A few questions about 1993 Corolla. Transmission and Radio

[SubaruWRXMike]

No, I don't have a WRX, but I wish I did =(
I have a 1993 Corolla Automatic with 160,000 miles on it. (Given to me at 157,000)


Ok, first question is about the transmission. I'm not a car idiot but I do have some newbie questions. Since I really hate my car, I thought I could do some things to make it..more fun. I've always wanted a stick, but obviously I don't have one. My question is, how much does it take to convert an auto to manual in a 1993 Corolla. Now I know converting auto to manual takes a LOT of work and hours and it probably isn't worth the time ,effort, and money. I just want to know the ballpark range for a swap. I know it would be better to sell the corolla and buy another used car that is stick, but that's not an option.

My other question is about the radio. My mom broke the radio antenna so I have no radio. I only have a tape player, and I don't have a lot of tape, and it would be great to get the radio. My family tried to buy a new antenna and replace the old one, and our uncle took apart the radio and the dash and everything and could not get it to work. Does anyone have a website or suggest a good Corolla repair book for me to look at and try again?

Some other quick questions are whats a good engine cleaner because the engine is REALLY nasty.

Are there anything else I could do to this car without making it riced out like I don't want to put neons, chrome rims, spoiler, exhaust, or any of that stuff. I guess there isnt much I can do with a Corolla since it IS an economy sedan.

[REN69]

About the auto to manual question.. I think you couldn't have answered it better yourself.

About the antenna.. is your antenna on the side pillar by the windshield? all you gotta do is take the 2 screws then take the antenna off. Make sure its unhooked from the radio and pull the wire. putting a new one in is more difficult, cuz you gotta find where the hole is to get the wire through and back to the radio. You could tie some rope to the old antenna wire before you pull it so that the rope comes out through the hole on the roof. Then you retie the rope to the new antenna wire and pull the rope from inside the car to use it as a guide for the new antenna wire to go in. I know it sounds like a bit of work.. but its the only way.

[SubaruWRXMike]

THanks for the reply REN69. Yes the antenna is on the pillow by the windshield. If i want to unhook the antenna from the radio, I have to take the radio out right? And also, to replace the antenna, does the dashboard and guages have to come out too? Thanks for the help again. Also, would it be easier for me to get a manual book because I have no idea how to take out the radio cover and all that stuff anyways.

[REN69]

All you have to do is take the radio out, unplug the antenna cable from it, follow it behind the dashboard (you don't have to take the dash out). It should go up on the side by where your feet would hit the pedals. The only thing I can see being needed to be taken out is the side panel next to the pedals, because behind there would be the spot where the antenna wire goes up to the roof.

[fredk]

IF you really want to convert the trans, you need to find a manual car in the junk yard and get everything that touches the transmission out of it, and the trans and ecu

[Ostornadoe]

A good repair manual for you is a Haynes Repair Manual. It'll help you with a lot of stuff, like taking out your radio.