Ok, back in December, I forgot to put in my hodd pins, and my hood wrapped over the roof at 90MPH, cracking the windshield, and doing damage to the roof of my car. A local shop quoted close to $2k to fix the roof and the windshield!!!!! So, I am thinking, instead of paying half what I paid for my car to get it fixed, I should just get a S5 GXL/GTU body w/ a blown engine, and swap my mods and engine over to the good body. I have found several chassis like that for under $1k. Does this sound like a good idea???

 

Sounds good to me

 

ATF in a manual yes or no?

 

Ok, I just wasn't sure if it would be a smart idea. I can then keep the old shell, and mabye install a TII with the $$ I saved + some savings!!

 

And you can keep what ever off the old car for parts or just part it out and make your money back.

 

Any other comments?

 

Do not use ATF in a manual trans.
ATF is a "hydraulic" fluid, designed to be pumped
(by the torque convertor), and 'do' work.
Your manual trans needs lubrication.
You can't beat a quality gear oil for the job.
Use the recommended oil.

 

I just found a 90 GXL for $700 obo with a bad engine. I may have to buy it........

 

So is this a crazy idea or what?

 

My friend Brandon did it. And if he could do it, ANYONE CAN! I say go for it, you'll be glad you did.

 

When I messed up my red car I decided to buy another car and swap my engine and tranny into it. I messed up the lower part of the rear quarter panel and I figured it would cost too much to fix. So I bought a gxl for $250 dollars and swapped my engine, transmission, and exhaust system into it. I was planning on doing the 5 lug conversion and getting lsd for my old SE. Now I got all that for LESS money.

I say go for it!!! It will be cheaper and you may get a better car than your current one.

 

Now, to find a good body....

 

Yes, I think it is a great idea. You can have a complete set of spare parts, and strip the blown car of all the useless crap before the install.
Sean Cathcart

 

I might just put off my engine pull till I get another body. Anyone know of a S5 N/A 5-Speed w/ a blown engine for cheap?