V70 Automatic to Manual Transmission Swap

Ever wondered if you could tackle an automatic to manual transmission swap on your Volvo? Find out for yourself because we’ve got the scoop from one of our MVS members who tackles the job on his V70.

MVS Member daryl robert recently provided a great description and clear photos of his 1998 V70 automatic to manual transmission swap. Follow along to learn more about this great DIY project. In replacing the M56 gearbox, he removed the drive shafts along with the hub, opting not to use the manual drive shaft because of its poor condition. His photos in the forum post also show the best jack placement and what the transmission looks like with the flywheel removed. Daryl says, ”I used a 11/16 AF socket which didn’t damage the socket or bolts. I don’t see why it is recommended to remove the starter motor.”

my 98 V70t manual transmission swap progress

darylrobert » read somewhere to check dowell locations. good idea because i needed to remove this dowell from the M56 gearbox. This is what happened when i tried to rotate the dowell with a pipe wrench. (note the crack) I would recommend using a dremel tool or somehow cut it free.
removing-dowel.jpg (13.8 KiB) Viewed 4745 timesI removed the driveshafts complete with the hub (its less work), im not using the manual driveshaft because there not in as good condition.
auto-driveshafts.jpg (19.65 KiB) Viewed 4745 timesThis is where i placed the jacks, i believe its re-enforced for that reason. If not, its sturdy and hasnt damaged the underbody.
V70-jacking-point.jpg (21.83 KiB) Viewed 4745 timesFinally with the Auto flywheel removed. I cheated and used a 11/16 AF socket, this didnt damage the socket or bolts. I didnt see why its recommended to remove the starter motor.
darylrobert » read somewhere to check dowell locations. good idea because i needed to remove this dowell from the M56 gearbox. This is what happened when i tried to rotate the dowell with a pipe wrench. (note the crack) I would recommend using a dremel tool or somehow cut it free.
removing-dowel.jpg (13.8 KiB) Viewed 4745 timesI removed the driveshafts complete with the hub (its less work), im not using the manual driveshaft because there not in as good condition.
auto-driveshafts.jpg (19.65 KiB) Viewed 4745 timesThis is where i placed the jacks, i believe its re-enforced for that reason. If not, its sturdy and hasnt damaged the underbody.
V70-jacking-point.jpg (21.83 KiB) Viewed 4745 timesFinally with the Auto flywheel removed. I cheated and used a 11/16 AF socket, this didnt damage the socket or bolts. I didnt see why its recommended to remove the starter motor.

While waiting for correct flywheel bolts, i did the heater core replacment. But should have checked some forums first. The Haynes removal diagram wasnt very clear.
heater-core-1.jpg (24.06 KiB) Viewed 4708 timesEnded up taking apart to many connections. Lucky i had all the rubber seals and quick connectors to use.
heater-core-2.jpg (18.98 KiB) Viewed 4708 timesCan see why my windscreen was fogging up. (see the water droplets)
heater-core-3.jpg (14.7 KiB) Viewed 4708 timesMy machined flywheel waiting to bolt up. (note spigot bush) i think im going to leave it there, dont know?

Ozark Lee » The only wiring that goes to my M-56 is the reverse light switch and the vehicle speed sensor which is on the bottom of the transmission on the right hand side – just above the axle so I’m not real sure what you are asking about. It looks from the photo like you are showing the AT connector which really doesn’t do anything anymore.

On the manual transmission the wires from both switches / sensors just run in a small wire loom back to the main engine harness.

darylrobert » Here’s a picture of what premium 5w-40 fully synthetic engine oil looks like on the garage floor when the oil cooler top quick connector came off after the first test start after swap.

The quick release oil cooler connection needs a jubilee clamp over it to prevent it coming off. Now im going to put a clamp on the bottom connection aswell.