took me 2 weeks in the driveway to do my conversion. I had no previous knowledge or experience with dropping a tranny.

If you've got time, money, and a decent tool set, go for it! But it might just be worth it to put that extra $1000 into buying an even nicer 5 speed 3/S.

[Stealthee]

We are a very mechanically knowledgable family. My brother used to have an ATX 1.8 Talon. When the tranny went we were unable to locate an ATX to fit. Well we did find one but once installed we found out it was no good. Anyway after taking that one back we found a junkyard who would sell us everything to 5 speed swap it for $300. It took ALOT of cussing and yelling and throwing of tools before we completed the swap. Drilling the firewall was no fun and it was just a huge pain in the ass in general. Unless you are buying that mint ATX RT for a steal Id look elsewhere and just find a nice MTX 3s instead of dealing with the headache.

[TwIzTeD_3kGt]

Hmm...when I did the swap I had no previous experience and little knowledge myself. I didn't find drilling through the firewall to be a pain at all. In fact the worst part of the job for me was getting the old pedals out, but it wasn't that bad. I did it in the driveway as well, all in all it took me about 10 hours played out over a couple weeks due to discovering I had to order some parts. I'd do it again.

[navy123]

About the conversion can the radiator from an automatic be left or does it have to be replaced as well.

[DBLerman]

Originally Posted by navy123

About the conversion can the radiator from an automatic be left or does it have to be replaced as well.

Yes, just plug the holes for the transmission cooler.

[TwIzTeD_3kGt]

Originally Posted by DBLerman

Yes, just plug the holes for the transmission cooler.

You don't even have to do that, I just left mine open...it's only auto trans fluid in there...unless you're worried about the environment.