5-Speed Swap Info

[twistedsymphony]

pretty much un-related, but being the owner of a 92
Subaru SVX, about 3 yrs ago our group finally mastered
the 5 spd conversion on our cars, but since they did it
many have found the next week link, being the clutch.
Its way more fun to drive, better mpg too, but they do
drive their cars harder and go thru clutches a bit often.

Good info though on your research, good luck.

Those SVXs are cool... one of my college buddies had one that he put an STi 6 speed in. I don't think he owns it anymore.

The older 5 speeds are kind of crappy though (I used to own an 02 WRX myself) the housing around the clutch would wear out and you'd get that "juddering" when starting out from a stop on wet or cold days, then of course the 1st gear synchros would wear out really fast so you'd have to double clutch if you ever wanted to downshift into first.

All problems with the subaru 5 speeds since the mid 90s. I don't think they fixed the design until the 04 models when they migrated to the same "butterfly" synchros and clutch housing design of the 6 speed.

of course the 6 speed wasn't without it's flaws either, nor was the clutch... but if you're going to go through the trouble of swapping out the transmission it's worth spending a little extra coin on an improved aftermarket clutch IMO.

[kodiak]

?

[twistedsymphony]

race car modifications are cool, but not all that helpful.

they have the financial backing to build custom 1 off parts that just aren't feasible for you and I to make use of.

they have no qualms just cutting a new hole in the floorboard to run the shifter and welding over the old one.

If I were building a race spec VX there is no way in hell I would use an MUA5 transmission... it's complete garbage for that application.

HOWEVER for someone like myself who is build a daily driver&weekend off-roader, the MUA5 is the cheapest/easiest/quickest/most OEM like path to getting a 5 speed, and it's more than up to the task for the kinds of things it will be used for.

I can tell you from that picture that neither the clutch nor the brake are ISUZU standard equipment... in all likely hood the transmission is a $12K racing trans with a custom/easily swappable bell housing and transfer case.

those guys rarely ever use off the shelf parts

[technocoy]

I think the most interesting thing about switching to a 5 speed (other than finally having a manual again, YAY!) would be whether or not we can pump the HP on that one vs the fairly weak one we have now.

That would allow SC owners to finally drop those pulley to get a higher PSI and really get some serious muscle going.

As much as I love my TOD I would seriously consider this if I could be back to shifting and get my HP up around 300. mmmm. yay.

[twistedsymphony]

I'd ask some 5-speed trooper owners...

the SC was made for those things as well, so if they're running higher HP through the same 5 speed/t-case then... there's your answer

[kpaske]

Great info, TS, thanks for sharing! I have often daydreamed about doing a complete drivetrain swap in my VX. We've discussed in some other threads the possibility of dropping in a turbo diesel / 5-speed combo from a Trooper, and if I only had the time and expertise I would have done this long ago (BTW if there are any volunteers out there, I could be open to the idea of paying/bartering/trading or whatever for some help! ). Have you considered anything along these lines?

[E-ZooZoo One]

I have a 1997 Rodeo w/ MUA5, and a 1999 VX…
The firewalls are 100% IDENTICAL – including the fact that the VX has a (plugged) pass-through for the clutch/master cylinder assembly, including the mounting holes… No drilling necessary.

I intend to swap the Rodeo’s MUA5 /w integrated T-case into my VX someday… and I think I’ll be able to live without TOD since I’ll be gaining a set of 3.07:1 ratio Tera Low Gears (already installed)

[twistedsymphony]

Great info, TS, thanks for sharing! I have often daydreamed about doing a complete drivetrain swap in my VX. We've discussed in some other threads the possibility of dropping in a turbo diesel / 5-speed combo from a Trooper, and if I only had the time and expertise I would have done this long ago (BTW if there are any volunteers out there, I could be open to the idea of paying/bartering/trading or whatever for some help! ). Have you considered anything along these lines?

baby steps... swapping out the most complex part of a vehicle is a LOT of work.

there are a ton of things to consider too
People obviously consider stuff like
-will it fit?
-will I have to have a custom drive shaft made
-will the gearing work?

but what about..
-will I have to fabricate custom engine and transmission mounts?
-will the factory radiator have enough cooling power
-will I have to make custom radiator hoses?
-will I have to make custom power steering hoses?
-will cruise control still work? what has to be done to preserve it?
-will A/C still work? what has to be done to preserve it?
-will the current fuel system support diesel or will I have to upgrade the pump, filter, regulator, and lines? Will the current lines even plug into the new engine?
- lots and lots of other tiny details

being that you're going from an isuzu to an isuzu you'll probably have an easier time over all, but moving to some engine from another make and model altogether, you're in for a LOT of work.

I'm in the early stages of swapping an LS1 into my Nissan 240sx and let me tell you there are a LOT of tiny details, little crap that you don't even think about like... hmm I need to use an adapter to hook up just about EVERY hose, the wiring harness is about 6" too short so I have to cut and lengthen EVERY wire on the harness. or the fact that while the motor fits the headers do no... oops there's another grand I wasn't planning on spending.


I looked at the MUA5 transmission because it's made to work with that motor, in a similar chassis. If Isuzu had built the VX in a 5-speed they probably would have chosen that transmission as well... is it the best transmission? no, there are lots of other transmissions I'd like to use first but it's the path of least resistance, you're probably not going to find a cheaper/easier 5 speed to swap in, and it's an upgrade from the auto trans that's in there now...

Anything is possible, it's just a matter of resources.

I'm planning on looking into this swap more seriously in the spring... hopefully my LS1 project will be done by then and the bank will have some spending money.

[Cris]

Just did alot of research on the subject and the trooper has two more switches 4wheeldrive and a TOD switch somone has the scamatic here on this site shows the difference between the two check it out, and yes it can be done. Manual drive needs the two switches cause its a manual,