I have what might be a dumb question, so please forgive my naiveté. I am new to the forum (long time reader, new member)
I love my 87 GT, and I've put way too much time, money, blood/sweat/tears into it over the last 3 years, and plan on continuing to do so. My only regret is that it’s an automatic. I REALLY wanted a 5-speed, but the car was such a good deal I couldn’t pass it up.
My question is: Is it (realistically) possible to convert to a manual? I know that ANYTHING is possible with enough money and mechanical ability, (both of which I am sorely lacking), but is this something anyone else has done?
I know engine swaps are done all the time, but what about a transmission swap? I would NOT be attempting this myself, so I would be hiring someone to do it for me.
Or would I be better off just finding another GT with a 5-speed? I just hate the thought of “starting over”, as I have already done so much with my car already.
No big deal if you have the parts to do the job. I have done many and they really are not that hard as long as like I stated you have the parts and the bolts that have to come out are not that rusted or seized slowing things down. You will need of course the tranny with mounts, the proper flywheel and clutch, the proper shifter and cables and of course all the hydraulic parts for the job. Dan
I've done it before and though it's not a cake walk, it's certainly well within the means of the average joe. Patience, time, and a space to work in are the critical elements you need. The biggest issue if you've never done it before is removing the engine cradle since it's kind of daunting the first time. There are plenty of threads here that cover what's necessary to do that, and once it's out, converting to a manual transmission is relatively easy. You'll need to borrow/rent/buy a portable engine crane but aside from that, the rest can be done mainly with hand tools.
As for parts, you'll need the transmission, the transmission mounts, both axles & CV joints, the console shifter assembly, shifter cables, clutch master and slave cylinders, the clutch and brake pedal assembly, and need to make a few wiring changes too. If you can get the manual transmission ECM, it's a bonus but I don't believe it's necessary. If you can find all the parts, I think you'd be better off making the change to your car rather than buying a different car... used cars are like a box of chocolates... you never know what you'll get.
There are lots of people to help you through the process step by step here on the forum so son't worry about getting in over your head. Keep us posted!
It isn't terribly difficult, though it helps a lot if you have a manual transmission donor car.
Remove the automatic brake pedal, add the manual clutch and brake pedals. Add the clutch master cylinder. Remove the automatic transmission cooler lines and add the clutch line. Remove the shifter surround, remove the automatic shifter and cable, add the manual shifter and cables. Drop the engine cradle, remove the old transmission and axles, add the new transmission and axles. Add the slave cylinder, reinstall the engine cradle, bleed the hydraulics.
That isn't a comprehensive guide, but it'll give you an idea of how the swap goes. I didn't find any of the above very difficult, just time consuming (which is why I'd recommend against paying someone to do it).
Most importantly, there isn't anything fundamentally different from the automatic and manual transmission Fieros. The automatic PCM will work with the manual transmission. There are cutouts in the firewalls for the clutch master and shift cables. The transmission mounts go in the same location. On the Fiero, it is do-able. On a modern car, not so much.
As much as it may hurt to do this, you may want to sell your car. The value of the two is about the same, and you hear about people getting tired of shifting in traffic, and decide they want an automatic. It may take a while, but you may be able to trade even for the car you want in the same shape. That way you save all the labor and the numbers match on the option sticker! This forum would be the place to pull off that trade.
You have a great point about this being a great forum to opt for a trade...but I doubt that I would be able to part with my "baby". Food for thought though.........hmmmmmmm
Glad to know that it IS possible to do a swap. I seriously don't have the room or equipment (let alone the knowledge and patience) to pull it off myself, but maybe I can find someone that does.
Thanks to all for your input, it is GREATLY appreciated!!
If you want to cross into the great white north I can do the conversion for you. I charge $1,000 for all the labour and supply the pedals, shifter and make up a new hydraulic line. I have one spare FWD getrag 5 speed still from a 94 Beretta and also have a few 88 V6 flywheels but no 87 and older ones. Or if you want I can do the conversion and use a nice F23 for a little bit more. Dan
My question is: Is it (realistically) possible to convert to a manual? I know that ANYTHING is possible with enough money and mechanical ability, (both of which I am sorely lacking), but is this something anyone else has done?
Been there, done that. Changed my Indy from auto to Getrag 5-speed.
