I'm planning on doing a auto to T5 swap in my 91 Z. My main concern is how long this takes. I have the chance to borrow shop space, therefore I would like to let him know exactly how long I will be in there.

I have the mechanical ability and tools, so that isn't a concern.

The tech article said 11 hours.
How long did it take you guys?

EDIT: Also, will I be able to do this using just ramps and jack stands. Or is a lift somewhat neccesarry? I'm concerned about the amount of room I have to work under the car.

 

A lot depends on your skills, having the right tools, knowing what is involved in the swap, and how fast you work. For a number of reasons, I am not able to devote 11 straight hours to anything, so it's hard to say.

I'm sure that it is indeed possible to do it in 11 straight hours, given that you know what to do and have everything that you need.

 

Took me 3 days to do it but thats because i wasnt prepare with the parts... But it can be done in one or two days

 

A three day weekend would keep the stress level in check.

 

If all the parts are there and correct, I can do them in about 6-8hrs.

 

Ok, thanks for the quick responses. So a 3 day weekend with two buddies should be enough time.

What parts weren't you prepared for?

Will I be able to do this using just ramps and jack stands. Or is a lift somewhat neccesarry?

 

I for one did a T56 swap, but i had most of what i needed. What I didnt account for was that the torque arm mount is different for autos. The torque arm mount for a T5 and T56 is the same, though. So make sure you get a manual trans TA mount. Its one of those sneaky little things that dont get mentioned often.

I think it took me 3 days not counting the time I spent waiting for parts. You've never done it before so I dont imagine you will be able to do it in 6 hours. I like to take my time. I mean hell just replacing my clutch took somethingl ike 20 hours for me. I could have done it a lot faster b ut I kept having a lot of stupid little setbacks here and there. That kind ofs tuf kills you.

Do you have a transmission jack? Makes a huge difference.

 

 

Thanks for the info. I didn't know the torque arm mount was differnt. I don't have a trans jack, however I can borrow one from a buddy.

 

lift is not neccessary, just good jack stands, a 2 ton floor jack with a trans adapter, decent set of tools and skills, i just had my 700r4 out in about 2.5 hours, as far as the SWAP is concerned, iv never done it but iv pulled t5s out before and its just as simple as long as you know how to install a clutch and all that stuff.... takes bout n hour longer for a manaul it seems