I figured it's time for me to contribute to the forum.
I wanted to create a thread of my experiences with this swap in order to inform other guys that might be interested in this. The goal of this thread is to give MAXIMUM information and part #s to the other 2 1/2
mechanics (hobbyists) like myself on this forum. There are a few threads on this swap however there are a LOT of assumptions in all of them and they don't get into the nitty gritty details that I would like to know. I'm also a purist so I'm doing this as close to OEM as possible.
So here we go.
Why do the swap?
There are many reasons to do the swap, and not to. So here are some pros and cons.
Pros:
-H151F is more efficient and lighter. After driving it for a while, I have noticed that there is now much more response at the wheels. I would say 15% would be a maximum value for power gain, but feels like 10%. MPGs are definitely better around town, though I haven't seen a huge highway difference, if any. Of course, I'm now running 33s and an RTT which will devour fuel.
-H151F is more reliable. These boxes are bulletproof and will have less chances of leaving you stranded. You also have less maintenance since your fluid changes have longer intervals and much less fluid as well. (90-92 models have 1st/2nd synchro issues, so beware!)
-H151F is more awesome. Every 80 I have driven with a 5 speed has given me the biggest smile. The driving experience is greatly improved.
-Added value to vehicle. Here in Canada, 5 speed 80 series often go for far higher prices and get sold far quicker than autos. This is one of the few mods you can do which could very well break even with net cost of the swap and the increased value of the vehicle.
-You get to learn a lot about your truck. For us 2 1/2 guys, this is a big deal.
Cons:
-COST COST COST COST COST. This swap is very expensive. This is probably the biggest con and turns most people away from it. This is coupled with the fact that most components come from overseas and these parts are HEAVY so shipping kills the bank account. Don't be surprised if you sink $4k to $5k on this. However, you'll net less after selling auto components. BUT I justified this because an auto rebuild could run almost the same amount... +/- a few $k of course.
-Finding parts. This has been an adventure over the past 6 months. It has been very challenging finding all the right components. I was lucky enough to get a good source from a fellow mudder so that made things much easier. However new components sourcing and searching has become an art form. EDIT: If you have the option of getting a rebuilt H151F, DO IT. It's easily worth the money.
-EDIT: Wheeling is no longer a con. After wheeling the manual, I've determined it's been a superior experience for me. Others may have different experiences.
Where the hell did you find your parts?
-Send me a PM and I'll give you my source to the USED components.
-For new components, there are many ways to go.
FIRST contact beno or cdan and see if they have stuff locally. For you USA guys, that'll save lots of money in shipping. I went with the sources below as shipping internationally either way would have cost about the same. Canada is a pain that way.
SECOND, if they don't have everything, I used: partsouq.com and Japan4x4 (Dave is awesome). amayama.com is also another way to go.
Obligatory Before picture:
Obligatory After Picture:
I wanted to create a thread of my experiences with this swap in order to inform other guys that might be interested in this. The goal of this thread is to give MAXIMUM information and part #s to the other 2 1/2
mechanics (hobbyists) like myself on this forum. There are a few threads on this swap however there are a LOT of assumptions in all of them and they don't get into the nitty gritty details that I would like to know. I'm also a purist so I'm doing this as close to OEM as possible.So here we go.
Why do the swap?
There are many reasons to do the swap, and not to. So here are some pros and cons.
Pros:
-H151F is more efficient and lighter. After driving it for a while, I have noticed that there is now much more response at the wheels. I would say 15% would be a maximum value for power gain, but feels like 10%. MPGs are definitely better around town, though I haven't seen a huge highway difference, if any. Of course, I'm now running 33s and an RTT which will devour fuel.
-H151F is more reliable. These boxes are bulletproof and will have less chances of leaving you stranded. You also have less maintenance since your fluid changes have longer intervals and much less fluid as well. (90-92 models have 1st/2nd synchro issues, so beware!)
-H151F is more awesome. Every 80 I have driven with a 5 speed has given me the biggest smile. The driving experience is greatly improved.
-Added value to vehicle. Here in Canada, 5 speed 80 series often go for far higher prices and get sold far quicker than autos. This is one of the few mods you can do which could very well break even with net cost of the swap and the increased value of the vehicle.
-You get to learn a lot about your truck. For us 2 1/2
guys, this is a big deal.Cons:
-COST COST COST COST COST. This swap is very expensive. This is probably the biggest con and turns most people away from it. This is coupled with the fact that most components come from overseas and these parts are HEAVY so shipping kills the bank account. Don't be surprised if you sink $4k to $5k on this. However, you'll net less after selling auto components. BUT I justified this because an auto rebuild could run almost the same amount... +/- a few $k of course.
-Finding parts. This has been an adventure over the past 6 months. It has been very challenging finding all the right components. I was lucky enough to get a good source from a fellow mudder so that made things much easier. However new components sourcing and searching has become an art form. EDIT: If you have the option of getting a rebuilt H151F, DO IT. It's easily worth the money.
-EDIT: Wheeling is no longer a con. After wheeling the manual, I've determined it's been a superior experience for me. Others may have different experiences.
Where the hell did you find your parts?
-Send me a PM and I'll give you my source to the USED components.
-For new components, there are many ways to go.
FIRST contact beno or cdan and see if they have stuff locally. For you USA guys, that'll save lots of money in shipping. I went with the sources below as shipping internationally either way would have cost about the same. Canada is a pain that way.
SECOND, if they don't have everything, I used: partsouq.com and Japan4x4 (Dave is awesome). amayama.com is also another way to go.
Obligatory Before picture:
Obligatory After Picture:
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