How difficult is a automatic to manual swap?

[Mangudai]

Now I know its not really difficult to get down but my friend insists that its just so hard to do. If I buy the parts {should be under 900) and have a shop isntall it, it shouldnt be an issue right?

[180fan]

if a shop does it, the hardest part will be coughing up the cash.

[FRoSt415]

not to hard. are u changing the engine also? if not just take off the transmission and hook up the lines and wires, i think you can do it without taking transmission off but a little harder. i like room when i work on cars. changing driveshaft takes minutes.take out old one and put one from a 5 speed and the same type of you car like s13,s14 etc. clutch line connect to transmission. need a clutch master cylinder and pedal if you look you already have the holes for the pedal. but u just need to drill the holes for the clutch master real simple just stencile the spot were fits and get a drill. other things involved but its rather simple if you go step by step. wire would be the hardest but take your time and double check each one. just changed the engine in my 240sx and went from a/t to m/t. no problems except the wiring was a hassel took me about 6 days. was supposed to take 1-2 days. just do your research print all the info out with pictures and you should be fine. good luck

[nightkid86]

Read the writeup that is stickied in the tech section, it covers everything you need to do. I had no real mechanical experience and no power tools and I was able to do it with a few friends for about $500 total.

If you take it to a shop they are gonna spend forever trying to get the wiring to work, and will charge at least a grand. Do it yourself. Wiring took about an hour, but if you have problems I can help you out.
Modified by nightkid86 at 11:24 AM 12/22/2006

[irocknrol2]

if not just take off the transmission and hook up the lines and wires, i think you can do it without taking transmission off but a little harder.

Just how would you change from an automatic transmission to a manual without taking the transmission out?

[silvia2slow]

i suggest to take the whole engine out. it will save a lot of time in the long run because everything will be easy to get to and it will also be easier to run the clutch line. i helped a buddy do it on his convertible and if you have someone who has a half of a clue of what to do, it's really not that hard. just like what frost said, do your research, find a guide, follow the guide, and then drive the thing like you stole it!!!!!!!!!

[silvia2slow]

but to answer your first question, if it is a decent shop, they shouldn't have a problem doing it. like what was said before, the shop will be in no hurry to complete the swap. if you have the money and time to let someone else do it, go ahead. but i think you know how i swing on this:

buying the parts- $$bribing friends to help you -$$$$learning something new and having the pride of doing it yourself- PRICELESS

[FRoSt415]

Just how would you change from an automatic transmission to a manual without taking the transmission out?

thats why it would be harder . nah but fereal my bad meant to say engine.that sort of dosent make sense, but what i did was replace the engine and transmission. what i think i am trying to say is that make sure to have plenty of work room. i hate cramped work areas. yup thats what im trying to say. so basicly if u dont mind taking out the engine go ahead then bolt on the transmission(have at least two people) and of course the cherry picker. good luck