VT_Maverick's 5 Speed Swap

[RabidPony]

So, when can I ship you mine?

[Vendetta]

Wow. Just... wow. Unbelievable job.

Mav, videos are a must.

[Ldub]

Wow. Just... wow. Unbelievable job.

Mav, videos are a must.

X a factor 0f deux...

Someone PLEASE get this archived into the "how to" section....

[vt_maverick]

Wow. Just... wow. Unbelievable job.

Mav, videos are a must.

I will try V, have to figure out how to mount the camera in the backseat so you guys can see the shifting though...

[Buffy]

We are all loaded up. Ashley is going to have fun driving this thing. If I weren't selling mine I would be out in search of a donor Trooper myself! This thing is FUN to drive!!!!

Heading your way Ashley! I'll post a few more pictures when I get home tonight.

[VXorado]

If I weren't selling mine I would be out in search of a donor Trooper myself!

Would you say its best to get a donor Trooper or can everything be gathered easily (other than the trans) from a local junkyard?

[rowhard]

For some reason I am having issues with putting them in my gallery, but I got them in my photobucket so here are the pictures I promised.

These seem like they are pretty important sheets of paper. Any chance you could type them out and add them to the archive Ldub suggested in post 108. (I deleted most of the photo's to save space)

[vt_maverick]

Well Greg and I met a few hours ago and I drove the VX back to my place and promptly parked her in the garage (need to do a few things before I leave her tomorrow afternoon for a business trip ). I've only driven her those 7-8 miles but I can tell you this much: someone at Isuzu should have been fired for not offering the VX with a manual option. It's a completely different driving experience with the manual, way more fun even with the puny stock 215 HP. The clutch is buttery smooth both in terms of pedal travel and the "feel" of moving between gears. The ratios are interesting in the AR-5, 1st and 2nd are strong enough to pull you forward without even pressing on the gas - and I'm pretty sure you could start out in 2nd if you wanted to. Should be LOADS of fun once I get "launching" down... And of course the install was just as clean in person as you'd expect from the pictures Greg's posted here - just a little bit of Dremel work was required to keep the stock VX center console.

I am VERY impressed and EXTREMELY happy with the finished product. Now I'm going to go back out to the garage and think up an excuse to drive her again tomorrow morning before I leave. Thanks again Greg! Fantastic job!!!

[vt_maverick]

Would you say its best to get a donor Trooper or can everything be gathered easily (other than the trans) from a local junkyard?

Greg and I had this conversation just before he left and we're both in agreement that working from a donor vehicle is much easier. It really is questionable whether you could assemble everything piecemeal for less $$$, and you can't beat the convenience of being able to look at the way the manual was wired from the factory while performing the install in the VX. For me it turned out to be a real steal - my $800 got us the 94K transmission, ECM, wiring harness, exhaust, master cylinder, shift boots and shifter, clutch switch (or was it neutral switch Greg?), and probably a few other things I can't remember right now.

[Ldub]

I a happy ending...

Though for you Mav, it's just the beginning.

KUDO's to da boda-yuh...

Great work...

If I was you, I'd have a hard time not say'n "F-sleep", throwin' Golden Earring on the speakers, & making the lyrics come true...

"I been drivin' all night, my hand's wet on the wheel"...

[VXjunky]

ashley was this swap performed to your old (RIP) carcass or the new replacement VX

[vt_maverick]

This swap was on my new (to me) VX.

[Buffy]

I am pleased and relieved that Ashley is enjoying the work. I very seldom work for other people because I am too picky and critical of my work. So, here are a couple more pictures to finish this off with.....

Here is the completed wiring harness I made for the clutch swithces...



The last item to address was the trans cooler lines in the radiator. I just removed one of the lines and looped the other over...



The transplant is complete and the patient is back better than new. Thats a wrap for Dr. Buffy ...



On our way to make a little boys Christmas wish come true!

[Etfren]

Fantastic job Buffy! Looks great and is sounds like Ashley is loving it!

[RabidPony]

What year range donor Trooper would be best?