kpt6

iTrader: (127)

Hi all,

I am looking at a very nice unmolested IX MR with low miles and I have a question about possibly swapping it over to a sunroof car. It's hard to find an unmolested IX, let alone an SSL and all I really want it for is the sunroof. I don't care about the leather seats. Also, if I had the regular IX I would probably want to swap in a 6 speed from the MR, just because I want a 6 speed. (Already owned 3 5spd evos). So I wouldn't mind just starting with an MR if my idea will work...

I know there are guys who swap their roofs over to carbon fiber and it seems it could cost about $2000 for the labor from what I read.

1. So I'm wondering if there are any real drawbacks to me putting a sunroof-equipped evo roof in an MR?
2. Will my roof leak?
3. Will integrity forever be compromised?
4. Are there really any drawbacks, other than negative feedback from people who don't like the idea?
5. Does anyone have an idea how tough the wiring would be to figure out?

-I do realize I'd gain weight on the roof. I don't really care too much about raising my center of gravity.
-I would for sure get it done at a pro shop.
-I don't want to have some shop cut a hole in my roof to install a moonroof either.

Thank you for your help in this matter guys.

xspsi4

iTrader: (67)

You will have to remove front and rear wind shields and drill out all of the spotwelds remove the headliner and swap everything over and re glue the roof and rivit where the spotwelds once were, I have done this before and it is really not all that bad if you are a diy type of guy.

That was the short version

kpt6

iTrader: (127)

Thank you xspsi! So there are no drawbacks (like a leaking roof) if it's done right? I just want to be sure so that I don't buy this car, do the swap, and have problems such as that.

kpt6

iTrader: (127)

ttt for more responses on drawbacks to this conversion!

deeman101

iTrader: (34)

I dunno man my MR roof is very flimsy. A jet of water will make it deform (it bounces back though). I think the SSL comes with a steel roof for a reason.

kpt6

iTrader: (127)

Yeah, that's why I was looking into swapping the whole roof from an SSL car.

Does anyone know if swapping the roof will sacrifice structural integrity? That's my main concern.

kpt6

iTrader: (127)

bump!

tougeFZ

It's easier to swap a 6 speed tranny into a sunroof car than to swap roofs on a 6 speed car. 6 speed is overrated anyways my last 2 cars was 6 speed but I am enjoying my V's 5 speed.

nemsin

iTrader: (19)

Don't do it.

tim85851

iTrader: (23)

dont waste your time and money...just find an SSL...and if you really want the 6spd, then do a transmission swap...

kpt6

iTrader: (127)

Thanks for the input guys! Looks like I'll be skipping it then!

evo4sho

This whole time I was wondering why not put a 6 spd in an ssl? Seems like you're climbing everest instead of flying over it. speaking of 6 spd trannys. I just bought my 2005 evo 8 mr and the previous owner had the 6 spd taken out and put in a sheppard 5 spd. Are sheppard good trannies? Also he gave me all the parts to convert it back to 6 sped and I have the 6 spd trany too. It DOES need a 4th gear syncro so it's not perfect but would it be worth any money?

buchnerj

iTrader: (19)

I agree with the posters above. You would be better off finding a 5 speed with the SSL and then doing a tranny swap. You can find good working 6 speeds for 500 or less and the good 5 speed goes for well over 1000. You could buy the SSL swap the tranny and make enough money for some other mods.

kpt6

iTrader: (127)

Yeah, I want to really just find an SSL and eventually do the tranny swap, because I want to keep the 5 speed anyway. That was my original thought.

My problem has been finding the right SSL, so that's why I kicked around this idea.

vetboss

iTrader: (2)

Good idea....I made the transition from a VIII GSR (sunroof) to an IX SE (no sunroof), it would be nice to have a sunroof, but swapping the roof from a SSL, definately too much work for me. Enjoy