Is there such a thing as a "poor mans" 5-speed con

[Meintii]

Heres the deal.. I have several 5-speeds in good shape out of E21's... But I can not and will not be able to afford one of the fancy conversion kits from 2002haus and others that sell them.

Is there a cheep way to install one of these puppies myself? I know cheap is different depending on who you talk to, and my cheap would be close to ~$200 total for everything other than the tranny (and clutch, pressure plate etc)..

Whatcha got?

[jrhone]

Well how are you going to deal with the difference in driveshaft lengths...Thats about a $200-400 problem in itself. The 5speed is longer so the driveshaft needs to be shortened. No cheap way to do this as it has to be done properly. The other stuff like brackets and stuff are all not that expensive...maybe $300 total for the parts....Maybe sell off your other 5 speeds for money for the parts?

[ClayW]

If you've got a welder, a drill and a saw, you can fabricate just about everything that you need from 02 and E21 parts. Chop 3 9/16" out of the shifter tower (02) and linkage (E21). You can even do the old school method of cutting off the rear trans mount tabs from your tunnel and rewelding them 3 9/16" rearward and employ the stock 02 crossmember.

My first conversion was done this way by one of Terry Sayther's guys.

[Meintii]

If you've got a welder, a drill and a saw, you can fabricate just about everything that you need from 02 and E21 parts.

I do have all the aforementioned tools above..

[jakeb]

One of my brackets gets you close or make one yourself, mine are $45 shipped. The shifter linkage bits are easy, just cut and weld. The diveshaft is the only thing that is a little bit of money....

[Scott Sislane]

"5 speeds are for posers."

[Dicks]

Why don't you take one or more of those "5-Sps in good shape" and sell them? Use the proceeds to get the tranny installed correctly. Last time I checked, you can only use one of them at a time in a 2002.

[Lee]

Whatcha got?

The cheapest way, but not necessarely the best method is to use two length of iron angles, bolted between the original tranny mounting points and the center bearing mounts.

That's only $5.00 and it will be sturdy and won't flex. But the speedo cable will be in the way. So, you'll need to notch the rail for the cable.

Cut and shorten the shifter tower. Cut and shorten the shifter linkage. Cut, shorten and balance the drive shaft. Buy a new guibo and slave cylinder.

The only thing you may want to subcontract is the driveshaft. Cost is $110 around here if the U-joints are in good shape.

Lee

[ClayW]

"5 speeds are for posers."

Here's me and my car posing at 70mph wth low RPM.

[Guest Anonymous]

Put in a 3.45 diff

[TBBMW]

Zac,

I am in the middle of the five speed conversion on my tii right now. I called a local place here in the metro ATL today and will take my driveshaft to them tomorrow. He quoted me 150 - 175 to shorten my driveshaft. 1 1/2 day turn around including balancing. I have purchased all of the parts with the exception of the speedo cable and the longer slave cylinder hose. My estimate is up to about 750, but I had to get a new clutch kit from Blunt. I will get a final number when I am done and let you know my cost. And yes, I fabricated the shift plate, rod and shift platform brace myself. Got the tranny mount from Jake.

[Gordon]

Here's Peter Sipos 5 speed conversion page, primarily from parts at the pik-a-part yard.

http://www.lexam.net/peter/carnut/5-speed.html

G-Man

[TKMad]

"5 speeds are for posers."

Yeah, getting better gas mileage, engine life, and reduced noise in the cockpit sure is posing.

[Scott Sislane]

"5 speeds are for posers."

Yeah, getting better gas mileage, engine life, and reduced noise in the cockpit sure is posing.

it was a joke, hence the quote marks. You hi-way guys have no choice, fortunately for me, I don't have a hi-way within 45 minutes of me. Just surrounded by fun little roads, and a metric mechanic 4 speed.

[Kidasters]

But something seems to be missing......