TurboLag23

Hey all, longtime member & infrequent poster here. I've got a 2008 Acura TL (base w/Navi) that's been in the family since new, and been mine since 70,000 miles (crossed 126,000 yesterday). I love it to death, and I'm particularly fond of my particular car because I know it's been well cared-for and is in great condition. But it is an automatic, and I've been wanting a manual car for quite some time now.

Which brings me to my question: is it possible to swap a manual transmission & driveline (LSD & Brembos being the operative features) from a 2004-2006 TL or a 2007-2008 TL Type S into my 2008 TL Base? Has anyone done it, and if so have they catalogued their ventures or can they be reached for contact? Would the necessary parts from a manual car drop right in, or would there be extensive fabrication/wiring work involved to make the swap functional?

I just wanted to do some research before I start seriously considering this project.

Thanks all!

OsK

iTrader: (2)

Has it been done? Yes, with success and horror stories. Is it worth your time and money to perform the swap? No.

Just look for a similar 04-06 6MT or even Type S with similar mileage and call it a day.

thoiboi

Hope you got deep pockets.


Have you thought about just selling your automatic and getting a manual?

horseshoez

iTrader: (2)

Yes, it's been done, yes each project I've read about has been filled with horror stories, yes each project has typically cost the entire value of an otherwise identical TL but built at the factory with a manual.

We cannot tell you what to do, but the experienced wrenches among us will yell from the tallest mountain, "Don't do it!"

Oh Sickest TL

iTrader: (3)

dont bother man

TurboLag23

Okay thanks guys; this was kind of what I figured since some quick Googling didn't yield much. If you'd said it was easier and pointed to a bunch of build threads I might have done more research, but for that much cost/hassle I'll just keep trolling CL and AutoTrader for TL Type S's or BMW E91's with 6MT's hahaha.

thoiboi

Much better use of your money

Oh Sickest TL

iTrader: (3)

try and find a 6MT CL Type s

snitko23

Can anyone send any links to some threads that show the process or atleast exactly what you need? I did a little research and can't seem to find any build threads

horseshoez

iTrader: (2)

Search is your friend; there are at least two threads here detailing the work necessary; unfortunately, the results aren't exactly 100% positive.

Long story short, buy a wrecked 3G TL 6MT, and swap over as much stuff as you can.

DMZ

If unexpected problems, endless cost overruns, headaches, having a project that seems to have in end in sight, things that mysteriously go bump in the night, and situations that make you want to commit suicide are your thing, then go ahead and attempt it. Otherwise, find a 6MT TL and go with that.
.
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justnspace

iTrader: (1)

lol you just described me and why my friends call me JustonJacks.

1black_seven

iTrader: (2)

You can't swap an 04-06 6MT into an 07-08.
I'm pretty sure I read that somewhere.

I undertook a quest once to convert my AT Type-S into the 6MT. When the part's cost went past $14k I said never mind.

teh CL

iTrader: (1)

You'd need a 07/08 TL-S 6MT parts car for a steal of a price for it to be anywhere near worth it.

Can't use 04-06 TL 6MT parts since the TL got an update in 07 & a lot was changed (wiring, ecu, engine bellhousing to name a few).