Engine 98 Corolla 3 speed auto to 5 speed manual swap!

98 Corolla 3 speed auto to 5 speed manual swap!

I just got my 98 TRD Corolla 1zzfe with 3 speed auto converted into a 5 speed manual transmission. The work was done by Dr. Tweak down in Savannah, GA. Visit his shop for more information at www.getswapped.com. He does all kinds of work on Toyotas mainly but can do other cars too.

I decided to get my 3 speed swapped into a 5 speed because I am a district merchandiser for a company that requires me to travel 600 miles a week around my territory in SC. First of all, the company reimburses me $0.34 per mile. Therefore, the more gas mileage I can squeeze out of my car the more I can pocket. I knew that a Toyota Corolla was one of the best reliable cars out there, but the 3 speed auto was holding it back. I had debated selling the Corolla and getting a another gas saving car with a manual, but I concluded that the best thing for me financially and for convenience was to get the Corolla converted into a manual. It was good for me that Dr. Tweak had moved down to Savannah because that was what really convinced me to do it.

I dropped my car off on Wed. and I could of picked it up at the end of the day on Friday that's how quick he was. Most importantly he was not trying to rush things, he was very patient and was very careful to details. For example, he ran into a problem with the factory cruise control not working after the swap. Most people would say "oh well, screw it" but he actually took out the wire diagrams to study and then actually FIXED it in a little while!

I have to say that Dr. Tweak is a pro at what he does and I would recommend him to anyone that needs EXPERT work done to their car. I have actually seen this guy do the work on my car and I will say that he works alone and he took very good care of my car. And his price is also very fair! He even found and picked up the parts for me after I paid him.

Overall, I am very satifised with my decision. Just recently, I checked out my gas mileage after a trip of 80% highway/20% city and I got about 37 miles per gallon! With my 3 speed auto I had to fill up 3 times a week but now it is 2 times or 2.5 times.

How much $$$? I want to do the conversion too!

too bad, $1800 is kind of pricy for me
So now you love the stick? Got lots more power out of the car now?

$1,800 just to get a manual tranny? That's too much money, IMO. But if you're happy... then... cool.

I drove one of those Corollas before, the 3spd auto, and they were pretty zippy in the streets. They were pretty good in the highway too, however 3rd gear is too low. Wastes too much gas.

I had a 2001 Corolla S 5spd before and the gearing is pretty good. 5th gear is actually a little taller than the current gen Corolla. 80mph would be running at 3,000rpm on 5th where as on the current gen, 80mph would be about 3,300rpm. I actually like it like that since I don't have to down shift to pass, just step harder on the gas. To my surprise, it also gets better mileage. What I didn't like about my older Corolla was that the back seat didn't fold forward. That was kinda stupid.

I wish that the next Corolla doesn't grow in size. I think the previous gen was too small (kinda like a Tercel). The current one is "just right" (trying not to be biased).

My wish for the next Corolla is for Toyota to put an engine with some guts in it. The XRS was nice, but 165hp for $20,000? You gotta be kidding me. They might as well put the tC motor in it. That 160hp motor would actually be cheaper than the detuned GTS, not to mention that it will have torque.

$1800, I added a short shifter w/ weighted knob and a 20% more torque capacity clutch kit on mine though.

congrats on your swap and $1800 is not that bad tranny w/labor because not everybody can swap auto to manual.i know vortex did his swap $1200 diy and buying some beers on the side,lol.

I'm looking to swap my 2001 corolla automatic transmission to a 5 speed manual transmission. Thank for the information. I'm sending them a email and check to see if they will be able to help me.

I'm looking to swap my 2001 corolla automatic transmission to a 5 speed manual transmission. Thank for the information. I'm sending them a email and check to see if they will be able to help me.

I got a 3 speed and I don't miss manual until I go on the highway, but whatever,,, it's not like I go on the highway everyday

on my normal trips all around, I put gas into my car once a week, I get like 150~160KM out of the car on 100% city driving and less than 15 minute trips AND MOUNTAINS...