Auto to 5 speed swap: Opinions

[reelizmpro]

^Makes sense if you think about it since auto trans was a feature that one actually paid more money for when these cars were new.

[Kcaps]

I'm thinking I'm going to do the swap myself. I have a few friends who wrench, so I'll just get someone knowledgable to help out and I'll have a "learning experience".

[reelizmpro]

Don't forget about the flywheel, driveshaft,trans bracket, brake fluid, clutch hose and also bypass the neutral safety switch.

[bimmer630]

....and the backup light switch harness that comes through the shift gaiter

[jc_e30]

Do it yourself man. I was in the same situation about two years ago. Me and my dad have general knowledge about cars, but i didn't know if we could handle a transmission swap. Found a good writeup on how to swap it, and we went for it. Really not that bad at all. Worst part is getting the torx bolt at the very top of the bell housing. But with some extensions, pb blast, help, and patience its not that bad of a job. Well worth it too.

[Kcaps]

^^ how did you manage it in the garage? Did you have a lift or 4 jack stands?

[jlevie]

It isn't too difficult to swap out a transmission with the car on jack stands. Though the car has to be higher in air than three ton jackstands will allow. I use six ton jackstands fully extended, which is just enough. If you only have three ton jackstands, one or two 4x8x16 concrete pavers under each jack stand will work.

The other trick is to use an engine brace to lift the front of the engine as high as it will go to gain access to the upper bell housing bolts and the upper starter bolt. A cheap transmission jack is also a big help (~$70 at HF).

A wobble extension works much better than flex joints. For the upper bolts you'll need about 24" of extensions (and a full e torx socket set).

[jc_e30]

I used jack stands, up as high as they would go. It is kinda shitty having the car so low and trying to drop the tranny. But again it wasn't too bad.

[jlevie]

I used jack stands, up as high as they would go. It is kinda shitty having the car so low and trying to drop the tranny. But again it wasn't too bad.

It gets easier with the car higher in the air.

[LJ851]

I did mine by myself with 3 ton stands.

A couple 2X4s on edge with the shape of the bottom of the 5 speed cut into them help with keeping the trans stable on the jack when installing.

[Kcaps]

What about taking it out with the engine? I've heard this might be easier but takes more time. I'm planning on doing a bunch of maintenance at the same time, and give it a thorough clean, but is it worth the headache of taking it out the top?

[TehPilot]

Where do you bolt up the slave cylinder? Is there a specific place to put it?

[!kid]

Where do you bolt up the slave cylinder? Is there a specific place to put it?

uh...

driver side (left) of the bellhousing its the hole with two studs next to it.