AT to MT swap
 

Stupid question, but here goes:

i was reading about what it would take to do a swap to a manual. Someone posted something about being able to use the 5 speed from an FC. Is this true? And for that matter (stupid question time) how different are 5 speed transmissions between models (i.e. could I pull the transmission from say an mx-5?)

Thanks

It's been discussed a lot here on the forums and every time it's cheaper to just sell your car and buy one with a manual transmission. There's a lot of custom work involved, it's not really a bolt in solution.


Also I noticed you're in Tempe, AZ, you should check out the local club: Arizona Mazda Club.

+1 on this. Way cheaper to sell and buy another car.

Agreed. Used 8's can be had for pretty reasonable prices so the switch shouldn't cost too much.

But what if you have the 6AT, shouldnt that be alott simpler/ cheaper? :uhh:

from what i've heard, i think so...simpler isn't the right word though

i have an '04 4 speed AT which had a 4 port engine. the newer 6 speed AT is a 6 port engine. the manual 4 port had a 5 speed and the manual 6 port had a 6 speed. now i'm not 100% sure that there aren't exceptions, but this is what i remember hearing

everyone always says it's cheaper to just get a new 8, but fuck that. my car is just that...mine. i have memories with that car. so for the sake of argument, price isn't an issue.

i'm just seeing if it's POSSIBLE

With enough money, anything can be done. Hope your wallet is deep

This is true to an extent though. There are certain things where it just wouldn't work without SERIOUS modifications to it. When I read that you could take the transmission for an RX-7 FC and use it in a swap for an RX-8, I was shocked. Thats when I began wondering if this was only because it's a rotary engine, or are all rwd transmissions more or less the same?

Like everyone said, sell car, buy one with a MT. Not only will this be cheaper than a swap but the car will also be worth more if you want to sell it someday.

sell it? i already have a plan set to run my car til it's dead. after, in goes another engine and another XXX,XXX miles haha

but ya, i hear ya. i was just curious to know if it was true what i read, and by extension my question. since i have some pull with mazda, it wouldn't be that difficult/expensive to get parts from them

Thread makes my head hurt.

Why? Ignoring the whole "sell it, it's cheaper" argument, it's a valid question. Even the Series 2 apparently shares its transmission with the MX-5. I always figured and heard that only that specific car's year/make/model's parts could be used. Turns out I was wrong in that regard. So now I'm just trying to figure out to what extent.

I'm nicer in the morning...

The trans needs to be able to do 3 things.

1. The bellhousing needs to meet with the rear of the engine.

2. It needs to be the perfect length for the driveshaft, alternatively you can get a custom drive shaft made for you.

3. it needs to fit in the stock location for the shifter (not necessary but it makes it easier)

Now I want you to think about what we have in common with the RX-7.

Then I want you to think what we have in common with the MX5.

And then I want you to search on google, and come back with the answers.

Shady, you sound like my HS Physics teacher


Speedracer....come park hard at the pavilions one of these weekends. Look for the white RX-8 with all the ricer stickers :rollingla

It's been mentioned a lot here on the boards and whenever it's less expensive to just offer your car and buy one with a stick shift. There's a lot of customized perform engaged, it's not really a secure in remedy.

heres a list of stuff youd need, im not going to say which option is cheaper im just telling you what you will need at minimum..
Complete dressed 6 port MT engine
6 speed MT for series 1 rx8 (complete with shifter)
starter for MT
clutch kit
clutch master and slave cylinders with all the lines
clutch pedal with both switches and brake pedal
secondary oil cooler with the piping that goes to drivers side cooler and engine
MT gauge cluster
MT PCM (sometimes called ecu) from a 2004 or 2005 rx8
MT ABS pump from the same car the PCM came from

that is the minimum you will need, then you will need to get the car towed to mazda so they can reprogram your keys to work on the new PCM. you'll also need to be able to run wires yourself for the starter.

https://www.rx8club.com/specific-per...t-swap-151684/

searching and reading wouldve led you here. as youve found out almost nobody here likes to have to spoon feed information to people when it is fairly easy to find by reading and searching.

Tread lightly

Why are people still posting in this thread.

This isn't necessary for a auto to manual swap

JDM 6MT 6Ports have 1 oil cooler, Brettus is bewsted and he doesn't experience any problems with only having one oil cooler

HOWEVER, It would be nice to have 2 coolers

you are right, however if he keeps the AT radiator which doesnt cool as good as the MT version because some of it is the transmission cooler for the auto, it wouldnt hurt :P

My 2004 AT ran fine with one, but I got the passenger side cooler for good measure especially for when i autox the car and being in a year-round warm/hot weather climate