Automatic conversion???

#1

Hi,

Been considering coming over to the dark side from the 44 Cup… Among the many considerations/questions is one of donor car availability… There seem to be more automatics around, most with lower miles and for less money.

That has me wondering about a couple of things I hope you guys might help me with:

  1. How difficult is a swap to a manual, and how available are they (manual trans)?
  2. How does a swap effect the legality/classification of the car?

TIA

OOOPS… Probably should read the board a little more carefully… If I had, I’d have seen the other post about almost the same topic. Would still appreciate opinions re. swapping out an auto, or looking harder for a manual car…

Post edited by: dar951, at: 2006/06/15 15:56

#2

Welcome to Spec E30!

I’ve never performed this swap, but I understand that it’s not too bad. I have a donor car sitting somewhere in Maryland with a tranny and pedal set for cheap if you need. Generally speaking, parts for these cars (trannys included) are easy to find. I’ve picked up three sub-1000 cars that ran just fine in the past few years.

I’m not 100% sure on class legality, but all 325 manual transmissions are the same, so this shouldn’t be an issue.

Good luck, and welcome!

-Vic
#325

#3

Thanks Vic,

Not ready just yet to make the jump, but want to be well informed if/when I do. I appreciate the advise.

Post edited by: dar951, at: 2006/06/15 17:51

Post edited by: dar951, at: 2006/06/15 17:52