automatic to manual tranny swap

[Chinky420]

so, i've been having problems with my transmission lately, and i dropped it in the shop today.

the way it looks, i'm going to have to replace the transmision.

but since i was going to have to have work done, i was curious if it would be a good time to do a manual swap, and if it would be cost-effective.

so what i'm looking for is this:
- a parts list for what is needed to do a swap
- anyone who has already done a auto-manual swap, who would have any advice on whether or not it's a good idea.
- an idea of how much it would cost (parts alone, parts+labor, or whatever info you have)
- tranny codes (i know it's the E series transmission, but i forget which model) for both the auto and the manual ....so i can do some research of my own.


if anyone can chime in and help out, i'd really appreciate it.
~k

[ASG14]

King (Eye8Pussies) and Gino (2WickedToyz) have done it on a '94.

Well, you need the Tranny, shifter cables, shifter itself (with base), clutch/brake pedals, Clutch Master Cyl. I think you could use the 5-speed ECU to get rid of the tranny codes.

Not sure on the axels, but that is a possibility.

I'm SURE King will chime in for this.

[BChad200]

my feelings on most tranny swaps... leave it alone or buy another car. you're lookin at a lot of work, time and money to go from an aut to a manual.

[Camry Racing]

I look forward to know this I have started looking for an E153 tranny and still no luck here in PR

[Gangis]

Good luck, I'd love to keep an eye on your progress. I'd like to do a tranny swap on my drop-top at some point to make it unique.

[Chinky420]

my feelings on most tranny swaps... leave it alone or buy another car. you're lookin at a lot of work, time and money to go from an aut to a manual.

well, i'm gonna have to have my tranny replaced anyway. while i don't totally disagree with you, leave it alone or buy a new car, i'm in the position where i'm already going to be dropping a couple grand on a new transmission. so, to me, who would prefer driving a manual over an auto, it makes plenty sense to contemplate a auto-manual swap at this juncture in time.

asg14 - yeah, my trans mechanic said something about having to get new axles for the swap, but he was also talking off the top of his head, and not specifically in regards to the solara/camry. hence the reason i'm doing some extra research.

those who have done a tranny swap - please chime in with your input, as i'm looking mostly for advice from people who have gone through the process already.

[BChad200]

i'm pretty sure the axles are different. at least one if not both. my on my honda only the driver's side was different.

ps good luck

[ASG14]

^ Similiar on the Gen 3 Camry. But oddly, some people have been able to use BOTH thier Auto axels on the Gen 3 swap, while others have to replace 1 with a manual, and no one can figure out why it's liek that.

[Eye8Pussies]

I think that it's a great idea, and probably the best idea if you are spending that kind of money on rebuilding an auto tranny anyway, or if you can do it yourself

parts are pretty straight forward- you'll need everything 5-speed and clutch related basically, as well as 5 speed axles.

if you get an e53 from a 3vz (92/93 v6 camry or es300) then it seems that you can reuse your automatic axles from a 1mz. But if you get a e153 from a 97+camry/solara, then you HAVE to have 5-speed axles- or, at least a 5-speed half-shaft and a 5-speed driver's side axle the automatic axle splines will not fit into the 5-speed differential....

[CamryOnBronze]

The best thing you could do is find a manual solara in a yard near you and grab as much as possible, then you have everything you need.

[ASG14]

^ OR Camry!

[Chinky420]

i'm planning on calling the yards tomarrow morning

i hear the e53's are alright, but a little shoddy on the shifting. i'll probably be looking for a 97+ camry/solara with the e153

also, does anyone know if i should be expecting to fabricate additional mounts for the trans?

hey eye8, do you know if the lexus es300 also came with the e153 for the 97+ years?

[ASG14]

^ Only the 90-93 ES came in a manaul.

The Tranny mount I think is different, but will just need an OEM one. Nothing to fabricate.

[Eye8Pussies]

stock tranny mount is just fine- reinforce it with polyurethane and you're set for pretty much anything

what is hard to find if they don't include it with the tranny though, is the transmission mounting plate

[JvR]

I hope this will help you:
http://www.1jz.com/camry/guide-trans.htm