VR4 transmission

Is it a direct swap from an SL 5 speed or would I have to do the AWD conversion? I have a bad 2nd syncro, and I would rather just get a 6speed tranny anyway, but I wasn't sure what mods I would have to do, if any, to get it in the car.

#1 you need to go search over on 3si for this. Its a basic bolt in but you need to weld the VCU as well as do a few other things to make it work properly.
#2 Its unnecessary in a NA. Its very heavy compared to the NA 5 speed and the gearing is not NA friendly. It will make you slower.

and if you change your mind and just wanna keep your tranny and fix the synchro
ask for 6th gear blocking ring

http://www.kormextrans.com/co_info.html

Well, I would replace the syncro myself but I've never done that, and I read that it will cost $500-$1000 for a mechanic to do it. Also, explain to me what a blocking ring is?

Blocking ring is the actual name for the part you need. Everybody just refers to it as the synchro. There are a decent amount of people who offer to do this kinda job, if you check the regional section on 3si, you should be able to find someone in your area. If not, try to find a privately owned tranny shop that looks reputable enough.

Blocking ring is the actual name for the part you need. Everybody just refers to it as the synchro.

yes. the 'synchronizer' is actually an assembly of several parts. the blocking ring is the part in the synchro assembly that wears down over time. here is the 5th speed synchro assembly

the 'blocking ring' or 'synchronizer ring' is not visible in the photos of 5th gear in my transmission. it is below the synchronizer assembly. also, in the first diagram, the synchronizer ring is not pictured in the assembly, but rather in the second diagram beneath the synchronizer cone pic. the synchro ring fits around the synchro cone. the synchro keys engage the synchro ring. over time, the synchro ring wears down due to contact with the cone and keys.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g236/Linebckr49/3000GT/5thspeedsynchro1.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g236/Linebckr49/3000GT/5thgearsynchro3.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g236/Linebckr49/3000GT/DSC02437.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g236/Linebckr49/3000GT/DSC02438.jpg

i like the way you put that, something to think about putting in the faq

at least that's how the 5th speed synchro assembly works. the other synchro assemblies may be a little different, but i don't know b/c i've never replaced any. however, i don't think it would be very hard at all to replace the other synchro rings. i bet www.vfaq.com has some write-ups, or at least pics, of ppl replacing synchro rings. i'll do some searching later.