Hello, I am beginning the process of swapping my 1986 245 automatic to a 1989 5 speed manual transmission. Before I begin, I want to make sure I have everything in order. Do I need a new ECU for this transmission?
Thank you!

 

NO. The ECU will be ok. And cars that old did not have any electronics for transmissions. (other than OD relay with later 4 speed auto cars or 4+od cars) I did that years ago on a 1976 - and was very pleased with the outcome - Replacing a 3 speed auto with a 5 speed (mine was 4 +od) was well worth the time and effort. Even with the trouble of putting in a clutch pedal.

 

ok great thank you! I have also been told that I am needing a matching crank sensor for the transmission. Is this something immediately necessary? If so, any recommendations on where to purchase?

 

the crank sensor is needed for a 1989+ engine
your 1986 engine uses a hall sensor in the distributor.

what you WILL need is the 3-pedal assembly from under the dash of the manual car, I forget if that's a cable or hydraulic clutch on a 1989, but if its a hydraulic clutch, you'll need the clutch master cylinder from the donor car.

you'll need the manual drive shaft as its got a different end and is a different length than an automatic drive shaft. I'd plan on using a new flex disk, and new shaft support bearing and carrier bushing.

And of course, the shift linkage, the transmission itself, and the transmission mounting crossbar. I'd plan on using a new clutch and new throwout bearing.

oh, you'll need to swap the 'flexdisk' on your 86's engine for the flywheel from the manual car's engine.