Engine Changing from automatic to manual - help?

Changing from automatic to manual - help?

Ugh, driving an automatic just isn't as fun as a manual...

I asked about this a long time ago, but never had the fund for it. Now that I had my funds panned out, I believe I will actually have the cash to do it in a month or so. When I bought my 03 corolla s, my original plan was to have a manual. However, the dealer nearby me didn't have one, and at that time my 90 integra got stolen/stripped; I needed a car desperately then. Driving an automatic is relaxing, but...I really wanted a manual at heart. Personally, I'm not a good mechanic (the best I can do is the usual maintenace stuff - anything more than that is basically impossible for me since I lack the tools/time anyway), and if I did my math correctly, it'd probably run me into almost a grand (if not more), with tranny, clutch, mods, etc.

Trade-in? I thought about that...and then I realized after having my car at the repair shop for a month, I really miss it it's almost like I bonded with it (cheesy, ain't it?).

I live in SoCal area, and I was hoping someone around here would give me some help with the purchases/installations (more or less ask for a transmission swap job). I have a very small clue of what I actually need, and I need someone who is good at this (especially so since I will be using this car daily). If anyone around my area can give me a heads-up, that would be great. Thanks

other than the normal swap parts (tranny,clutch, clutch master/slave cylinders, flywheel, pressure plate, pedals, linkage, bolts, mounts[?], hoses, etc)... I believe you'll need a new ECU(manual) and drive axles(this one may or may not apply... a GT-S swap between sequential 4spd and 6spd involved new axles)... Some things will also have to be rewired(I think)...

if you look hard enough you can probably get all the parts for around a grand or even less if you're lucky. Try car-part.com, call in and ask to see if you can get a package deal. The cheaper the tranny, the cheaper the package usually. They usually wanna get rid of all the components anyways...

The cost for everything should be around 1000, but that was for the 98-02 corollas, might be a bit more for the 03-up ones.

dont think you need the ECU... dont see why you would.

the plugs are different(I know that much!) and the 4speed is partially electronically controlled(I think...)

3speed doesn't need an ECU switch
4speed does

it can be done without, if u read some other threads people say it is possible to use a auto celi ecu on a manual swapped corolla.

Y dont u just take everything out, returning the car back to stock, then trading in for a manual and putting all ur mods in that new car.....a new car always makes bonds between the car itself and the driver.....imagine....a newER car....hehe...n correct me if im wrong but arent the sticks cheaper than the autos....so in a sense u would be saving more money trading than if u were to swap out the tranny, plus it would save u the labor....and if u traded in, you would have a fresh one to start off with....

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^^I'm with Stupid! <img src="http://vvti.net/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Big Grin" />

Forget it man. Taking out ur automatic, installing a 5 speed is too much work and time consuming. You'll be way better off by selling ur car and repurchasing a 5 speed instead. Trust me.

but...but...! i did so much work on this car already...

Oh yeah...I originally financed the car...but after I paid it off, I never got the pink slip from toyotafinancial...was I supposed to get it after I'm done? Or were they supposed to keep it?

There are a few people who has done it for a couple of bills. Vortex were supposed to come up with a detailed diy but ever since that acciedent..

yes, you need to change the ECU. and Steve403... i've toyed with the idea as well and almost wasted my money on a whole bunch of parts. But i heard that even after you swap it out and get it running, it still won't be the same.

You'll have to force stuff where it wasn't originally meant to be..clutch pedal..different shifter assembly, etc...seriously consider trading cars with someone..

no, i dont think the ecu need to be swapped

The shifter assembly are a direct bolt on and the clutch pedal mount are pre tapped in the chassis.

jspexae102... ummm even vortex mentions you need the ECU

But like i said originally, unless you got too much time in your hands and u like working on cars, go ahead and do the swap. From a financial perspective, it wouldnt be cost effective. As far as trading in ur car at the dealership to swap for a 5 sp, don't do that. Never trade in your car. The dealer will always give you less than what its worth. You're better off selling it and then using the funds to purchase your new car. Just my two cents.

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The shifter assembly are a direct bolt on and the clutch pedal mount are pre tapped in the chassis.

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</div>Nice..didn't know that..

Amen to that. What else would one expect from a dealershit

If I'm selling my car though, I'd do it via autotrader...or even ebay (although I think that's a bit risky)

auto to straight drive swap is not hard my friend and i did one on his.....not hard at all but i am not sure if he got a new ecu or not ill ask next time i see him

it's too bad you're in NC isn't it...

if I decide to trade my car in, trust me, my next car will be a LanEvo VIII

you'll need a new ecu, only reason i'm saying this is because the automatic engine has the ecu time the spark for shifts. i'm not sure if your car would even start if you didn't replace the ecu and did a tranny swap

Not to jack this thread, but has anyone done an auto. to manual swap on the 93-97 Corolla's? If so, let me know, I have some questions. Thanks.

I am wanting to swap a auto tranny to a 5 speed in my 1998 Corolla LE and am not sure what all of the parts i will need can someone please tell what all i will need to do this project.