I have not been here for a LONG time. Matter of fact the forum is completely different and I forget my user name.


With that being said, I am looking at swapping a 5 speed in to my 88nova out of a Corolla or Nova.
Is there any project logs you guys know of where this was done?
Any specific things I will need that I can not get off the other car?
Is 40mpg with a 5 speed swap and a fresh rebuild out of the picture?

I also realize my engine is a 4A-GE so if this needs moved to a different area please move it to the appropriate area.

Also this car's SPECIFIC and ONLY purpose is fuel economy, if you have any specific tips PLEASE share!

Im aware of the oddball 4age novas, but unaware of the difficulties in doing a 5 speed conversion on them specifically, but TYPICALLY youll need a flywheel/clutch, transmission (dur), transmission bracket, proper pedals, clutch master (Some cars will already have the location ready to go to install these things, others might need drilling/tapping/finagling), clutch slave, plumbing for them, etc. If i remember right your car is essentially a rebadged ae82, so those might be a good place to start looking.

As for getting 40 mpg? Going to have to say fairly unlikely sadly. Low 30s on the highway would be your best bet- without doing some major aero upgrades that is.

thanks sideways,

I know these came with the manual and automatic so I am hoping it will all be set up and I won't have to do much modification. I found another Nova with the 5 speed in it and dude wants $500 complete so I am just going to buy that and transfer parts. I would just use that car but my car has some sentimental value(more then the car is worth itself lol), so I want to use it as my platform.


I am sure I will have plenty more questions.

My father in law has an 86 Nova 5-speed 4AC in the driveway that hasn't moved in a decade. It needs a blacktop swap....

I would say get all your parts from an 88 - 89 corolla gts and i am willing to bet it will just fall together like it was actually a corolla.

Just went out and started working on her, I forgot this is actually a 4A-LC. How much difference besides SOHC/DOHC is there? Someone on here has a 4a-ge near me for $300 so I was thinking of just swapping them out. Is it possible without much headache? will start searching forums also

The trans should bolt to one or the other all the same. As for the 4ac to 4age, ive done the swap in a rolla, but its relatively straight forward. But you need all the appropriate parts. Keep in mind youll need the engine/body harness, fuel pump, etc. Theres a small handfull of electronics that go along with the conversion.