I have an 1.6L ''''''''88 tracer with an 3 speed auto matic tranny.
I was wandering what all parts I need if I was to do a manual tranny swap, besides the tranny, clutch and the linkage for the clutch and shifter.
Would there be any problems with a swap like this?
I am having a hard time finding another tracer with a manual tranny, so i was also wandering if there were any other mercs, fords, or mazdas around the same year as mine that have the same tranny that I could use.

Thanks, Devon
Edited by: farmboywynn

Hey Wynn, I touched on this subject in the warning buzzer posts. I failed to mention the interior parts like adding a tach, if it lacks one, and removal of the automatic shifter console.

the conputer can be a problem. you would be better off using a complete donar car to get the setup from. I am about 80% sure that the 88 did not use the computer for the trans shift points. But is anyone know let him know. otherwise i think you would also have to use the computer from a man trans when to switch it out

I looked over my 88 tracer today. It already has a tach and the A/T shifter is easy to remove. there is a clutch mounting bracket and a hole already in the fire wall for the linkage. yes I do have a hand brake style e-brake. The ECM is very accessible, as I have switched it out before. I do believe they are different. I don''''t think i will have a problem dropping the tranny. the bottom is wide open and the tranny mounts are also out in the open.

I checked with an interchange book and mercury did put a 5sp in some of there tracers. It said an 87-89 5sp tranny would work.

does any one know if any of the electrical harnesses would be different.

Edited by: farmboywynn

like I said the trans has different sensors auto to man. you might get away with just a engine check light on, they really did not change to electronic stuff for the trans untill mid 95.


Now thinking as i reread the post, your original trans did not have a loc converter or over drive. i twas a 3 speed.you should be fine with the swap. the connection should all, be the same


All brackets should mount right up

Hey Devon. I was happy to here the about the pre-existing standard trans hardware. Good stuff! We know there''s a boneyard 5-speed Tracer out there now. That will make the swap soooo much easier. Do you have any local junkyards? If so, I would get on the horn after the holiday week-end and see if you can locate one. If not, they will gladly find one for you. They have a huge inter-connected network of yards at their diposal. So, when are you going to start this swap out anyway? Hopefully alot of the parts and hardware will be interchangable. Let me know.

post some pics whe you are all done. We are excited to see the new car.

I use this car everyday to go back and forth from college. I will try to find another tracer before Christmas break and do the swap over the break. when I am done I will gladly share some pics. if i have any questions i will be sure to post them.

alright wynn, we''ll be waiting.

. Edited by: jason sereiko