auto transmission?

[BiXLL]

I have seen quite a few threads detailing the 5 speed swap. I can't find anything on changing an automatic though. Has anybody changed one that could give some basic steps? I have not done one in 30 years, and if I decide to stay automatic could use some advice and reminders. Things like, I have seen posts where people unbolt the auto and slide it out then undo the torque converter. I always unbolted the torque converter before taking the transmission off and had the torque converter in the transmission when reinstalling, do you not have to have the torque converter in the transmission with these cars? If not, how do you know it is properly seated on the pump? Does the torque converter have to be filled before install? Any advice I sure would help more then just me if anybody can help give some basic steps and things to be careful about.

I tried to get some answers in the tech section, but I NEVER seem to get any replies to my questions there, my vert brothers have yet to let me down though!

[BiXLL]

Quote »I tried to get some answers in the tech section, but I NEVER seem to get any replies to my questions there, my vert brothers have yet to let me down though![/quote]Hmmmmmmmm, untill now!!!! LOL Cmon guys, nobody has changed out an automatic the caqn answer my questions and maybe give me a few pointers.

[GoinTopless240]

BiXLL.... hmmm how do I put this nicely. Most everyone that has had an auto problem with these cars has either swapped to 5-speed (my vote), paid multiple times to have it rebuilt by someone only to have it do the same thing or for those that have gotten frustrated by the last step - they sold it (usually to someone like us that can appreciate the simple fix of the rev or speed sensor). I can appreciate the love you have for the mix of cars you have and having at least one that wouldn't be so bad to drive in traffic. Just a thought... You know you can download the FSM's from here right? I think they outline the steps in there and might be a good visual to help you though getting the smaller tidbits. Hey on another related note there is actually a shift kit out there for this auto also. I'm sure Nemo has it stored somewhere in his storage mind of his. Sorry but I couldn't wait to get rid of mine ( I gave mine away). Good luck.

[BiXLL]

I have not ruled out going to 5 speed, just weighing my options. I have been working some very long hours and am worried about having the time to do the 5 speed swap. I was thinking I could switrch out autos in a day, not to mention being able to pick autos up vfrom $50.00 to $100.00. I would prefer going 5 speed and probably will, but want to get all the info I can before commiting.

Thanks for your reply though, I do appreciate it!

[EPD]

Ok, I am going to guess and say the auto is like every other car with an auto.

Yes you would have to fill the torque converter, yes you can pull the trans out with out unbolting the tq converter just be careful not to damage the converter.

To properly seat a tq converter you push the converter back and spin it on the shaft until it seats, it should stop spinning, then you will know its seated.

As always be prepared for leaks from the rear of the trans where the drive shaft enters, you can drain the trans and refill it .

I did my 5 speed swap in a day, that included drilling holes, mounting pedals mounting transmission, new drive shaft, and going to the parts shop to get master and slave cylinders.

Hope I helped. Seems like not many others have much experience.

[Azrial]

changing the auto should be the same as taking it out. Unplug the sensors etc. Unbolt the brackets unbolt the driveshaft drain transmission fluid unbolt transmission pull it out. Install in reverse order. I considered just putting an auto back in mine when it went out but I opted to take mine to a shop for a 5spd swap. Then I got sucked into replacing motor mounts transmission mounts front tension rods etc. The only real problem people seem to run into when doing the swap is adding the pedal and bleeding the clutch. If you decide to swap it yourself gl if not find a local tuner shop they didn't charge me very much labor to do it. Most my cash was spent in parts. Because I kept deciding to go ahead and fix other things while I was at it.

[Seven3Lee]

I'm in the middle of collecting the parts for the 5speed swap in mine. It's too bad we are on opposite sides of the country else I would give you my old auto trans. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it, but I despise driving autos, so it has to go.

So far, this is how much the whole project has cost me:

5spd transmission (with shifter, harness, sensors, crossmember) - $3005spd ECU - $205spd driveshaft - $60Clutch master/slave cylinders - $36Clutch line - $24ACT Stage 3 clutch, pressure plate, lightened flywheel, clutch pedal - $100

So $540 and I'm pretty much done with assembling the parts. The only hurdle now is finding the time to get it done.


Modified by Seven3Lee at 8:27 PM 3/10/2009

[BiXLL]

I decided to go 5 speed, and by what you have paid I guess I came out smelling like a rose! I got everything, including new clutch, preasure plate and T.O. bearing for $350.00! The guy also threw me a starter, high preasure power steering hose, and alternator he had laying there in the deal!

[Harman850T5]

great decision. I'm at around $750 for all the parts I got for mine, at least the transmission was only $35. It's still cheaper than an auto rebuild. We should have a race to see who gets done first. Most likely starting mine in two weeks.

I put my auto through hell and back on a weekly basis for the past year, and all it does is get stuck in third until it cools down every now and then, then it acts like nothing happened.

Are you doing the RMS too while you're at it?

[Seven3Lee]

I decided to go 5 speed, and by what you have paid I guess I came out smelling like a rose! I got everything, including new clutch, preasure plate and T.O. bearing for $350.00! The guy also threw me a starter, high preasure power steering hose, and alternator he had laying there in the deal!

Good deal!

great decision. I'm at around $750 for all the parts I got for mine, at least the transmission was only $35. It's still cheaper than an auto rebuild. We should have a race to see who gets done first. Most likely starting mine in two weeks.

I put my auto through hell and back on a weekly basis for the past year, and all it does is get stuck in third until it cools down every now and then, then it acts like nothing happened.

Are you doing the RMS too while you're at it?

I'd be down to join this race. =D I am shooting for this weekend to get it done, but who knows if I will have the time...