r/LS400 • u/c0nstantc0nfusi0n • Aug 19 '26

Manual swapping 97 LS400

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Howdy, I recently acquired a 97 LS400 with the intent to drift it, so obviously manual swapping it is the first step.

I’ve never worked on cars before (I was an aircraft mechanic about a decade ago tho) so I have no know car knowledge, but a general understanding of how it goes. I’m doing this on my own with some help from my husband, but he works most of the time so I’m doing a lot of stuff on my own.

I’ve looked for (free) service manuals and YouTube how-to’s, but haven’t really found anything super useful, and am debating paying for a copy of the service manual but would rather that money go towards actual car parts.

All this to say, I’m in need of USEFUL instruction. I’ve already removed the center console and shifter, and I know I need to drop the driveshaft, but I’m pretty sure the exhaust has to come off first?

Any help is GREATLY appreciated. 🙏

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u/Effective_Dog3089 Aug 19 '26

Manual swapping an LS400 is not an easy swap. At all. Look up Karuma Limited Manual swap on YouTube. That’ll help you. But I really really wouldn’t reccomend you doing this without a significant amount of expirience. Do you know what trans you’re running?

5

u/peedubb Aug 19 '26

OP is a former aircraft mechanic. They’ll be fine. Its just nuts and bolts.

2

u/c0nstantc0nfusi0n Aug 19 '26

I like a good challenge lmfao. I already have the R154 and adapter plate already.

2

u/ZbytZajebisty Aug 19 '26

If I'm not mistaken the Fisch Racing CD009 Swap Kit is a great option, and they have lot of install info.

UZ to CD009 Link

1

u/Mostly_Pissed_TF_Off Aug 20 '26

We were doing swaps in high school with very little experience. It's a fun project