1. Gather Necessary Parts and Tools:
- Five speed manual transmission and bell housing from a donor vehicle
- Clutch kit (including clutch disc, pressure plate, and release bearing)
- Flywheel
- Manual transmission starter
- Manual transmission axles
- Manual transmission shift linkage
- Manual transmission ECU (if applicable)
- Various gaskets, seals, and fluids
2. Prepare the Vehicle:
- Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
- Remove the air filter housing and battery tray.
- Drain the coolant from the radiator and engine block.
- Remove the transmission oil pan.
3. Remove the Automatic Transmission:
- Disconnect the transmission control module (TCM) electrical connectors.
- Disconnect the transmission cooler lines.
- Remove the driveshaft.
- Remove the starter.
- Remove the bell housing bolts and separate the transmission from the engine.
4. Install the Manual Transmission:
- Install the new flywheel onto the engine crankshaft.
- Install the new clutch kit.
- Position the manual transmission and align it with the engine.
- Install the bell housing bolts and tighten them to the specified torque.
- Connect the transmission cooler lines.
- Connect the starter.
5. Install Manual Transmission Axles:
- Disconnect the front wheels.
- Remove the front brake calipers and rotors.
- Remove the axle nuts and pull out the axles from the wheel hubs.
- Install the new manual transmission axles and secure them with the axle nuts.
6. Install Manual Transmission Shift Linkage:
- Install the shift linkage components between the transmission and the shifter in the cabin.
- Check and adjust the shift linkages as necessary.
7. Install Manual Transmission ECU (if applicable):
- Some Prelude models may require a manual transmission ECU to be swapped in place of the automatic transmission ECU.
- Follow the specific instructions for your vehicle to replace the ECU.
8. Fill Fluids:
- Refill the transmission with the appropriate manual transmission fluid.
- Refill the coolant system.
9. Check Wiring and Connections:
- Double-check all electrical connections and wiring related to the transmission swap.
10. Test Drive and Adjustments:
- Start the vehicle and engage the clutch. Shift through all the gears to ensure proper operation.
- Perform necessary adjustments to the clutch pedal, shift linkages, and throttle cable (if applicable).
Remember, this is just a general overview of the steps involved. The actual process may vary depending on your specific Prelude model and the donor parts used. It's recommended to consult workshop manuals and seek guidance from experienced mechanics or professionals if you're not familiar with transmission swaps.
