I know, I know, you don't have to ask why. its for a build im doing for my dad, he doesn't drive manual. has anyone done this before? is it more difficult then doing a auto to manual swap?
I've done them. You will need the transmission w Torque converter, CV axles, brackets/mounts, flexplate (for model year), TC bolts (high grade), Trans mounting bolts, shifter, trans selector switch ( rewire here), larger brake pedal, oil cooler/radiator, hard trans lines (you can make them), oil cooler hose, clamps and a wire to the ECM to activate the TC clutch. Finally you will need the ECM for the automatic or at the very least a chip with the automatic program on it. It is not a real hard job but I would not call it easy. The car must be lifted and the cradle dropped. Working alone, I would estimate 20 hrs of labor. Please work carefully. We already lost a member here this year from a car falling on him.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
There is also the automatic steering column (and the interlock cable); this one has the capability to block removal of the key unless the shifter is in Park.
[This message has been edited by pmbrunelle (edited 11-20-2021).]
On the recent conversion that I did the column was left alone. Saw no reason to change steering columns and add more work to the process. The manual cars already have a locking steering wheel. The whole lockout system is just feel good security . Its not going to stop the professional.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 11-26-2021).]
just wanted to say cograts to you, all the pain in the butt clutch problems will be a thing of the past And as a bonus you likely caused a lot of guys who did (or wanted to) do a auto to manual swap to say "SOMOFABITCH!" so what are you doing with that highly desirable (sic) Getrag (should have been called Getrags, one rag has never been enough)
[This message has been edited by ZaraSpOOk (edited 11-29-2021).]
I've been an automatic man for many years going back to my drag racing days. No human can shift a Fiero as fast as an automatic can but the stick guys say shifting through the gears is fun, that is until you get stuck in stop and go traffic for an hour..
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
All my vehicles I've owned since 1972 (Ford Mustang 1966) have had manual transmissions, other than replace the Mustang's tranny with a rebuilt (why I only had to pay $200 for a fairly pristine one) I've never ever had to bleed , replace a clutch, or do any tranny work EXCEPT for the highly desirable Getrags
My Vette has 6 gears, a genuine pain in rush hour which is why I almost never commute with it, I did finally get an SUV with an a CVT and paddles which I almost never use, the exception being to use engine braking in winter on occasion rather than the brakes
today a manual transmission is like a corded phone or a VCR if I bought another Vette, it certainly would not have a manual transmission
[This message has been edited by ZaraSpOOk (edited 11-30-2021).]
Originally posted by Patrick: Love my corded phone. Much better sound quality than a cell phone, and no "network" issues.
I don't think that cellphones must inherently have worse sound quality (with 21st century human knowledge, we should be able to best our predecessors)... though I do think that today's consumers expect low prices and disregard quality. Companies optimize between price and quality to align with customer expectations.
How is it that a 1984 Fiero ECM can still run its engine acceptably well on its original chip, while a brand-new smartphone is released with flawed software and needs constant software updates? I blame the consumer.
[This message has been edited by pmbrunelle (edited 11-30-2021).]
I wish that we were able to race so that I could prove you wrong. I can reprogram my PCM to control the 4T65eHD for any shift point and any style of driving. If you are referring to the TH125; a three speed auto is certainly not ideal but many have had success racing with a modified one.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
I wish that we were able to race so that I could prove you wrong...
Dennis, my comment was a tease and made in fun... but with fun in mind, you'll never convince me that an automatic is more fun to drive than a manual. Sure, an automatic may make stop and go driving in heavy traffic more tolerable, but at any other time, a manual is much more enjoyable to drive.
I don't think that cellphones must inherently have worse sound quality (with 21st century human knowledge, we should be able to best our predecessors)... though I do think that today's consumers expect low prices and disregard quality.
It doesn't take listening to too many radio interviews with guests on their cell phones to realize how poor the sound quality compares to a landline. Even when the signal doesn't drop out entirely, often the vocals become totally distorted. Sure, in theory, modern technology can give us pristine sound/audio quality with cell phones... but in the real world, it actually leaves a lot to be desired.
We are the guardians of a dying art. The purveyors of a craft born of necessity, but beloved for its spirit. We travel with purpose regardless of our destination. Every corner an opportunity for the perfect downshift, every stop a new starting line. We find joy in those fleeting moments between ratios; the crescendo of rpm, the gentle click of the gate, the building inertia in our chest as the drivetrain becomes whole again. We are the masters of our machines. We are The Manual Gearbox Preservation Society!
