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View Full Version : Can you tell if your S13 was 5spd swapped by the VIN number?

Driftnut69
11-03-2010, 10:00 PM
I just bought an S13 and Iv'e been examining it closely, and to me it seems to have been swapped from auto to manual. I was just curious if there was a specific way to tell if it was 5spd swapped mainly by the VIN or by something else... In other words, would the VIN let you know if its an original 5spd?

Specs- 1992 240sx SE DOHC with HUD, Clean title.

And another strange thing I noticed was the VIN on the dash doesn't match any of the other VINs on the car, but the window is OEM Heads Up Display glass. The dash isn't cracked so it most likely was swapped out I assume.
xsidewayzx
11-03-2010, 10:07 PM
240SX VIN and MID Decoding - my240 (http://my240.epijunkie.com/240SX_VIN_and_MID_Decoding#Decoding_the_VIN)

Google.
Sileighty_85
11-03-2010, 10:11 PM
also you can look at the relay box in the engine bay on the passenger side strut tower. if you look at the side facing the fire wall and you see 3 small plugs on that side then your chassis was an automatic
Driftnut69
11-03-2010, 11:12 PM
I used the VIN decoder, found out it WAS swapped auto to manual. It looks very well done though. I couldn't tell it was swapped at all.

Is there any draw backs/ issues from doing an auto to manual swap??
Sileighty_85
11-03-2010, 11:18 PM
I used the VIN decoder, found out it WAS swapped auto to manual. It looks very well done though. I couldn't tell it was swapped at all.

Is there any draw backs/ issues from doing an auto to manual swap??


Nope, it helps out more, not as much loss in power through the drive train, and the manual tranny is lighter than the Auto.
fastkx125
11-04-2010, 08:17 AM
And If they left the auto ECU in the car you'll actually make more power then a car that came manual.
aled
11-04-2010, 11:35 AM
Yes, the manual trans is MUCH lighter it seems.

Don't Auto S14's also have a larger BMC?
S14DB
11-04-2010, 11:49 AM
The build plate on the firewall will have the Transmission model on it.
projectRDM
11-04-2010, 07:07 PM
^ Bingo. Plus the loose plug for the dropping resistor which no one ever cuts off and tapes up, the starter inhibit plug that's been jumped, or the obvious rewired lower harness.

Plenty of easy signs to look for.
Driftnut69
11-04-2010, 08:10 PM
Cool thanks guys. Will I have problems with the tach or anything like that. Maybe miles per hour problems cause its a HUD...