auto-manual swap, firewall? (searched)

[cow]

Ok, first of all I DID search before posting this question.

I found a killer deal on an S14 ($800 :o doesn't run of course :P ) but the only drawback is it's an Auto. I am hoping to get an S13 front clip which should have everything needed for the swap.

Now, I saw on Unstable Hybrid's site that some cutting of the firewall is required to do this swap which I'm pretty sure I couldn't do. However, on 240sx.org no firewall cutting is mentioned, but this is for the KA auto->manual swap which could be different.

Can someone clarify the firewall issue? That's the only thing that really makes me reluctant about buying this car. I am going to look at it Thursday just to see what all is wrong with it, so I have a few days to decide.

Thanks in advance.

[Ace]

the cutting of the firewall is a small hole for the clutchmaster cylinder. Also two bolt holes that hold it in place to the clutch pedal. If you look inside the S14 where the clutch pedal would be you will see a outline for three holes. Those are what needs to be cut. Not that tough.

[cow]

Oh.. well then I guess they were just trying to make some extra money, heh. Are you saying it's small enough to be drilled? About how small are we talking?

[Ace]

Yes it can be driled with a holesaw. It can be done in a matter of minutes.

[cow]

Very interesting. I take it you have done the swap before. How difficult would you say it is overall, assuming one has all the necessary parts? I am going to have to do everything myself because of financial reasons (plus no one around here knows how to do it).

[Ace]

Once you have all of the parts it won't take too long. My Dad and I did the whole swap and auto to manual conversion (except for the wiring harness) in our garage. Get all of your parts first. Send your harness away it will save some headaches. Get a complete motor setup so you don't have to search for parts. Good luck.

[Nismo1182]

i did this too in a 92 S13 hatch. The part where you drill through is so thin a whole saw will cut through it in seconds. Then adding all the hardware took less than a few hours.

[cow]

That's good to know. I think I can handle this. I probably will want an engine hoist. And I am planning on getting a front clip to have all the parts.

Do ALL harnesses have to be sent out? Or can some SR20 harnesses work with some USDM 240's?

[Ace]

All of this info can be found in the SR20DET section. You should search but I am feeling in a good mood so. You don't need a S13 front clip for a S14 chasis. You should just get a complete S13 engine. Yes the all harnesses need to be modified. If your doing the swap yourself you will need a hoist.

[cow]

lol sorry. :\ I searched for the firewall info but then I got on a roll and started to ask more newbie questions. Thanks for the info. And I want to get a front clip so I have the parts for the engine swap and the auto/manual swap.

[Ace]

But like I said the S13 chasis parts won't work on the S14. Go to a wrecking yard for the manual parts needed off a 5sp S14.