1985 Nissan 300zx N/A Automatic to Manual Swap

[jakewake121]

My automatic transmission is giving out and instead of rebuilding it I wanted to convert the car to a manual transmission.
I do however have a few concerns:
1. Will it be able to pass emissions?
2.Is it worth it to swap or should I rebuild?
3.How long/ difficult is this project?

[evildky]

1. yup
2. I'd swap it, not a fan of automatics unless you are an amputee
3. If you have to ask, you will likely find it difficult. It's not really that bad, you have to pull and install the trans, rewire the neutral safety switch to the clutch safety, remove the spacer from the crank and add a pilot bearing, swap pedals, run a hydraulic line, swap driveshafts, possibly pinion flange. It's a days work if you know what you are doing.

[jakewake121]

After some research I've come up with a list of parts I'll need. Did I miss anything/ Is anything not necessary?
-5 speed trans
-cluch
-pressure plate
-bell housing
-neutral safety switch
-reverse light switch/harness
-drive shaft
-flywheel
-speedo cable
-pedal assembly
-master/slave cylinder
-cluch dampener
-cluch lines
-exhaust downpipe
-5 speed ECU
-pilot bushing
-Throw out bearing
-trans mount/crossmember
-speedo pinion

Thanks for the help.

[evildky]

ECu is not needed. Only the 84-86 turbo T5 has the removable bellhousing all other are part of the case. If you buy a used tran it will have the reverse sensor and speedo pinion in place. You don't need the clutch damper, it was only on early cars and most people remove them. DOn't forget the shifter bushing that bolts to the floor around the shifter and the shift boot itself. I don't think you'll have to change your downpipe.

[The Monk]

Would it be better to find a donor car or buy the parts separate

[evildky]

It's always better if you can buy a complete donor car, usually cheaper to as you can sell off the unused bits.