E-Bodies.org Cuda Challenger Forum

Technical Shop => Engine, Transmission & Rear End => Topic started by: jbaha on June 27, 2019, 12:18:53 AM

Title: Transmission auto to manual (another one)
Post by: jbaha on June 27, 2019, 12:18:53 AM
Hey!

I know this question has been asked a lot, but can't find any topic in the last 6 page...

Well, I'm willing to change my 904 trans' for a manual 5 speed (or a 4 if someone want to sell me one for cheap  :haha:). I don't want to spend too much on an "all in one" kit like SST (had a quote at 7,200$ shipped for a t5...)

We have some 'stangs and dakota/ram around here, i read that some guys put a nv3500 / A535 in a b body without too much cutting and it's pretty straight forward but what it's like on our e-body?

Is there any transmission suggestion? My car will produce less than 300hp at the wheels so not a ton of powerrrr (as jeremy clarkson says )

Anyone done that before (without a kit) pics needed  :bradsthumb:
Title: Re: Transmission auto to manual (another one)
Post by: GoodysGotaCuda on June 27, 2019, 04:11:13 AM
I didn't know SST sold a T5 kit, but I will say that I have used a SST conversion with a T56 Magnum and it worked out quite well.

T5 isn't known for being too great of a transmission unless built up.
Title: Re: Transmission auto to manual (another one)
Post by: jbaha on June 28, 2019, 05:54:58 AM
Well yes the T56 sounds cool, but the kit is quiet pricey...

Nobody here put a nv3500  in an e body? :(
Title: Re: Transmission auto to manual (another one)
Post by: Chryco Psycho on June 28, 2019, 11:04:20 AM
Various versions of the 833 , Tremec but never a NV3500
Title: Re: Transmission auto to manual (another one)
Post by: jbaha on July 24, 2019, 11:49:38 PM
Hi there!

I was reading about swapping transmision on different website (jeep and dart) some guys put the supra transmission and the AX15 behind the 318 without any troubles -apart from cutting the floor- (the R154 from the supra is a little bigger than the AX15) The winning combo is : Bell from  a 3.9 v6 dakota and the ax15 behind

As I have an e body and not a dart or a jeep cherokee, anyone knows if someone already did it on an e body?

Thanks
Title: Re: Transmission auto to manual (another one)
Post by: jbaha on July 25, 2019, 11:46:29 PM
Or if someone has an ax15 and car make some measurement ... :D
Title: Re: Transmission auto to manual (another one)
Post by: jbaha on June 08, 2021, 08:53:47 AM
Hey there, I've finally did the swap!! and it's doing well.

Here's some (crappy) photo of the trans installed. It went really well because you just have to build a new crossmember and drill a hole for the stick to get through the floor...

I also did a  reproduction of the original console because i didn't want to cut it so, i made it with polyester fiber/resin. I still have to find a way to paint it...
Title: Re: Transmission auto to manual (another one)
Post by: jbaha on June 08, 2021, 08:57:44 AM
Here's a video of the beast


Enjoy the sound :)

BTW it's a tuned 318 the transmission is a AX15 from a 2000 dakota

Now i'm dealing with the no speedo/tach problem if someone has ideas!
Title: Re: Transmission auto to manual (another one)
Post by: shawge on June 08, 2021, 09:41:38 AM
Nice job! 
Title: Re: Transmission auto to manual (another one)
Post by: Brads70 on June 08, 2021, 01:51:59 PM
Nice job! Never seen that swap done before!  :clapping:
Title: Re: Transmission auto to manual (another one)
Post by: jyotkc on June 08, 2021, 02:09:18 PM
What years of Dakota will work?
I too am interested in going manual on my  73 challenger 318/904
Title: Re: Transmission auto to manual (another one)
Post by: 70 Top Banana on June 08, 2021, 08:02:09 PM
Great work, I have not seen that conversion. Congrats!
Title: Re: Transmission auto to manual (another one)
Post by: jbaha on June 09, 2021, 12:44:58 AM
Quote from: jyotkc on June 08, 2021, 02:09:18 PM
What years of Dakota will work?
I too am interested in going manual on my  73 challenger 318/904
I have a 74 and had the same engine/trans combo

Hey, thank you all :)

So here the "part list" :

Bellhousing, clutch slave/master cylinder, bearing retainer from a 93-03 Dakota V-6 with the AX-15 5-speed trans

Driveshaft yoke from same dakota

Clutch disc/flywheel from a 96 ram with the 5.2 5 speed (NV3500)

input shaft sleeve for dakota AX15

Still working on that speedo, i think i will go with gps. Since I don't have the hole for the cable unfortunatly because it' a second gen AX15 and the speedo was on the rear axle at the end.

Custom hole in floorpan

Custom Trans X-member

Modified clutch pedal (I took a 318 cherokee one)

And a mini starter cause i have long headers

I paid the trans around 300$ in a Texas car junkyard. Clutch pedal for 10$. Other component prices are thoses listed on rockauto
So I think i'm at 500$ max.

Title: Re: Transmission auto to manual (another one)
Post by: Chryco Psycho on June 15, 2021, 05:53:21 PM
That  is a cool swap & some great innovation to make it all work !  :ohyeah:
Title: Re: Transmission auto to manual (another one)
Post by: jbaha on June 16, 2021, 06:32:30 AM
Thank you :)
Title: Re: Transmission auto to manual (another one)
Post by: jyotkc on July 23, 2021, 09:10:36 AM
Will a dakota 5 speed from a 2.5L engine work?
Title: Re: Transmission auto to manual (another one)
Post by: jyotkc on August 04, 2021, 08:20:59 AM
Did you buy the custom crossmember or made it(or had it made)?
Title: Re: Transmission auto to manual (another one)
Post by: jbaha on August 06, 2021, 12:09:31 AM
Sorry didn't see your messages. It has to be a V6 to have the bellhousing that fits the 318!

I custom made the crossmember re using the side attachments and ax15 original rubber mount. If you know how to weld it's done in 1 hour
Title: Re: Transmission auto to manual (another one)
Post by: jyotkc on August 06, 2021, 07:06:27 PM
Thanks
I'm getting ready to do the swap in about 2 weeks
Will the clutch and flywheel from the Dakota work on the 318?
Title: Re: Transmission auto to manual (another one)
Post by: jbaha on August 09, 2021, 12:41:02 AM
I don't think it will work, you need this list of parts :

Bellhousing, clutch slave/master cylinder, bearing retainer from a 93-03 Dakota V-6 with the AX-15 5-speed trans

Driveshaft yoke from same dakota

Clutch disc/flywheel from a 96 ram with the 5.2 5 speed (NV3500)

input shaft sleeve for dakota AX15