Should i switch transmissions between my two Acuras?

Question

I have a 2003 Acura 3.2TL Type-S and a 2003 3.2CL Type-S. The CL has a 6-Spd manual transmission, and the TL has an automatic. They both have the exact same engine. I want to switch the transmissions, so i can have the manual in the sedan. Good idea? Bad Idea? Will it cost too much? Is it too labor intensive? .... other suggestions..?

Answer 1

I've actually done this before (not with the same vehicle.) Mine was 4 wheel drive, and I ended up having to buy a new transfer case. They seemed like they would almost fit just perfectly with a little jimmy-rigging. But after about 2 months of tough work and a lot of help from friends, it never worked. When you think about it, car companies may do this on purpose to make more money. I wouldnt advise it unless you have another reliable vehicle in case something goes wrong.

Answer 2

Technically, anything can be done, but is it really worth it? Besides just the mechanicals amd bolt-ons, I believe there are some differences internally in the engines/engine management systems. Go to http://cl.acurazine.com/forums/ and do some searches, a couple of people on this site have done some swaps. To me, sounds like much more trouble than it's worth, besides, both cars will lose resale value. If you really want a 4dr stick, sell the 3.2TL and pick-up a newer TL with a 6-spd.

BTW Jennifer, TL was not available that year (old body style) with a manual, not until the new body style in 2004.

Answer 3

almost every single honda made in the past 30 years has been almost completely universal if it has the same body type or the same engine, so with that said i dont think it would be a problem to do a swap with the two. although there are going to be substantial ammounts of effort youre going to have to put into the swap partially bc automatics were meant to be autos and man.'s were meant to be man.'s so there are going to be alot of missing parts that you might have to take the engine out to instal from the cl to the tl. and so forth, but it is basically standard to want to just say f*ck it after the first 2 days, so if youre prepared to deal with the hassle, then go or it. you could always take it to an acura dealership and just have them do it, although its gonna cost like 2000 dollars.

Answer 4

I think you should be able to do it without too many things different than what you have. I would probably just change motor and all out at the same time, you will have to change the axles, wiring harness and cpu out as well, plus the type s has more hp from the engine so i would want it in the tl as well.
O ryou could sell the tl and buy a tl type s

Answer 5

i think it is a straightforward exchange with a few bugs to work out(this is common with any swaps). but if you are going to do the swap, i think its best that you do the complete engine/tranny. the ECU's, the axles are usually different between a manual and an automatic engine/ tranny.

there is nothing impossible as long as you have the money. heck you can even fit a Corvette engine and drive train in your CL if you had enough money! lol

Answer 6

It sems like an interesting idea. I think it would require a lot of changes with parts that may not be interchangeable...clutch pedal, brake pedal, console, electrical, speedometer connections, etc.

My Acura dealer has a fulltime transmission tech. I would talk to an expert who is familiar with both models and transmissions.

Answer 7

Why? You look so much cooler in the coupe, assuming you prefer the manual transmission. And if you have a family or something and that is why you want to change them, it's cheaper to sell the one you don't like, and buy something you do. Mad ups.

Answer 8

i dont think its possible truthfully.

why didnt you just buy a 5/6spd in the first place..

it will be very labor intensive and will cost alot..you'd be better off selling the TL and buying a 6spd one

Answer 9

Not worth it!