Auto to Manual Success

[Fixedit]

I will start out by saying I'm sorry for the lack of detail; I did the swap with a friend at 7:30pm on a Friday night and we spent more of our energy on haste.

Manual:
1989 E2R5 (EFI LXi)

Went into:
1986 LXi (EFI) Automatic

Downtime:
7 hours (made quick by installing the pedal box a few days prior, using a two post lift, etc.)

This was my experience getting the old pedal box out (fun times)


Goodbye Automatic!! (buried down there I promise)



Sweet Flexplate!


In all her (500 pound) glory. 10,000 miles on the torque converter and starter


5 Speed in after re-ground flywheel and clutch kit. So much space! Much lighter too, I can pick that thing up no problem


Removing the auto shift cable. I lost a lot of weight in rocks and dirt stuck above the metal exhaust barrier (held in with those 10mm bolts)


Linkages going in, closed the Neutral Safety Switch circuit (BLK/WHT to BLK/WHT). Still haven't bothered wiring the reverse lights


It came with a 5 Speed from the factory I swear! Ready for test drive


Put about 300 miles on it so far, feels great. I set myself up for disappointment though, thought I'd have some lower RPM's at 70 MPH, but no such luck. Got some 14" steelies I'll put 195/70R14's on though, that'll bring the RPM's down a tiny bit.

Filled the transmission with some SF rated (for 1988 and earlier vehicles) 10w40 engine oil.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o01_s00



Also, a small tip for peace of mind, I recommend blowing some air through the transmission oil cooler in the radiator before driving..or plugging it shut..or install a new radiator at the same time if you need one. I was a bit confused to find a "leak" after the first test drive..an ATF leak? How?? Haha

[Dr_Snooz]

Nice work!

[Fixedit]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[KenshinZero]

Do you still have your auto trans?

[Fixedit]

I do, it's for sale along with the starter

[KenshinZero]

How much, and would you consider selling parts?

[MessyHonda]

awesome story. congrats on the swap. I was about to do one on my dx but my lxi came 5 speed and its the best thing. i bet it has more pep to it too.

[Fixedit]

Thanks! And yeah, feels great. Sounds amazing, too (the automatic rarely reached 3500-4000RPM, I recently went up to 6K for the first time during a good pull).