99TLhot

hey guy wonder how hard is to convert an auto CL to a manual CL? what type of tranny i should get? and parts please let me know

gnuts

iTrader: (1)

search on the 2nd gen TL side or this side. Been covered several times.

ThomWV

How hard is it to switch a car's auto to a manual transmission? Its a lot of work. I've done it to two cars over the years, though not an Acura. The work is not out of the ability of most home mechanics. Unfortunately if you have to ask what parts are needed it doesn't give much confidence that you could do the job.

So, what do you need? Everything. Start with the transmission, no, better yet, start by finding out if the Acura uses a Pilot Bushing or bearing, that would be the first part you'd need. Then you'll need a transmission. They put 6-speeds in 2003 cars and that would be the transmission you would want to find. Then you'll need a clutch. After that you'll need to get all the linkage, cables, and hydraulics that operate the shifter and clutch. Then you'll need to find a pedal set for a manual car and finally there will be electrical connections that will be different for the two types and you'll have to deal with it as you come across it.

Usually the best way to amass the parts is to buy a donor car. Just fine a totaled 6-speed car with all the parts still on it. There are two advantages to buying a wrecked car to take the parts off of. The most important of these are that you can see what goes where and all the small parts, the little clips, washers, odd fittings and unique connectors will be there. The second advantage is that you can usually sell all the other parts from the donor and cover your total cost of the switch over in doing so.

Oh, there is the other thing too. How are you fixed for tools? There aren't many special tools you will need, but you will need a full compliment of the usual hand tools and if you haven't spent a few years collecting a good set before you start this job you can expect to have to put out hundreds just for wrenches. Speaking of having the tools brings to mind this too - you need a place to do the work, under roof and with a hard floor. You will need the working space for quite some time if you haven't done the job before and for at least a couple of days even if you do have some experience in this sort of work.

So there is the generic answer. Basically its meant to discourage you from starting the project. Most of these sorts of projects end in a car headed for a junk yard. The owner starts by tearing everything apart and in doing so breaks some parts and loses others. Two days later they can't remember what goes where and finally the job stops completely when some pesky part simply will not come off. Then the hulk sits in the garage - or worse yet out in the yard or street in front of the house - until someone bitches enough that the mess has to be hauled away.

So what the best solution to a mad desire for a manual transmission car? Sell the automatic car and buy an original manual transmission car. Its faster, cheaper in the long run, you won't be off the road for more than a couple of hours, and your hands won't get dirty in the process. I'm serious about that - its is far better for a young guy to just buy a manual car rather than try to make the switch.

Now you all can flame away if you like. I realize this answer won't be popular with many but its the best advice I can give a young guy.

fsttyms1

Considering the car came with a manual very easy. It was easy to convert the TL to the manual, doing it with the CL it will be easier. The wiring switch over will be much less involved.

civicdrivr

iTrader: (9)

Find a donor car and start wrenching.

99TLhot

no im not doing that no im not doing it,,, ill find an old legend with 6sp maunal and hook it up then. sound like so much work mind well go buy a 6sp manual CL,,,, Thom thanks for taking your time to write all that and i take your work for it.

99TLhot

BTW i call RON JON and i ask if he would sell his (black) CL? guess what the answer were? The car is not for sell but if i have 18,000$ firm i might think of selling it, and it a manual had 34xxx mile! supercharge too....

civicdrivr

iTrader: (9)

Hes had it up for sale on and off for a few years now. I dont think he'll ever sell it.

99TLhot

you guys think it worth 18K? i think so ......

gnuts

iTrader: (1)

realistically no, but from his point of view, i wouldn't sell it for much less then that.

TheWeez

Better off just selling it and buying a manual. It's really just not worth all the effort on a car like this. It's not a muscle car or something rare that you can't find a manual version of if you had to.

StreetKA

iTrader: (8)

Dont forget about engine sensors, ecu etc. That need to be swaped out. It would be easier to swap engine with tranny from a donor. But its not easy like they stated above. I wouldnt do it unless i really wanted 2g tl with 6mt.

fsttyms1

Its not that hard. Parts are fairly easy to come across. Get the parts you could do the swap in a weekend.