Auto to 5spd conversion?

[SquamptonRyan]

has anyone ever attempted this? is it even in the relm of possibility? I don't mind my auto trans at the moment, but would feel more compfy with a 5 spd for a possible central american road trip on the horizon.

any info would be much appreciated!

Ryan

[Green1]

if you don't mind the auto, I wouldn't recommend changing it for a long trip, the autos are generally considered more reliable...

[SquamptonRyan]

Very interesting....... Thanks Green1!

[fexlboi]

...autos are generally considered more reliable...

Would be interesting why?

[marsgal42]

Would be interesting why?

No clutch, a part that takes a sh*t-kicking in these vans and is not easy to replace.

Simpler shift linkage. No clutch linkage.

Possibly fewer moving parts, and those that do move are smaller and don't move as far. No dog clutches or synchro rings, just planetary brake bands.

Lower engine RPM at almost all speeds.

...laura

[Green1]

...autos are generally considered more reliable...

Would be interesting why?

I think it has to do with the combination of a rock solid transmission, and the lack of a clutch (the weak link in the manual)

I suspect that both are probably pretty good, but I certainly wouldn't be switching from an auto to a manual just to try to gain reliability (which is what I read in to the idea of switching it specifically for a long road trip)

[Mr. Flibble]

Green 1, are you saying that the Automatic transmission in a Deli is more reliable than the Manual Transmission in a Deli, or, that in general Manual Transmissions are more reliable? I ask because this goes against everything I have learned about transmissions over the last few years. Granted, I did look it up, and as much as I love driving manual - in a Deli an automatic makes more sense for Canada as the gearing is more suited to highway travel than the Manual.

I know next to nothing about Deli transmissions in particular, but I always was told that Manual was more reliable. (That, and I am a snob who does not know how to drive an automatic, because it is really hard to double-clutch and properly heel-toe in one... ;) )

[Luna-Sea]

Hey,
You can do the conversion but it's a bit of a hassle it seems.
The gas tanks are different and some of the mounting points.
This is what Glen at CCautos told me anyhow.

Unless you put a lift and bigger tires on you might not
like the cruising speed of the manual. It is geared pretty
low and like to do about 90kph or so at a happy rpm with stock tires and height.

Having said that I love how it behaves with the bigger tires!
You could pick this beauty up fairly cheap!
http://www.delica.ca/forum/1989-5-speed ... -6331.html

Have you driven a 5-speed yet?
Next time I am down in Vic, we could meet up and you could
take mine for a spin if you want.

Right on!

[loki]

You could pick this beauty up fairly cheap!
http://www.delica.ca/forum/1989-5-speed ... -6331.html

that's not for sale any more, he posted farther down that he is keeping it.

[marsgal42]

Green 1, are you saying that the Automatic transmission in a Deli is more reliable than the Manual Transmission in a Deli, or, that in general Manual Transmissions are more reliable? I ask because this goes against everything I have learned about transmissions over the last few years. Granted, I did look it up, and as much as I love driving manual - in a Deli an automatic makes more sense for Canada as the gearing is more suited to highway travel than the Manual.

I know next to nothing about Deli transmissions in particular, but I always was told that Manual was more reliable. (That, and I am a snob who does not know how to drive an automatic, because it is really hard to double-clutch and properly heel-toe in one... ;) )

It's your choice: hearsay and superstition, or the actual experience of Delica owners. Do you have any actual information, or is this another synthetic non-issue like rolled-back odometers?

The experience of Delica owners is that the automatic transmission, like all modern automatics, is pretty well bulletproof. Any difference in fuel economy is offset by the different final drive ratios.

...laura

[Luna-Sea]

that's not for sale any more, he posted farther down that he is keeping it.

Right you are! That's great !

The experience of Delica owners is that the automatic transmission, like all modern automatics, is pretty well bulletproof.

That is my understanding as well.Properly maintained of course ect ect.

I am just a 5-speed freak and am not really seeking
a cure for my condition.

Mr.Squamton is that Squamton, Esquimalt or Squampton,Squamish?
I am in Nomindo,Nanaimo on the island if you want to try a manual.

