MSP transmission swap questions (non lsd)

[nickflanders]

Hey guys, Looking to pick up a 2003 MSP this week with a bad transmission. I have searched and could not find the exact answer I am hoping to find. I am curious if using a MP3, or Protege5 (or any 2.0) transmission can be directly bolted in to a MSP. I have learned that both share a 22 spline input shaft, and the same bell housing. I am mainly curious if I need base axles for the swap, or if any other parts are needed.

I plan on rebuilding the original transmission over the next few months with an aftermarket LSD. Just looking to get the car driving for a few months until the original trans is ready to go back in.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[littlemimus]

Hey guys, Looking to pick up a 2003 MSP this week with a bad transmission. I have searched and could not find the exact answer I am hoping to find. I am curious if using a MP3, or Protege5 (or any 2.0) transmission can be directly bolted in to a MSP. I have learned that both share a 22 spline input shaft, and the same bell housing. I am mainly curious if I need base axles for the swap, or if any other parts are needed.

I plan on rebuilding the original transmission over the next few months with an aftermarket LSD. Just looking to get the car driving for a few months until the original trans is ready to go back in.

Thanks for any advice!

im pretty sure you can not sure about the axles although i doubt there will be a problem. i put a regular protege tranny in on my car and just swapped the lsd over into the donor tranny.

 

[hornsfan10609]

Yes everything will swap, I am in the same boat looking for a used trans so I can rebuild mine.

 

[31N007]

Not to stir the pot, I read yesterday, as I was bored, an article by car and driver (i think) when the MSP came out and read somewhere mention about 24 vs 22mm axles? That is, if I remembered that correctly. Not sure if that would have any effect as im not familiar with transmissions. Or if they have axles that are 24mm thick? Maybe thats input shafts but all that aside, as i said, i dont know much about transmissions!

Didn't mean to throw random s*** in here if thats not gonna matter!

I trust hornsfan more though as he's actually researched the topic!

Sorry, just wanted to cover my ass

 

[nickflanders]

I did find out the MSP axles are slightly larger. As long as they will spline with the open diff I'll be happy! Just picked up the car yesterday. Make an intro thread too if anyone is interested!

 

[tweety2300]

The only difference in the trans is the msp had an LSD, you can even get a trans from a 2.0 626 which has a taller 5th gear. Also the msp had slightly thicker axles but spline length etc is the same. You do not need to change axles.

I will say you will hate having an open diff

 

[nickflanders]

I bet the open diff will suck, but I come from the honda world so open diffs is all I know.. As long as this will get me through for a few months until I'm ambitious enough to tackle the trans rebuild I'll be happy.

 

[tweety2300]

Except Hondas make no tourque. Sometimes mine will switch in between tires and throw me all around the car

 

[nickflanders]

Either way Im excited to drive the car soon! I pick up the new trans on Wednesday after work!

 

[xxxmonoxidechil]

The axles are different on the MSP's stock. The stock axles have little grooves machined into them to properly lubricate the LSD.

I dont think you will run into any issues using those LSD specific axles on a non LSD trans though. But really have no personal experience on it.

 

[nickflanders]

Thanks, Any recommendations on transmission fluid??

 

[hornsfan10609]

Use gear oil, 75w90. Brand isn't as important as you think. How do you know the trans is bad? What are the symptoms? You may have a bad diff.

 

[xxxmonoxidechil]

I stick with Amsoil myself. But its all personal preference really.

 

[nickflanders]

I got the car driving. The 03 P5 transmission is a direct bolt in. No worries about axles, sensor, etc. Today I plan to pull the case on the bad trans and see whats going on with it..

 

[Jason94Cobra]

Yes everything will swap, I am in the same boat looking for a used trans so I can rebuild mine.

Ryan, I know of a parts yard that might have an MSP trans in stock... I can give you their info if you're intersted but you'd have to have it shipped or drive me to Illinios to see my grandparent and we can pick it up...

My MSP is currently in won't start mode and the Cobra has a blown head gasket or two so I am sucking again... also still have the MSP parts for you...

 

[2.0t03speed]

i have a open diff trans with p5 axles in my car with no problems.

 

[xxxmonoxidechil]

Other then being a 1 wheeled wonder now. lol

 

[2.0t03speed]

i don't have that problem either lol. i don't launch or romp in first and with a 2871r my pull is nice with no wheel spin in 2nd.

 

[xxxmonoxidechil]

Thats cause its an FS. haha. Fact is its a 1 wheeled wonder now. Specially in turns where they really matter. But the OEM LSD in the MSP is barely an upgrade in itself. If i was in this position, id use it as a reason to just get a n/a FS trans, and slap a real LSD like a Mfactory in.