Transmission & ECU Concerns (NEED HELP)

[SpeedySolara]

Here's the deal. I have 2 Solaras:
1) 1999 Solara SE MT
2) 2003 Solara SLE AT

I want to make the manual to automatic and make the automatic to manual. The mechanics have told me that they can switch out all the parts like the transmissions, clutch, shifters, and pedals but I won't be able to drive either one because I need to interchange the ECU's which requires a lot of work.

Does anyone know how to swap everything and have both cars in driving condition? I'd appreciate any help, big or small. If you're local and would like to work on both cars maybe we could work something out. Please let me know. Thanks guys.

[supamouse09]

uhm i dont think so.. i did the auto to manual swap and im using the auto ecu still because i couldnt find a manual ecu. my car runs fine , but i do have the check engine light on because of it. so both cars should be able to drive just fine.

[SpeedySolara]

Is switching out the ECU hard to do?

Hopefully both cars will run without having to change the ECU. I have a shop that said they'll switch everything BESIDES the computer but neither cars will run so now I'm concerned. Have any other guys done swapping or anything along these lines? Again, any help or personal experience on the subject is highly appreciated. Thanks again.

[i20solara02i]

u can switch the ecu to make both read right. the ecu are behind the the glove. and it plug and play no need to worry about cutting wires or anything.

[SpeedySolara]

So it doesn't matter if its manual or automatic? I'm going to check it out though. Hopefully the 1999 manual ECU will be plug and play with the 2003 automatic ECU. Thank you for your help.

[i20solara02i]

it should. i did my manual swap a while back. i bought the manual ecu so it would run more efficient

[SpeedySolara]

Did you do the manual swap for your Solara? By the way, what year is your Solara? Thats a sick body modification!

[Eye8Pussies]

I would say that there is a possibility of problems when using the 5-speed wiring with the automatic ecu since there are extra wires for solenoids etc for the automatic ecu that the manual wiring harness may not have

the other way around though, won't be a problem. and even it if is, it's nothing that a couple of resistors can't fix

[i20solara02i]

Did you do the manual swap for your Solara? By the way, what year is your Solara? Thats a sick body modification!

yes i did the swap for my solara. there going to be extra plugs for the automatic but there shouldn't be any problem. the extra plugs i think if i remember correctly was cruise control. and the gauge to light up the p r n d 2 l.

thanks, my solara is a 2002.

[SpeedySolara]

uhm i dont think so.. i did the auto to manual swap and im using the auto ecu still because i couldnt find a manual ecu. my car runs fine , but i do have the check engine light on because of it. so both cars should be able to drive just fine.

Did all the ECU wiring hook up to the transmission as a plug and play application? If not, what extra rewiring had to be done. Any lose cables?

By the way, I tried to get to the ECU behind the glove compartment but the bottom portion panel was tight. How many panels do I need to pull out before I can get to the ECU? I checked for screws but didn't see any.

[Yanks0114]

In all honesty and with all due respect, I think this is one of the most ridiculous ideas I have ever heard (eh - maybe not, especially on this forum, but you get the point). Unless you have a very compelling reason, I'd save a few grand and keep them the way they are.

That being said, best of luck if you do attempt it and more power to you

[SpeedySolara]

The transmission shop I consulted told me they'd do everything for $1000, even drill a hole for the clutch pedal. They really seem to know what they're doing, besides the fact they dont want anything to do with the ECU. I've consulted other shops and some even told me its too much work. Crazy huh. Maybe I'm just crazy for wanting to do this lol but truly I would like to complete this project. I would just be paying for labor, the parts just need to be swapped.

[Jakecallun20]

In all honesty and with all due respect, I think this is one of the most ridiculous ideas I have ever heard (eh - maybe not, especially on this forum, but you get the point). Unless you have a very compelling reason, I'd save a few grand and keep them the way they are.

That being said, best of luck if you do attempt it and more power to you

I agree. Why do you want to swap the AT in the SLE to the SE and the MT in the SE to the SLE? Does one of them not work or something? The SE is pretty much the same as the SLE just most of the SLE's standard stuff is an option for the SE's.

[SpeedySolara]

Because my SLE has heated seats, auto climate control, remote trunk, side air bags, among other options that the SE doesn't have. Moreover, the 2003 never had the M/T option so its probably going to be harder to find an SE with comparable options and it will have to be a Gen 1. SOOO...being that I have all the parts at my disposal, I figured why not do it?

[Jakecallun20]

I hear ya, I don't know if swapping the transmission would be any easier or harder than putting the heated seats, and stuff in the SE. Thats just a thought though. As far as the ECU being a problem I don't think it will be a huge issue, like said earlier the AT ECU will have things the MT doesnt. I don't see why swapping the ECUs from car to car would be a bad idea. I say go for it and if doesn't work you can switch them back.