Transmission Swap Question

[Bubbaj]

I am in search of a 5 speed transmission for my 93 Festiva L that doesn't cost twice what the car did. In the meantime I thought I would ask what is the easiest way to get it out. From the top or the bottom? Does the engine need to come out?

[Studebaker]

Good luck finding a trans. rebuilding yours is cheapest. I find its easier to pull both out together. putting trans and engine back together is much easier that way.

[w4rkry]

I have found it's easier to just pull the trans and engine as one unit out the top if you need to replace it.

Make a WTB post on the For Sale section here on the forums, 5 speeds usually sell for $75-150

[nonamekid]

If just doing the transmission and the car isn't rusty, it is easiest to drop the tranny out of the bottom of the car. It takes less time. Here is the walk through I wrote for removing it: https://fordfestiva.com/forums/showt...n-in-a-festiva

[bhazard]

Yup as long as you can get the four crossmember bolts out, out the bottom is quicker and easier.

5 speeds are getting harder to find but usually run $100-300.

[ricko1966]

100 percent with bhazard on this one,I can have the trans out and back in in an hour or less, But I do do them a little different then you guys, I couldn't find R&R info when I was doing mine.

[getnpsi]

Do not count out for the ford apires, since they are a little bit newer you can find opportunities with those as well. You might encounter the slippery slope... have to buy a whole car for less than transmission retail but then you have brakes and suspension component swaps that come along for the ride and it ends up being cheaper if you have the room at your place for that endeavor.

[nonamekid]

The aspire trans is not a direct bolt in to the festiva due to the different front mount. You will need an aspire front tranny mount and bracket.

[bhazard]

Aspire trans is notoriously weaker, and will raise cruising RPM a bit. But it beats having no trans. Or a 4 speed.