KahnBB6

iTrader: (5)

This is a very novice question that might be obvious:

With my R154 (applies to any manual transmission) on my workbench and fully assembled do I need to fill it with trans oil in order to test shift through the gears safely? Obviously it needs oil when installed in the car but I wasn't sure, this being my first transmission project.

Thanks!

Da Coupe

iTrader: (7)

I see you're at it again huh? Well you shouldn't really shift it while dead in the first place. But we all do it. The gears need to be spinning for the syncros to engage smoothly. But having oil inside will definitely help. But some advice.. if there's oil in the trans it'll leak out if tilted down towards the tail end. So I always add oil after the install. And don't forget to change the rear seal! Good luck!

KahnBB6

iTrader: (5)

Moss-- it's good to hear from you! Yes I'm still at it, thanks! This is my last big car project for a while. I have everything I need but I'm considering a rebuild despite the R154 being in great shape. I'm aware of the tailshaft leak issue when it's tilted back and I have a new seal ready to go in I just wanted to make sure I wouldn't harm the transmission just to go through the gears a couple of times while it's out.

I didn't know you'd completed your manual swap. How are you liking it? The power delivery must be nice. From your sig it looks like you've added all the major hardware we talked about a while back.

Da Coupe

iTrader: (7)

Yea the car is running great despite the P0500 code i have. But so far the car has met my expectations for basically being "stock" in my eyes with the exception of the gixxer drew setup. Looking forward to hearing your opinions on the R154 vs W58 as far as shifting and smoothness.

KahnBB6

iTrader: (5)

Is the P0500 code regarding no shift solenoids? Did you try removing those from your old automatic and plugging them back into the harness connector? That CEL code should be defeat able with that method.

What Gixxer-Drew combination did you go with? I'm curious about what misgivings you've had with it. I'm very happy with mine but I don't think it's perfect. I might like to switch to the 500/250 springs at some point but it handles very well.

I will definitely give you my opinions on the R154 vs W58 shift feel once it's in. I have to decide whether or not to rebuild it with MC parts and new synchros before installing but it's 111k miles with no shaft play vs my 217k mile W58. It's going to feel a bit clunkier than the W58 regardless with the much larger gears but I won't be that concerned if it is. I'm using the Soarer extension for a factory shifter location in my car and a V3 "swan" short shifter and it will have all new shift bushings so we'll see.

Tam4511

iTrader: (9)

no you don't need oil in it.
the gears are not spinning and their is no stress being put on it. lubrication is not needed to move a single gear in and out when out of the car.

KahnBB6

iTrader: (5)

Thank you Tam! Yes, this is all I'm trying to do until it comes time to install and properly fill it with oil. I didn't want to fill and drain twice.

Tam4511

iTrader: (9)

No problem, I like shifting my r134 on the bench too haha. Can't wait till I can put it in.

Da Coupe

iTrader: (7)

P0500 is vehicle sensor malfunction. I might have broken a wire during the control arm / shock install. I did that on my gs400. As for gixxer drew setup.. I'll answer that in your other thread to keep this one on track.