Converting From Auto to 5 Speed?

#1

OK, as I search for a donor car I seem to seeing a lot of automatics.

How tough and expensive is it to convert one to a 5 speed?

Thanks in advance

Paul

#2

Depends.

For people who have the facilities, tools, parts, and know-how, it’s an easy weekend (or even one-day) job.

If you have never R&R a transmission before, you won’t want to attack this w/o help from someone who has done it before.

A lift isn’t essential by any means, but having one makes it a much more pleasant project.

There are dismantlers who sell a complete 5-speed kit (tranny, driveshaft, flywheel, clutch, pedal box, slave cylinder, and all the ancillaries, for I think about $1000-1200)

If you know how to shop at the local pullapart or have access to a parts car, it can be less than that.

For people who have a checkbook, probably $2000 give or take at a decent independent.

Where would you rate yourself on skills, tools, friends, access to parts?

#3

Thanks Chuck…Fortunately (?) I have the skills and place to do it…Now I need to think about the time and money involved…

#4

If you have the tools and skill, purchase two cars…Automatics make fun round-town beaters.

I need a radio…I’ll purchase a car.

Good luck.

RP

#5

Did it this summer without a lift. Like Chuck said, a good day job, maybe + 3-4 hours to mess with the pedal setup, clutch master/slave, wiring issues (there are several to loop out the weird auto park/neutral lockout relay). Probably want to replace the rear main seal while you are in there.

I used this link as a guide - http://e30performance.info/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=231

Best of luck!
Ed

#6

that’s an awesome diy link ed. tks!

#7

We converted our car with this kit:

http://www.theeurodepot.com/index.php?id=14

Worked out great. Had a shop do the work.

#8

Thanks - looks very interesting