KAOFD780

Ok here's my situation, after getting rid of my FC I started looking for an FD. My friend who happens to be an importer has personally located the car in Japan himself and brought over a 1994 FD3S Type-R (RHD), with 24,000 kms on the motor (original motor documented). Seen the car in person, the body and paint is flawless and it's like brand new inside and out, the 1st ower (I will be the 2nd soon) took real good care of it. The only thing is, it's an automatic which doesn't bother me that much considering my friend who imported it happens to be a rotary mechanic. He could perform a 5-speed swap for me, the swap includes trans, drive shaft, starter, clutch flywheel, all hydraulics, pedals, interior trim, five speed computer and wiring mod, so everything basically. This car is in such good shape that it will be more of a collection for me. So here's my question, is it worth it to get the swap or keep it the same? I would just like to see some feedback on this.

ahad

I dunno man i think its totally worth it...no offense to anyone but id take a manual fd over an auto fd any day...

pinkrx7

iTrader: (2)

Depends on you. Do you like driving auto or 5 spd. its that simple. Drivability and performance will be highlighted with a 5 spd. if the conversion is done right you won't even know if it was auto in the first place. (get a USDM cluster with your ACTUAL kms converted and changed to your USDM 5spd cluster though)

If its a collection item. make sure you put what it deserves a fresh rebuilt tranny with all new dealer 5 spd parts or low mileage. or don't attempt.

Tanjo

Manual for the win. Auto for the lose. Very simple.f



Auto sports cars are for girls.

BADSVN2000

Firstly, Welcome to the forum

I would do it but then I do all the work myself as far as the manual conversion goes. Mine used to be auto and now you cant tell it was ever an auto! The conversion is pretty straight forward but you cant change the ECU to a manual one as far as I know as the plugs are different. I would just cut the wire that tells the car your in park if thats what is done (I replaced my ENTIRE loom - so not recommended!).
Sounds like a clean car though man as long as its for the right price and not too much.

Oh and where are you from out of curiosity?

jdhuegel1

I love the 5MT FD's but I drove an auto, and it was actually kinda nice. My 350z is a 6 speed and it's nice but I honestly wouldn't complain driving an auto.

Think of it this way - with the auto you won't need torque and trans braces to keep from missing 3rd. (that was a cheap stab, I know)

Justin

KAOFD780

I would much prefer 5 spd, my previous car was a 5 spd, I wish this car had came a 5 spd. I won't need a USDM cluster because here in Canada the cluster are in kilometers like Japan, and yeah now that you mention the new tranny dealer parts I will look into that.

Thanks! Yes this car is very clean and I hope the swap goes well, I think I would rather replace everything like you did so it would be a complete swap.

I do know that the automatic FD3S's have less torque correct me if I'm wrong? I mean if i was to get this swap I want to make sure it will be as if it was never an auto before, since it's in such good condition if I was to have this swap performed I would want it to perform as if it came out of the factory a 5spd you know? But then again that really depends on the mechanic and the condition of the 5spd tranny being dropped in.

MADDSLOW

iTrader: (11)

Where do you live?

pinkrx7

iTrader: (2)

[quote=KAOFD780;8026511]I would much prefer 5 spd, my previous car was a 5 spd, I wish this car had came a 5 spd. I won't need a USDM cluster because here in Canada the cluster are in kilometers like Japan, and yeah now that you mention the new tranny dealer parts I will look into that.
[\quote]

Sorry, couldn't tell where you lived so I assumed US. Either way you're gonna need a new clutser cuz AUTO and 5SPD clusters are different. I mean you can run a AUTO cluster in a 5 spd but then it wouldn't be a complete oem looking conversion. So in that case I say you hit up fdnewbie because he can adjust your odometer on your new cluster to read exactly what the old one did.

Since this car is mainly collector/ pleasure I would go with 5 spd. Everyone appreciates a 5 spd more than an auto sports car that for sure. Plus drives will be more enjoyable.

Hitokiri_Gensai

iTrader: (2)

somewhere in Canada apparently xD

pinkrx7

iTrader: (2)

said canada

Rotary Potato

Unless you have found a way around our 15 year import rule, are you sure it's a '94? If you have, please let me know cause I'll buy a newer FD in a second.