This post reviews how long it took to complete an automatic to manual transmission swap and what parts were used.
The Decision to Swap the Automatic Transmission to a Manual
Each day of the week, you shift your car from “P” into “D”, feel the thud of your tired automatic, and cringe at the thought of letting a car shift for you. When you originally bought the car, you thought the automatic would suffice, but you’re an automotive enthusiast for god sakes, and driving an automatic just isn’t the same as ripping through gears at an rpm of your own choosing. I too was once in your shoes, and I have shared in your daily suffering. Don’t worry, you are not alone.
It began when I needed something slower and boring looking. I hunted around a bit and found myself oddly attracted to the fine lines of a 2000 Mitsubishi Galant. I can’t explain it, so don’t bother asking. The only downfall was that they all came with automatic transmissions. Ah well, I thought, and I bought it anyway. I knew that if it got too boring to drive, I would find a way to get a manual transmission into it.
How I Completed the Transmission Swap
Well, that boring point came on quicker than expected, and before long transmission parts started arriving at my door. It turned out that “3G” 2000-05 Mitsubishi Eclipse’s were built on the same platform as “8G” Galants that did come with manual transmissions.
Flash-forward a couple of months. I had run through the 5 speed transmission swap in my head about 1 million times and double checked that I had every part that I would possibly need. I didn’t want to have the car non-driveable for more than a day, and I also had a bet with a friend that I couldn’t allow myself to lose.
That special Saturday finally arrived, and as crazy as it sounds, the swap was as easy as removing all the old stuff and bolting in the new stuff. It was smooth, and trouble-free, likely due to my obsessive planning. By the end of my 8 hour non-stop wrench-fest, the swap was complete.
Overall, I couldn’t be happier with it. Not only did my love for my daily driver improve 10x over, but I gained 5 mpg! Did I win the bet you ask? Well, I claimed that I could perform the swap in 4 hours, and my friend said 1 full weekend. 8 hours solidified the tie. Ah well.
List of Parts Used to Swap to a Manual Transmission
11/7/16 UPDATE TO POPULAR REQUEST:
This car was actually sold several years ago, but I have received many emails about adding a list of parts needed for this swap.
Here is what I purchased for this auto to manual transmission swap, based on my memory and some old notes…. (caution: may not be 100% complete)
- 03 Mitsubishi Eclipse 2.4L 5 speed Transmission
- 03 Mitsubishi Eclipse 2.4L Brake Pedal
- 03 Mitsubishi Eclipse Shifter cables
- 03 Mitsubishi Eclipse Slave cylinder
- 03 Mitsubishi Eclipse Clutch lines (2 metal ones, 1 rubber one, and the 2 brackets that hold them)
- 02 Mitsubishi Eclipse Shifter Assembly
- 03 Mitsubishi Eclipse Clutch Master Cylinder
- 03 Mitsubishi Eclipse 2.4L Clutch Pedal
- 01 Mitsubishi Eclipse 2.4L flywheel (I had it machined also)
- 3G Mitsubishi Eclipse clutch master cylinder reservoir and rubber hose.
- 3G Mitsubishi Eclipse 2.4L Manual Transmission Mount
- 3G Mitsubishi Eclipse clutch disc / pressure plate / throw out bearing.
- 3G/8G Flywheel bolts (I reused my original 8G flexplate bolts, because the ones for a DSM are too long for a 3G Eclipse flywheel. The 3G Eclipse flywheel is the same thickness as the 8G Galant flexplate. Weird huh?)
- Universal shifter boot
Learn How to Diagnose and Replace Parts Yourself
1A Auto has thousands of how-to videos specific to tons of makes and models. Learn how to diagnose and replace parts like the headlights, brakes, and more with step-by-step instructions from professional mechanics.
Related Content
- How to Check for Bad Transmission Fluid
- Is your Transmission Slipping, Jerking, or Low on Fluid?
- Signs of transmission failure and ways to prevent it
- LS Swap Cost: What I Paid for My LSx V8 Swap & How to Budget Build Yours