Royal_T

this weekend I'm going to do my conversion, and I just wanted some insight from people that have previously done this. Some does and don'ts on doing this conversion, and maybe some problems i might run in too. It would help allot if your had any suggestions for me. Thanks

BigDogJonx

iTrader: (7)

There is nothing to it, just have all your parts and you can knock it out in a weekend.

Dixit

DAVE Sz

iTrader: (2)

The write-up Hal put out is pretty good. He mentions the areas that might give ou problems.

Royal_T

on hal write-up they keepted the auto ECU, if i have a 5spd ecu does it make a difference or do i even need it

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

If you don't want your CEL on then put the 5spd ECU in.

Royal_T

does it really matter what ecu i use

skeelo34

iTrader: (4)

Some comments.

1. The clutch lines are a pain in the *** if you have abs.
2. Make sure you drill the hole where the pedal goes carefully and well, dont just punch a hole through it.
3. Use the manual to figure out how to wire the reverse lights (its not too difficult, but you have to adapt the 5spd plug to auto plug).
4. Bleeding the clutch will be a real pain and may feel like you are getting nowhere.
5. Its not required, but I strongly recommend to create a spacer between the firewall and the clutch pedal thats aroudn 1/4 -3/8 inch thick. It will save you the hassle of constantly adjusting the pedal so your clutch doesn't build up too much pressure and slip.
6. Get a new clutch and resurface the flywheel
7. Make sure you jack up the car high enough or you'll hav eproblems sliding out the tranny.
8. If you're decently strong, you can simply lay down under the car and bench press off the tranny (its about 120-140 lbs). It's easier than trying to use a jack to lower it.
9. No need to loosen the cross member, you can leave it alone.
10. Have some sort of eye protection when working under the car. Exhaust rust hurts, especially while running the shift linkage.
11. You can keep the passenger side axle from your auto, but u need to rip off that metal round piece thats like 2-3 inches from the end (not the ring on the tip of the axle).

12. Changing the ecu will get rid of the cel, and make your car idle like a 5spd. The auto will idle higher and behave slightly different while driving and coming to stops.

13. Have a breaker bar, good amount of extensions and swivel pieces.

14. Take your time.


Most importantly, this will be pretty frustrating at times, and possibly very time consuming. Plan 10-20 hrs for the conversion.

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

Skeelo's the man here, I beleive he had the 1st, and at the time, only 5spd GLE

Royal_T

man thanks allot skeelo, I don't have reverse lights any more cause i did a R34 taillight conversion so there is no reverse light, so do i need to do that part.

Royal_T

and also if i use the 5spd ecu it's just replacing the ecu right

Nismo

iTrader: (18)

yes the ecu is plug and play. One more thing as mention on Hals site. Make SHURE before you install the tranny, that it can shift into EVERY gear because I happen to found that my striking rod was bent but luckly I got it fixed before I swapped. Also on his site, Hal also mentioned that his tranny was messed up too and found out only after they installed it

skeelo34

iTrader: (4)

Thanks ,,,,I'm not sure what place I was in the conversion, but I think 3rd? Definitely first 5.......and pretty sure I was the first gle converted, only b/c my tranny blew at 34k.......now I'm at 55k with 2nd 5spd tranny (first one had bad bearings after about 2k of driving).....I actually got the parts from Hals.....

Ninos_Maxima

iTrader: (5)

Can you do this with a 99? cause of that whole security crap, you know what im talking bout right

Royal_T

Thanks allot to all of you, wish me luck.

Royal_T

I have one other question. Since i have the 5spd ECU do i need to wire the tranny harness to the clutch pedal switch.

Nismo

iTrader: (18)

if you want, if you dont you can just get a wire and jump the harness and you can start the car without pressing the clutch down.

skeelo34

iTrader: (4)

Yes, your car will not start unless it thinks its in neutral. If you wire it to the button at the bottom of the pedal, everytime you step on it, it will let you start the car....