Right on!
Happy Festivus

[Green1]

Green 1, are you saying that the Automatic transmission in a Deli is more reliable than the Manual Transmission in a Deli, or, that in general Manual Transmissions are more reliable?

I speak only for the Delica transmission, I do not have detailed knowledge of transmission reliability in other vehicles.

[jessef]

if you don't mind the auto, I wouldn't recommend changing it for a long trip, the autos are generally considered more reliable...

Would be interesting why?

No clutch, a part that takes a sh*t-kicking in these vans and is not easy to replace.

Simpler shift linkage. No clutch linkage.

Possibly fewer moving parts, and those that do move are smaller and don't move as far. No dog clutches or synchro rings, just planetary brake bands.

Lower engine RPM at almost all speeds.

...laura

The auto and 5-spd both have their up's and down's.

Both are above average on the reliability scale.

If I were to head down to central/south america, I would not hesitate to do so in either one but have my preference.

Auto's are good because they feel better in the sand and on the highway. If you are comfortable with a 5spd, then this advantage is moot.

For the comments on 5-spd's being less reliable or dependable than the auto because the auto has less moving parts, that is actually not correct.

You guys are commenting on what the consensus is here on delica.ca Just from owners who have had Delica's for a few years.

If you would speak with owners who have had Montero's in the US since the 80's, the consensus is stay away from automatic's and get a 5spd if you can.

Reason = serviceability and you can still drive if it's broken

If the autotrans/torque converter goes, you're dead in the water.

If the clutch goes on the 5spd, you can still drive it since it's syncromesh (you can shift without a clutch without damaging anything if done at the right rpm).

Basically, with a manual, you can always drive away or at the very least limp home or to your destination.

With an automatic, that's it.

I feel I can comment since I've owned Montero's for over a decade both auto and manual and the trans is the same.

The 5spd is easier to work on and in the US it's more sought after because of the limp home factor and serviceability.

For long distance trips, I would choose the 5spd over the auto because of serviceability. I've opened mine up and it's much easier to work on with roadside tools compared to the auto.

As for gear ratio's on the highway, you guys are confusing people.

The driveline gear ratio's (gears in the front/rear differentials) in the US is 4.625 and 4.636

In JDM Mitsu's, they are 4.875 and 5.29

If you simply swap out the JDM gears (5.29/4.875) with the US (4.625's), you will have a 5psd that can cruise nicely at 70mph under 3k with good mpg.

If you can get a 5spd for your trip, do it.

[Mr. Flibble]

The driveline gear ratio's (gears in the front/rear differentials) in the US is 4.625 and 4.636

In JDM Mitsu's, they are 4.875 and 5.29

If you simply swap out the JDM gears (5.29/4.875) with the US (4.625's), you will have a 5psd that can cruise nicely at 70mph under 3k with good mpg.

If you can get a 5spd for your trip, do it.

Do you know the gear ratios for the L400? My preference personally (not to threadjack, but this is on topic!) is for a 5 speed, but it was my understanding that the 5 speed will top out at 90km/h in the L400 just like the L300. I really detest driving automatics, but I do drive long distances on a fairly regular basis.

[Airwick]

As for gear ratio's on the highway, you guys are confusing people.

The driveline gear ratio's (gears in the front/rear differentials) in the US is 4.625 and 4.636

In JDM Mitsu's, they are 4.875 and 5.29

If you simply swap out the JDM gears (5.29/4.875) with the US (4.625's), you will have a 5psd that can cruise nicely at 70mph under 3k with good mpg.

If you can get a 5spd for your trip, do it.

Now you've spiked my interest...
I got a 5 speed L300 as well because I hate autos and I am doing some towing but I sure wish it would cruise a bit faster at lower RPM on the highway. It's the first time I read something about this conversion opportunity and I'd like to hear more about it.

Have you done it yourself?
Am I correct in my understanding that you just need some bits from the front and rear diffs of a US Montero to fix that? I'd like to hear someone confirm this as it sounds quite easy so I am surprised no-one here mentioned it before.