C5 tip to 6 mt

[ScottKC]

The time has finally come...
I'm finally going to change out my tip for a 6 speed. I've watched all the blogs for years (finally a member here), seen all of the DIYs probably a dozen times, and the auto has had it. 225k miles on the bone stock 2.7t. Should get the kit early next week [just in time for the temp to drop off the bottom of the thermometer :( ]. Going to do the 100k service at the same time. Should be fun. Can't wait.

[ScottKC]

So I finally got my kit mid Dec. And got started on this a little over a week ago (mid Jan). I'm doing the trans swap without pulling the engine. It's challenging to say the least.
I must say, it is nice to get "intimately" involved with the engine bay.
I'm currently scraping all the crap (leaking oil and antifreeze) off the block. Waiting on master and slave cylinders.

[rollerton]

So I finally got my kit mid Dec. And got started on this a little over a week ago (mid Jan). I'm doing the trans swap without pulling the engine. It's challenging to say the least.
I must say, it is nice to get "intimately" involved with the engine bay.
I'm currently scraping all the crap (leaking oil and antifreeze) off the block. Waiting on master and slave cylinders.

If you're doing a big service w/ timing belt and all that...then you might just consider pulling the engine and trans. You're doing 95% of the work you need to do to have the engine out anyways. I predict that doing the TB service AND trans swap with the engine in actually takes LONGER than it would take if you pulled it all out.
If you don't have an engine hoist or something then I guess I understand- but you kind of need one when you drop the trans anyway...

[ScottKC]

I have a hoist, and yes bolt access is making this take longer than it probably should. I'll be doing this different next time. The biggest determining factor in doing it this way is doing it in my garage, not on a lift....

[ScottKC]

Well, I got tired of it fighting me. Took out four bolts (motor mount support bracket), unhooked two coolant lines (heat exchanger), and one hydraulic line to the power steering rack and it's out. This has made a world of difference. Now I can try to make up for lost time fighting it while it was still in the car.

[ScottKC]

Update to this thread, I finished the trans and engine work. Car has finally been back on the road for almost two weeks. No leaks, shimmy's, or mechanical issues at this point. It is challenging to stay off the gas while I break in the clutch.

For any of you that have a MT, when you have clutch slip, does your traction control light come on?