The mighty B4 manual conversion thread.

[nickmcgill]

Good day fellow clubsubbers.

I know this is a topic which has been discussed many times before and most people have said it can't be done, the auto to manual conversion of a BE5/BH5.

I have used the search feature before anyone pipes in with this, I couldn't find anything specific to this model.

Currently I'm looking at the possibility of re-looming the entire car and sticking with the current mines ECU and slapping in all the manual bits.

In saying that I've been reading threads of people who have actually done a conversion with some wizardry with the existing loom, although these look to be UK models.

Essentially I'm looking for answers as to why the OEM auto loom can't be used, I believe it has something to do with speed sensors on the auto box ?

Hopefully Rosssub, Marky or Gotasuby might be able to chirp in.

If anyone has a BE5/BH5 they are wanting to get rid of already in manual and in good shape also let me know, blown motors are also good.

[Rosssub]

Haven't done the swap myself, but don't see why the loom would need changing? Only problem should be bridging the auto's inhibitor switch for it to start.

[nickmcgill]

To my understanding it requires a loom change, but I'm hoping someone can elaborate as to why.

I would have thought it would have been easier to do some custom electrical and make the required stuff up and splice in.

[94 Leone]

I thought it was the older BG's that couldn't the single plug ecus that combined the TCU & ECU?

I'll actually be selling my BH5 soon. Manual GTB. single turbo (v7 STi engine, J2 ecu not AVCS, but I still have all the stuff to let you avcs it. - providing the computer running it could do it)

[Marky]

Sell it and buy a manual one

Theres no point spending money and time on an effectively stock car, when you can flick what you have for X, and buy a manual example for X

They aren't worth any more in manual form than auto, and at the end of it you'll just have a "converted" car which the majority of buyers shy away from (unless it's something pretty bogan).

[DacerX]

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2362823

[nickmcgill]

Selling it isn't an option at the moment unless someone is offering between 7-10k which is not going to happen.

It's already got a rebuilt, forged EJ208 in it so shouldn't have any of the issues mentioned in the thread that Dave posted.

I also know the current ECU supports a manual box as it came out of a manual one, plus I can see the info for it when reading the codes.

[DacerX]

I was just posting that about someone thats dont it with factory loom

[Andy_Mac]

 Marky said:

Sell it and buy a manual one

Theres no point spending money and time on an effectively stock car, when you can flick what you have for X, and buy a manual example for X

They aren't worth any more in manual form than auto, and at the end of it you'll just have a "converted" car which the majority of buyers shy away from (unless it's something pretty bogan).

Unless a 6 speed sti/newer legacy box can be squeezed into your budget. Absolutely love the 6er compared to the old 5 speed

[scoobygt]

The looms are the same and don't need to be changed

[DacerX]

then why are they such a pain to change to manual?

[Guest]

 DacerX said:

then why are they such a pain to change to manual?

He works at wingers dont doubt him hes very the smarts with subarus.

[DacerX]

I'm not doubting it. I'm asking the question if the loom is the same why are they so hard to do manual conversion? Its a valid question

[94 Leone]

Maybe because of all the electrics associated with the auto trans, having to switch relays out and wire in resistors etc.

EDIT:

Just found this nasioc thread:

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2065920

Saying different speed sensors between auto & Manual, then a manual ABS pump.(Assume pump from manual vehicle)

Edited September 29, 2014 by 94 Leone

[nickmcgill]

Thats a very interesting read on that thread, I'll have a chat with Rich if I see him this weekend.

My speedo isn't working as it is now so I probably wouldn't notice the difference, a manual ABS pump will be easy to source.

[Timmah]

 DacerX']http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2362823

This, plus this:

[quote name='94 Leone said:

Maybe because of all the electrics associated with the auto trans, having to switch relays out and wire in resistors etc.

EDIT:

Just found this nasioc thread:

url]http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2065920[/url]

Saying different speed sensors between auto & Manual, then a manual ABS pump.(Assume pump from manual vehicle)

Do it.