Is going to a Manual transmission worth the money?

[wtcnbrwndo4u]

I don't know, I'm considering doing it. Is it just worth the money. I want a manual pretty bad on my Camry, but considering the cost of the thing (with professional installation, because I don't think my brother and I could do that).

Also, if I do go down that road, would my current intake still work? Also, would this do something to my Viper alarm already in there?

[92_Gen3_5SFE_LE]

It doesnt affect the intake, because the engine is the same. The alarms system shouldnt be affected because it is a standalone system.

[marc780]

Well it can be done, with a lot of time, tools, sweat and most important, cash. I'm guessing it would cost you at least $1,000 to do this right. Even if it is only $500 is the car in good enoughshape to warrant the work?
To me, i think if i got involved in such a project i'd soon regret it. A lotta work. And if the transmission goes, maybe THEN would be the time to consider this project.
I'd wait until its time for a new car and then just buy a manual Camry then.

[PBM]

unless you've modified your camry engine to put out more power, you'll get frustrated at driving a low-powered econo car on manual.

[wtcnbrwndo4u]

Yeah, me and my brother are working on a dual-exhaust setup (will finish that by next week probably). So that and the intake are the only power increases.

My brother told me though that the alarm would work, but the keyless ignition wouldn't work.

[artemedes]

Originally Posted by PBM

unless you've modified your camry engine to put out more power, you'll get frustrated at driving a low-powered econo car on manual.

Your experiences might be different than mine. I have owned lots of cars over the last years and most of them have been 4cyl. All the manuals were easier to apply the power where needed, and the automatics were more sluggish and would sometimes shift at the worst possible time. I wish my Camry was a manual, but I got it so cheap that I am not complaining.

To the original poster. I am guessing that you could change cars and get a manual tranny for alot less headache and money than converting it. That is assumming you are paying someone to do it for you. If however you wanted to tackle the job, then I say DO IT! And document it real well, so I can think about doing it in mine. HaHa.

[white90dx]

It will be MUCH cheaper to sell your current Camry and buy one with a manual tranny. You can simply transfer your mods over (though, the alarm would probably not transfer so easily).

Its technically illegal (and dangerous!!) to have a remote start on a manual transmission car.

-Charlie

[shofast]

From a money standpoint the swap is a bad idea. The only time it can make sense is if your current transmission brakes and you need to replace it anyways. If you want to try the project yourself than do it. There is no way to jusify this so get over it.

[Eye8Pussies]

^ what he said is true- unless you want to do it as a project, there's no way to justify the tranny swap in the 4banger- auto = slow, manual = slow....it won't make much of a difference, and it'll only frustrate you when you get stuck in rush hour traffic

now, if your car is heavily modified, then it's more than worth it

[diengcamry]

with the mods you have listed the only advantage to swapping to a 5 speed would be for the ability to launch the car at whatever RPM you wanted. You will not gain power. Your car alarm will swap over. The manual tranny may be lighter but not enough to make any difference. I wouldn't do it but it can be done. I would wait until the stock tranny goes out and then swap or sell the car and buy a manual camry.

[mescalito]

my car already came with one! na na !

[willpower102]

Originally Posted by PBM

unless you've modified your camry engine to put out more power, you'll get frustrated at driving a low-powered econo car on manual.

Don't listen to this. It is a fact that manual cars have better acceleration than automatics. If you check out auto.consumerguide.com they review 4-cylindars often and prefer manual so the car doesn't feel as sluggish.

Also you will get better gas mileage in a manual if driven right.

Now as to being worth it... That's what i came here to find out and it looks like it's probably not, unless the auto blows and then it probably would be.

[mazdaverx7]

its worth it if your car means something to you and you have the money to do it as well as a back up car. it will be a good learning experience for you. i wouldnt attempt it with little help if you arent very mechanically inclined. if you are, than it would be great.