With all the trouble I've heard about with the CD4E transmission in the Escape/Tribute/Mariner is it possible to change the auto trans for a manual trans. I've heard that the Mazda 6 comes with a V6 and a five speed. Has anyone ever undertaken this task.

 

The engines for each system could have a different bolt pattern where the trans bolts to the engine, something to look into further.

 

My understanding is that Mazda uses the same 3.0 V6 as the Ford Escape and they have a 5 speed trans. What would the the PCM do when there isn't any transmission sensors to read? Is there a way to have the PCM reprogrammed for a manual trans? The shifter could come right out of a manual Escape.