4spd to 5spd

[Futurefesty90]

it's just about that time. i know where a 5spd's at. i'm gonna get it rebuilt before i do anything. i got a 89 and im gonna get the 5spd as close to 89 as i can (or at least carbed).
I gotta show my dad that i'm not useless so tips?,pictures?,all the help i can get. Do i need to pick the engine? what should i grab out of the donor car? what should i not break?

[25Horseplay]

You can directly swap the 4 speed to a 5 speed.

[lasvegascop]

Yup...any year will work..FI or carbed...I swapped in a 5 speed out of an 92 into my 89. All you need is the tranny, its a direct bolt in, but I'm sure everyone will agree for you to get a brand new clutch kit while you're at it.

[lanemeyer14]

Hey futurefesty...if you want any help when you do the swap let me know. If i can get off work I'd love to lend a hand.....I've never done it before, but I'll help nonetheless

[lasvegascop]

two heads is better than one...and its easy...

[rolla4me]

get a tranny out of an aspire..

[Futurefesty90]

why's that? if thats the case, i woulda had this done 1 year ago.

[lanemeyer14]

I thought I read on here somewhere that the aspire tranny wasn't as reliable/robust as the festy?

[FestYboy]

i hear the same from Jim but have yet to see results supporting his claim.

the reason to use the aspire trans is the higher final drive resulting in quicker acceleration.

[FB71]

wait a sec, sunshine... I only ever said that was a claim that I had heard. I ,too, am still waiting for evidence.

[sam.1956]

Take your time, be meticulous & make sure you get ALL the bolts out of the flex plate before trying to crack the tranny off the block! Else you'll end up like I did, replacing the flex plate!! Oh and while you've got stuff apart anyways, consider getting the flywheel resurfaced.

[Futurefesty90]

ok, well everybody keep in mind that that im about 2 on a 10 scale of mechanical proficiency. i really would like a higher final drive gear but i'm not too sure about putting all my money into an aspire tranny if i don't know if it'll bolt-on. so your gonna have to assure me.

[ejp2fast]

no you do not need to pick the engine, leave the right side motor mount (passenger side) attached, and then jack the engine/trans and then block it under the oil pan transmission end. The manual transmissions can come out this way, but an automatic you have to raise/lower the engine because of the torque converter.

[nonamekid]

Here is a writeup giving step by step directions to replacing a manual transmission in a festiva.

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11144

If you use the aspire transmission, I believe you will need the aspire front transmission mount, or you will have to drill new holes in your cross member for the festiva mount. I have not seen real clear instructions from those who have swapped an aspire transmission into a festiva. I would suggest you use a festiva transmission, because it will be easier to swap in and you won't get that much better gas mileage by using the aspire tranny.

[Levitan]

You might want to pm elcamino1 about this topic. If I'm not mistaken, he has an Aspire tranny in his. All I know, is my ride is the exact same speed as his until we get on top end and then he just drives away. Of course, we both drove away from Packrat!! :p Just harrassing you Doug 'cus I know it bugged the crap out of you that you got smoked by an Iowan!