Echo transmission swap/upgrade

[SLPR1987]

Does anyone know if it is possible to do a swap the 4 speed auto out my echo for a 5 speed manual? If it is what kinda time and resources would it take? Also, if thats not the best idea is it possible to upgrade the auto? I know the scions run the 1NZ-FE and probably the same transmission and there might be parts do so, does anyone have any idea about this?

I know it would require at least the new transmission but would the transaxle have to be swapped too?

[bgrieger]

Well, you can. The transaxle IS the transmission. You would require - probably axle shafts, transmission, clutch, pressure plate, clutch and brake pedal assembly(ies), clutch master/slave cylinder, clutch lines, new brake fluid reservoir, possibly the ecu, possibly the engine wiring harness, neutral safety switch, possibly a manual trans dash depending on how toyota did the speedo gearing, shifter housing and linkages. These are at a minimum and there's probably a dozen or more pieces I left out, including the possibility that Toyota used a different subframe arrangement.

The manual swap I can see the reasons for...I can't see why you would consider upgrading the automatic though...

[SLPR1987]

Originally Posted by bgrieger

The manual swap I can see the reasons for...I can't see why you would consider upgrading the automatic though...

I'm sure there are ways to upgrade an auto but it was just to cover all the bases of information.

That was pretty much what i wanted to know, thanks. I really hope sombody else has input too, just to see what other people know.

The way I look at I can get my echo in resale condition, maybe get $6000 thousand for it, and go buy a 5 speed, if i can find one cauz there are only 2 within a 75 mile radius of me, and owe $500 and lose my stereo and some of the nicer features my echo has or i can pay of the $4000 i owe my mom for it and then do whatever i want with it.

[w203]

Originally Posted by SLPR1987

I'm sure there are ways to upgrade an auto but it was just to cover all the bases of information.

That was pretty much what i wanted to know, thanks. I really hope sombody else has input too, just to see what other people know.

The way I look at I can get my echo in resale condition, maybe get $6000 thousand for it, and go buy a 5 speed, if i can find one cauz there are only 2 within a 75 mile radius of me, and owe $500 and lose my stereo and some of the nicer features my echo has or i can pay of the $4000 i owe my mom for it and then do whatever i want with it.

That would be a wiser choice. With the manual swap there are chances of things going wrong and might harm the resale value (unless you plan to keep it for a while). Its not worth the hassel since the Echo/Yaris is pretty common.

[SLPR1987]

Originally Posted by Tangerine

That would be a wiser choice. With the manual swap there are chances of things going wrong and might harm the resale value (unless you plan to keep it for a while).

If I did do the swap I would be planning to keep the car fro a while cuz the it would be the first step to tuning it.

Originally Posted by Tangerine

Its not worth the hassel since the Echo/Yaris is pretty common.

As i stated in the first post i have looked for 00-02 echos near me on craigslist and autotrader and could only find two within 100 miles and i cant afford to trade mine in and finance the new one as it would be a $3000 difference and i owe $4300 on mine and i'm currently looking for work

Mainly what i am trying to find out is if it is more cost effective to sell my auto and try to find a 5 speed or risk doing the swap, and possibly, as it seems you are bit more knowledable, upgrade the auto.....

[w203]

Originally Posted by SLPR1987

If I did do the swap I would be planning to keep the car fro a while cuz the it would be the first step to tuning it.



As i stated in the first post i have looked for 00-02 echos near me on craigslist and autotrader and could only find two within 100 miles and i cant afford to trade mine in and finance the new one as it would be a $3000 difference and i owe $4300 on mine and i'm currently looking for work

Mainly what i am trying to find out is if it is more cost effective to sell my auto and try to find a 5 speed or risk doing the swap, and possibly, as it seems you are bit more knowledable, upgrade the auto.....

I did an auto to manual swap with my friend on his 240SX and parts were 800 total. We've checked the prices for this task around my area just to find out if it was worth it or not and we have gotten quotes from 2k to 3k (your area may be more or less). It was cheaper to do the job ourselves but getting used parts for a 1989 is a gamble (which probably does not apply in your situation). Are you set on having a manual Echo? Since you owe money on the car I wouldn't mod it till it is paid off or to sell it and get something like a Civic, Integra, etc where there are more tuning potential and where the gains are cheaper. Best of luck to your decision.