Automatic -> Manual transmission swap - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

AgelessDrifter · 02-19-2010, 11:23 AM

Is this possible in my 95 Corolla? The auto tranny is slipping progressively badly, and I've been itching to drive a manual vehicle again for a while. I've been told it will be expensive, and I've been told it's not worth it (though I think the people that told me these things assumed I'd be getting another automatic put in -- I dunno how much [ if at all ] cheaper a manual would be), but is it possible? If so, how difficult would it be, or how expensive would it be at a shop?

I searched this subforum for a similar topic but didn't find one. If I missed one, and my answers are in there, please link me to that thread and forgive me the oversight.

***Kiwi-Corolla*** · 02-19-2010, 01:41 PM

I've never done a 5-speed to auto swap, nor do I know all of the ins and out involved, but off the top of my head some are the parts you need will be:

* 5-speed gearbox (obviously)
* Shifter
* Brake pedal and clutch pedal
* Clutch disc
* Pressure plate
* Speedo cable
* Clutch cylinder
* Slave cylinder
* Clutch lines
* Flywheel
* Throwout bearing
* Transmission mount
* CV axles
* ECU
* Possibly a 5-speed oil pan

There are a few other things you'll need too, but that's all I can think of at 8am in the morning, lol.

It's going to cost you an absolute fortune if you get a shop to do it (four figures), and be prepared to lose half of your hair if you do it yourself (especially if you don't know what you're doing). It would no doubt be cheaper just to start fresh with another Corolla, one with a 5-speed transmission.

Good luck dude.

AgelessDrifter · 02-19-2010, 01:53 PM

ugh. That's disappointing. I have a lot of sentimental investment in my current corolla. Also, 5-speed anything is hard to find around here, but especially corollas (because they run forever, I guess.) I have scoured catalogs, local papers and internet for one in my area but found nothing.

Thanks for the helpful response, though. I didn't realize how much I would have to buy in addition to the transmission itself. This probably isn't a realistic goal.

***Kiwi-Corolla*** · 02-19-2010, 02:03 PM

No worries. Know what you mean about the difficulty in finding a 5-speed. It took me ages to find the Corolla I wanted in 5-speed, every one I went to look at was an automatic. The conversion is only really worth it if you have a large money tree in the back yard, or if you plan on keeping the car for the rest of your life. One of the biggest costs involved would be the labor, which is where most of your money will be absorbed. If you can find someone to do it cheaply (who knows what they're doing) then it might be worthwhile, but paying an hourly rate to a shop would definitely be more trouble than it's worth.

AgelessDrifter · 02-19-2010, 02:23 PM

well, I do have a friend who did a auto->manual swap on his 240 a year or two ago and hasn't had any trouble with it since. I was going to ask him, but I think he'd probably just try to talk me out of it if it's as much trouble as it sounds like. The car has a bad EGR valve and I already just had to replace one of the wheel bearings (and she could use new brake pads but whoopedy do). If I knew for sure the car'd last me another five years or something I'd gladly fix all of it and do the swap but that probably would not be the case.

My concern is that for the money I have available, if I buy another car, I could very well end up with a hoopedy with just as many problems I don't know about. I have some cash set aside to buy a new (used) car with, but not enough money to finance a car with a warranty off a lot or anything.

dJcHiKo · 02-19-2010, 06:26 PM

if you wanna come up here to manitoba canada i could get u hook ups lol,
long drive though

speedy25 · 02-20-2010, 11:14 AM

The best bet is to find a donor car so you can get ALL the pieces you need in one spot. Its a nickle/dime situation when you have to get pieces here and there.

-SP

ace_09corolla · 11-02-2011, 09:26 PM

hey
i am just wondering i just purchaseed a 1997 toyota corolla which is an automatic, my previous car was a 1994 toyota corolla which is a standard and was involved in a collision.
the guestion i have is will everything be able to just bolt on? i do realize that there will be a lot of work to do but i am willing to do it.
thanks in advance
richie