Exploring 5 spd swap

[BiXLL]

I lost my transmission in my favorite vert. (black one) I have been toying with the idea of doing a 5 spd swap. I have come accross a 89 coupe, and a 91 hatch that I can get for under $500.00 each. My question is, if i get one of these, will I be able to get EVERYTHING I need to do the swap from these cars Would 1 be a better choice over the other?

Is there any downfalls to doing the swap I should know before jumping in?

[Eikon]

The 91 is the way to go.

The 89 has the single cam engine, and if I remember correctly a few of the sensors and maybe one of the hardlines is a little different from the 89-90 to the 91+ models.

The 91 will be perfect.

Yank all the 5 spd parts, swap them all over, then sell rest of the car and be done with it.

If you do the swap correctly, you'll love the results!

[BiXLL]

LOL, right after posting I checked my email and found the 91 gone!!!! Back to square 1 and in limbo as to what to do!

[heatw]

just use the 89 then,

The differences aren't a serious problem in terms of a working manual setup, you'll just be stuck running the auto ecu from your vert, since you can't use the engine bits from the single cam. any differences in the lower harness from the single cam can be fairly easily sorted out.

[BiXLL]

just use the 89 then,

The differences aren't a serious problem in terms of a working manual setup, you'll just be stuck running the auto ecu from your vert, since you can't use the engine bits from the single cam. any differences in the lower harness from the single cam can be fairly easily sorted out.

No, I don't need extra issues to deal with, I will find a 91 or newer to use if I go this route.

[biggie]

You can just piece it together a whole donor car isn't neccessary, but would be a little cheaper probably.

[94_240sx]

you'll just be stuck running the auto ecu from your vert, since you can't use the engine bits from the single cam.

I have dohc manual ECU, so I tried both auto and manual ECUs and didn't any difference at all, so I decided to keep auto ECU since it doesn't have limiter.

Anyway, newer transmission is highly recommended.

[Nategreat923]

Get a new clutch, pressure plate, and throw out bearing while the transmission is already out of the car

[-RJ-]

just get the 89, use the auto ecu and you will be fine. you can bend that hardline if you wanna get perfect with it. The only thing I remember is you need the speed sensor off a 91 - 94 but you can get that at a junkyard for 15 bucks

[BiXLL]

would the sensor from my automatic work?

[94_240sx]

The only thing I remember is you need the speed sensor off a 91 - 94 but you can get that at a junkyard for 15 bucks

It's not a good idea to put 91-94 speed sensor to 89-90 transmission. They ahev slightly different teeth. It'll work, but might go bad in the future.

[BiXLL]

I am really thinking I would be better off looking for one that was made for the DE, I am sure I will run into enough that I am not expecting without trying to use parts that are almost right?????

[Azrial]

Just search the junkyards for the parts you need. There are tons of websites you can mass email junkyards and they will compete to give you the best price.

[onosqv]

would the sensor from my automatic work?

nope, not same size... or teeth either, I believe.

[94_240sx]

nope, not same size... or teeth either, I believe.

That's correct. You want the transmission with everything otherwise it's not easy to source missing parts.

[BiXLL]

I am starting to get cold feet on this. I am just not sure I have enough time or expertise to take this on. I have changed clutches and transmissions, but we are talking YEARS ago, and I was dealing with much more basic technology. (late 60s and early 70s) For example, I thought I knew all the parts I needed, then I came across a thread talking about the "plate" that gos between the motor and transmission that I knew nothing about or saw it mentioned before. It is running into the unknowns that has me scared.

What do you guys think, should I go for it, or give in and throw a used auto back in it? If I do this, will you guys support me with even the dumbest questions?

[94_240sx]

If you a used auto back in, you will run into same problem down the road. Have you seen this thread? If not, go through all pages.

zerothread?id=77784

Don't think twice. Start collecting the parts and do the swap.

[Eikon]

Do the swap Bill!!!

We'll get you through it.

The satisfaction of completing the job, and the reward of having a 5 spd 'vert are VERY worth it!

Just read the 5 spd swap thread and you'll have all the info you need.

[BiXLL]

Well, I think I have all the parts lined up, I am thinking of just going and picking them up tomorrow before I change my mind!

[BiXLL]

OK, here is a list of what I think I need, please look over it and let me know if I am missing anything.5 Speed TrannyCrossmemberDriveshaftSpeed SensorPlate between motor and trannyClutch disk, Preasure plate and throw out bearingClutch master cyl, slave cyl., and linesclutch and brake pedalstranny boltstranny boots and shifternew pilot bearing

Do I need any switches from the new brake/clutch pedals?

EDIT: Well, the transmission I drove 1 hour to go get today was sold 20 min. before I got there! Not much sense in going and getting the other stuff from the other guy tomorrow with no transmission! I am soooooo depressed!

[mmm240]

A note about using the auto ecu. As it doesn't have a governor it also doesn't have a rev limiter.

The manual ecu also has a cold sensing feature that won't allow the engine to rev past a certain RPM when it hasn't warmed up. I can't remember exactly, but It was either 4 or 5k RPM.

I picked up my manual ECU for 30 bucks. I think it was worth it.

[BiXLL]

ok guys, I have decided to do the 5 speed swap over the auto replacement. Now the first of my questions.

Do you guys get new clutch/pressure plate or used? I am thinking new, but not sure where to get them, Auto Zone, Advance? Here is a couple links to clutch kits, what do you guys recommend?http://www.autozone.com/R,2820...l.htmh ... e.....html

Also, new or used flywheel? I found 2 for them, 1 22 lbs. one 15 lbs, what do you recommend?http://www.autozone.com/N,1120...t.htm

Is there somewhere else I should be looking for these parts, or should I look used even?

[mmm240]

Good to hear that you decided on the 5spd swap!

I would go with this for the clutch kit. Cause exedy is the factory manufacturer

http://www.clutchcityonline.co...shtml

Do you prefer lazy shifting or quicker shifting? The lighter the flywheel the faster the revs will drop.

I'm sure you could scoop up a factory flywheel for cheap if you searched, being so many are upgrading. Just get it resurfaced.

[Azrial]

I would recommend getting an exedy stage 1 clutch. Unless you plan on building up the KA

[BiXLL]

I talked to the guy I am getting the parts from after posting this and I guess I misunderstood him. He is including new clutch kit, and flywheel in the deal. He says he is giving me absolutly everything I will need to do the swap.

[cmkelly]

Can I ask how much this is costing you total?

[94_240sx]

I picked up my manual ECU for 30 bucks. I think it was worth it.

idk. My car behaves much better with Auto ECU. I have a manual ECU, so I swapped them several times to see which one's better.

[BiXLL]

idk. My car behaves much better with Auto ECU. I have a manual ECU, so I swapped them several times to see which one's better.

$350.00 for everything including manual ecu.

[CT240sx]

ive been exploring this swap idea myself since theres a cheap convertable for sale locally, and since i have the parts needed for a 5 speed. im sure it would be a really fun summer car once its done

[mmm240]

$350.00 for everything including manual ecu.

Score!

And March is your month in the calendar. That means you gotta get it done this month