5 speed swap

by **TheMack** » Wed Oct 05, 2011 12:07 pm

hey guys im lookin into swapping my 4spd V6 auto to a 5spd manual. first i got a few questions because im wondering:

1. is it worth it?
2. will i see a noticeable change in speed/power?
3. how much will i look at spending in labor alone?
4. will i need to change my motor?

thanks guys in advance

by **Brandoe91** » Wed Oct 05, 2011 12:56 pm

1) I never went through with my swap but coming from an auto 1mz es300 to a solara 1mz 5spd, yes it is worth (depending on the cost) .
2) yes you will feel a noticeable change in speed/power (estimate of around 15-25whp)
3) labor depends on your mechanic rate but I would suggest contacting Gregtrd about doing the swap as he is in your area and has done the swap before.
4)No you don't need to change the motor.

You can source the parts yourself (cheaper) or contact Gabe (trd4life) @ GLP Motorsport(less hassle).I also have a few parts myself for relatively cheap.

Here are a few guides of what the swap entails (gen.3 camry write ups but basically the same for the solara)

Using the e153 97+ solara/camry transmission
http://www.1jz.com/camry/guide-trans.htm

Using e53 92/93 camry/es300 tranmission
www.ratko.org

Note:some gen3 camry swap parts are different for the gen1 solara/gen4 camry example: clutch master cylinder ,shifter base etc.

by **Gregtrd** » Wed Oct 05, 2011 3:05 pm

If you're ready to pay to play let me know I got all the 5speed swap parts, only if you're serious.
when albertrd solara was boosting a 3.4 pulley(3.lbs)auto we raced my nephews NA 5peed solara and the out come was a close race, we took this to the track and the difference in time was
.50 seconds
You would definitely feel a big difference with a 5sp vs auto.

by **Midias** » Wed Oct 05, 2011 5:45 pm

1. is it worth it?
Yes

2. will i see a noticeable change in speed/power?
You will get between 20 and 30 more whp and gain about .5 or more seconds on the 1/4

3. how much will i look at spending in labor alone?
I would guess between 500 and 1000 I would do as much your self as you can

4. will i need to change my motor?
No

I don't care if you believe it or not but I have beat a supercharged camry with intake and exhaust, with my bolt on NA 5 speed solara. You will notice. I think it is one of the best bang for the buck. Greg correct me if I am wrong but should cost per gain in the 1/4 is really good for a 5speed swap.

by **trd4life** » Thu Oct 06, 2011 3:50 pm

Bring $3500 cash to greg and he will take care of you ASAP. Parts and labor included.

around a 30whp gain . .5 to.8 gain in 1/4 mile
Greg is the man on the west coast.

by **TLMNICK** » Thu Oct 06, 2011 6:33 pm

Is there a proper solution yet with regards to the engine light coming on due to the "missing" shift solenoids? When I first got my gen1, I was doing all kinds of reading up on doing a 5spd swap...I never did find an answer to the engine light issue.

by **Gregtrd** » Thu Oct 06, 2011 10:21 pm

Andy maybe you could chime in and let these people know if you have any cels after I did your 5speed swap. I've done bbq bobs camry,albertrd solara, my camry.all with no cels. How did I do it, with great skill and determination.

by **mig0s** » Thu Oct 06, 2011 10:53 pm

I would say it's not worth it. You won't see a big change in power output and it's gonna cost you more than $3k. Sure it's gonna be more fun, but you can just get a S/C for half of the price.

by **Midias** » Fri Oct 07, 2011 4:18 am

mig0s wrote:I would say it's not worth it. You won't see a big change in power output and it's gonna cost you more than $3k. Sure it's gonna be more fun, but you can just get a S/C for half of the price.

Yup and still be slower than a stock 5speed solara.

I cannot think of another mod to get 1/2 second or more off the 1/4 and still be reliable and nearly maintenance free for well over 150k miles.

by **trd4life** » Fri Oct 07, 2011 8:39 am

I agree my old 00 camry v6 5 speed with just a greddy exhaust a cold air intake and short shifter was running 14.8's all day long. a auto s/c 4psi will not come close to that .

by **albertrd** » Fri Oct 07, 2011 8:42 pm

Gregtrd wrote:Andy maybe you could chime in and let these people know if you have any cels after I did your 5speed swap. I've done bbq bobs camry,albertrd solara, my camry.all with no cels. How did I do it, with great skill and determination.

That's right folks no cel lights here, the 5speed swap was the best mod for my s/c lara and I really felt the difference in power. When it comes to 5speed swaps gregtrd is the guy for the job hands down. :wnw:

by **ToyoSolV6** » Sun Oct 09, 2011 10:15 am

never got a 5spd swap done because im already 5 spd lol but ive driven a auto solara, and its trash compared to a 5 spd stock for stock. I would say go for it! save your pennies and get it done right by the right person

by **k-0tik** » Sun Oct 09, 2011 8:17 pm

^As an owner of a v6 auto solara it does feel wack.I feel like the car could be some what faster.It makes me feel like a grandma driving it hahaha.Honda boys try to race me time to time but im like ehhh im auto no point it wouldn't feel as fun lol.A 5 speed swap is a future thing for sure though.

by **DSM_Lara** » Mon Oct 10, 2011 5:21 am

I say sale you auto Solara and buy one 5 Speed Solara that doesn't have a body kit...

by **TheMack** » Mon Oct 10, 2011 8:01 pm

lol i put the kit on it thank you very much, well im not 100% yet cuz my car feels like its dying but on the 18th someone is coming to hopefully buy but if they dont then ill have to save up and do the swap off of greg since hes getting very high reviews