FTO AUSTRALIA

Hey guys...just joined up but I've been coming here for over a year now and reading a lot of the posts...finally decided to register...
Here's my dilemma... I have a 5spd auto box but really want to convert to a manual...getting the parts doesnt seem to be a big headache..Kempys in NZ seem to have them fairly regularly, but I own a GX and apparently after speaking to a chap at Japco in the UK, who specialise in manual conversions for the FTO, I've been told the Engine and Transmission on the GX share an ECU and I would not be able to convert to manual without changing my ECU to one from an already manual GX!

Just wondering if anyone here has done anything like this before and also are there any aftermarket ECUs that arent way too pricey that I can use to replace the current one that will allow me to put in any transmission i want.... any help would be appreciated...
Thanks

i thought all the tip's had a seperate ECU... have you tried talking to just japs in sydney? they've done a bit of work with FTO gearboxes and may be able to help you

Thanks for the reply. Truthfully I havent talked to anyone else who knows anything about FTO's since this guy came highly recommended and I took his word on it. I too found it weird that one model would be that different.

Anyone got contact info for any FTO gearbox specialists in Aus. I could contact? This Just Japs place for instance...Any help would be appreciated.

Assuming I have a separate ECU...If I converted to manual would I need an ECU for the manual transmission? Or just to remove the one for the automatic?

hey dude
when i blew my gearbox (auto)
UAS said they'll do it
they could get a conversion package + 15hr labour all up for around 3.8k if i remeber correctly
but after a lot of thinking
$$$ VS increase in performence is not worth it
might as well buy all the performence mods u can with the 3.8k and it;'ll rip any manual

I agree but last owner did not take good care of the box and its not working the greatest right now.... plus i miss the manual feel and I have a mechanic who will do the work very very cheap... (friend of mine) so I just need the parts so in my case i think its worth it. Plus last time I checked Kempys in NZ was going to give me a conversion package for $2400 Aus. but dont want to buy anything till I know for sure it will work...plus i wouldnt say 30+kg lighter and 20+ hp is VS - but thats just my opinion.... not to mention better launching.

ANyone know where the Transmission ECU is and the Engine ECU?

I have one directly below the center of the car in between the footwells which I am almost certain is the trans. ecu... if there is another one somewhere then it stands to reason that they have separate ECU's...!

Engine ECU is in the passenger foot well next to the pasenger door, you need to remove the plastic panel that the flare sits in. then look up and you will see it held there by two bolts.

Ok thanks, thats what I thought.... does the manual Transmission need a ECU?

RedlineGX wrote:Ok thanks, thats what I thought.... does the manual Transmission need a ECU?

don't think so... it'll definately have sensors running to the ECU however there i don't think there is a seperate ECU for it...

check out the technical manuals and wiring diagrams

Ok thanks guys. I'll have to take a look.

From memory, there's only a speed sensor coming from the manual box =P

Ok thanks... I was wondering what sensors would be needed... does the Speed Sensor sound like something that could be added without too much hastle?

both the auto and the manual will have a speed sensor, should be the same plug. I will have my engine out again next month and will check for you.

The manual box has two plugs from the wiring harness that connect to it.

One is the speed sensor and i think the other is the reverse lights, I would have to check to be absolutly certain.

Also ask richard batty on the UK fto forums he has done the conversion from auto to manual, he would be able to give you a bit better advice.

Ok Thanks a heap guys.... I think I'm gonna go ahead and get the conversion... btw, does anyone know if the manual gearbox in the GS is the same as the V6 models?

RedlineGX wrote:Ok Thanks a heap guys.... I think I'm gonna go ahead and get the conversion... btw, does anyone know if the manual gearbox in the GS is the same as the V6 models?

this one i'd say is a definate no...

well to the extent that you'll probably have to do some fabricating to get it to mate with the v6's

the manual boxes are differant for each type of engine.

The 6A12 mivec has a differant manual box to the 6a12 nonmivec

Ok do you mean the actual box or the drive shafts etc? I thought the box would've been the same like the autos? Surely they cant be that different right? What would i have to do to fit a mivec box in different to a non mivec?

RedlineGX wrote:Ok do you mean the actual box or the drive shafts etc? I thought the box would've been the same like the autos? Surely they cant be that different right? What would i have to do to fit a mivec box in different to a non mivec?

the 6a12's have similar gearboxes... the biggest difference is the MIVEC box has aditional sensors...

the GS being a 1.8l 4cyl engine has a completely different gearbox.... probably find it is very similar to that of a Lancer...

Ok so I guess it wouldnt be much harder to put the mivec box in my non-mivec then... i assume that the sensors only need connecting if I have a mivec engine so its probably just a matter of leaving them disconnected?
Just trying to see wether or not i can get the mivec box thats available without having to pull my hair out when i go to fit it

Ok Just got my conversion kit from Kempys.

Seems that everything is there. Just got a couple questions for anyone that can help... I see one cyclinder for the clutch but it looks pretty small. Maybe a little bigger than the tube where the windshield water goes in... is this the Master Clutch cyclinder and is there a separate slave cyclinder?

Also as I said before I have someone who can do the mechanics side of things for me reliably but I still cant find anyone who I can trust with the electrical stuff. It is a mivec box but my car is a GX. I see two spots for sensors but they look like smaller slots than the two ones on my current tip box. Anyone know if they plug back in or I would need to fabricate a small adapter harness.

Also anyone got a clue about wiring up the car to trick into being in Park so it will start when I'm done? Thats my biggest concern right now.
Also will I be able to remove my Tip ECU when I'm done with the conversion? I know these are a lot of questions but you guys are my only hope and I really want to get this thing done (fast since its my everyday car) Thanks in adance....

RedlineGX wrote:Ok Just got my conversion kit from Kempys.

Also anyone got a clue about wiring up the car to trick into being in Park so it will start when I'm done? Thats my biggest concern right now.

with that, im pretty sure its just a switch, simply short the connector or leave it ope (depends wether its a NO NC) worked for my friends pulsar conversion.

gluck with the conversion