5-Speed Swap Info

[twistedsymphony]

So, Joe, is there any giant difference between the Aisin and the MUA5 as far as durability, torque ability, ease of install, etc? What benefits would one gain by using this? Right now I have a line on a cheap MUA5 so all I still need is a clutch, clutch pedal, master and slave cylinders, and that appears to be it. I am eventually going to swap the entire powertrain out, but since this is my daily driver, I figured at least I'd take the opportunity to try and see if this swap could be done on a VX.

don't forget electrical... the computer might not like the 5-speed, even though the trans has it's own separate computer the engine computer still gets data from the trans and if it stops getting that data it will throw a CEL that can't easily be removed... the easy solution would be to swap out for a ECM that was originally designed for that motor with a manual trans

also electrical connectors on the trans.. manual transmissions typically have a reverse sensor (for turning on reverse lamps) a speed sensor (for your speedo), and depending on other stuff it might also have a reverse lockout (to prevent you from shifting into reverse while driving) among other things.

Also a Manual ecu might want a clutch pedal switch to determine when you're using the clutch, though a lot of times this is just used to start the car and can be tied to ground to fool the computer into thinking that you've always got the clutch pedal in.

if you're getting the trans from a junk yard it might not be a bad idea to snip off all these connectors and take them with you. I konw on transmissions swaps I've helped with in the past I was able to call a dealership and get "pigtails" for all of the connectors I needed , which are essentially the plug with a few inches of wire that I could use to build the harness myself... these aren't always cheap though. usually $15+ per connector, might be more for something like an Isuzu though.

then there is other stuff like the clutch line, any mounting brackets you might need...

most times the bolts used for the automatic flywheel wont work with the manual trans flywheel...

little crap like that can add up an add up fast, but thinking about it beforehand can save you some coin, especially if you've got a junk yard with a donor vehicle.

[fstopmonk]

So, has anyone actually done this manual transmission swap yet? My tranny has crapped and I never thought it was putting all the engine power to the wheels. Frankly for the $3k a rebuild trans is gonna cost I can probably do the swap, I just want to know if anyone has actually done it, what is cost and what was involved. This is my only car so there is no way I can use it for a guinea pig.

Any help would be much appreciated...

[BigMeatVX]

Yes!!! Someone has FINALLY done it...ME

I have installed a 5 speed in my VX AND I kept the TOD case!!!!!!

It was actually quite easy, as it is a complete "bolt in" set up...

I am using the 5 speed out of a 99 Trooper, (AR5 or MA5)....

I would have done this swap LONG ago, but I listened to the "know it alls" on here that were giving out in-correct info!!!!

[jimmyray]

Yes!!! Someone has FINALLY done it...ME

I have installed a 5 speed in my VX AND I kept the TOD case!!!!!!

It was actually quite easy, as it is a complete "bolt in" set up...

I am using the 5 speed out of a 99 Trooper, (AR5 or MA5)....

I would have done this swap LONG ago, but I listened to the "know it alls" on here that were giving out in-correct info!!!!

If you have completed the swap and it was a successs can you let us all know what parts you actually used ?