Automatic -> Manual

[Stallion]

I hear many of Vetters changing their autos to manual transmissions. Honestly, is this a hard thing to do? I mean with a smart kid like me () and a lot of research would it be at all possible (maybe with the help of one of you Jersey Vetters willing to give up an afternoon) for me to do this?

The reason I say this is that automatics are a lot more common than manuals therefore (I think, I've seen a trend) making them a little cheaper. Or would the net not be a profit for me?

Any intake on this? I'm sure I'm just thinking and I don't have nearly enough experience to do this, but it's worth asking, rigth?

Thanks!

TR

 

[Yoda]

TR,

Here is some really good information from 69myway (Chris) I stole from an older thread about this very subject

I prefer a manual trans in a high performance car. However, an auto with all the right tricks can be a whole lot of fun.

I have not actually done an auto to manual conversion. However, I will share a few ideas.

First of all, the frames are different. The auto trans has a bolt in cross memeber and different trans mount. The manual uses a bracket welded on the frame that holds the pivot mechanism that goes from the pedal, to the frame, to the block, down a lever to the release bearing assembly. The auto frame will not have the bracket . You will also need to hunt down a set of manual pedals to get the clutch to work.

I will be running a Quartermaster hydraulic release bearing on my four speed. This will illiminate the entire bracket assembly and not even use the bracket welded to the frame. This is what I would suggest for you. That leaves you having to get a used pedal assembly and fabricate the master cylinder rod and master cylinder mounting. Any good welder can figure out how to mount the four speed to the auto cross member.

****However, and this is a question I have---I think there were some hydraulic clutch assemblies on the last C3 vettes. If this is true we could run that master cylinder assembly******

I think your budget would be about:

$250-$500 for a good trans
$300 for a good Lakewood bell housing
$350 for a good clutch and flywheel
$270 for the Quatermaster hydraulic system
$200 for the master cylinder and hardware
$100 or so for a good set of used pedals
$100 for a good manual trans starter
$150-$300 to pay a shop to relocate/adapt the cross member.
$150 for misc tools and shop supplies.
Two to three weekends of time and effort.

I come up with about $2,000 to do it right.

The upside vs. buying one with a stick already is the project will ensure you not only get the stick, but everything will be fresh and tight. Otherwise, you have to rely on the integrity of the seller or just take your chances on a stick car to know how long the current clutch and other hardware will last.

BTW-I think the above noted conversion may scare away future buyers because it will be far from original--this will de-value the car to some people. However, how cool would it be to have a bolt in cross member and hydraulic clutch on an old shark. --that might make it worth more to somebody.

Let us know what you do.

Bud

 

[Utah]

What would the difference in performance be, between an auto vs. manual be?

 

[cruzer99]

How are you measuring performance?
1. 0-60
2. 1/4 mile
3. top speed
4. mileage

Two things to remember about a proper automatic:
1. You will never beat it off the line.
2. You will never out shift it.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE manual trannys........

The reason you can get either one is that everyone has their own preference of what is the best.

 

[sscam69]

I am with cruzer on the first set of points and as well as the second set.

BUT

1. You can have a higher mechanial advantage over an auto which over the course of the 1/4 plays out and you end up on top in the end ie. 3 gears(auto) vs 4 or even 5 (manual). Keep in mind this all depends on how the tranny is setup.

2. Autos soak up more power from the engine compared to a manual. This also plays a part in the end result given the only difference between two cars is the transmission.

Manuals require more work to handle and more skill as well!

Other disadvantages

1. Speedshifting is a must in a competition, room for missed shifts and driver error.

2. Launching the car is a learning process.

3. In high powered situations, or running low 10's or into the 9's, your skill really needs to come out because at the rate that vehicles like that accelerate automatics seem really nice and thats were cruzers second points really shine.

The latter was not meant to discourage. Believe me I have a 4 spd and LOVE IT. There is nothing like ripping through those gears, pure adrenalin in competition (at least for me)!! With practice you can be just as competitive as automatics and even better.

just my .02

Frank

 

[Stallion]

TR,

Here is some really good information from 69myway (Chris) I stole from an older thread about this very subject


Bud

:eek :eek Even if I could do that sort of thing with my lack of experience, I wouldn't have the money involved. Just curious, I guess. But I still and looking for a manual Vette.

TR

 

[Nut]

TR......... don't get caught up pining over the auto vs. manual tranny issue. May I suggest for your first Vette find one that you really like. Color, style, options and most of all condition. It would be a shame to have passed up on great rides only to end up grabbing a manual model just to finally have one and not be a nice asa the others. If you have the patience, then keep searching. There is a Vette out there somewhere for you.

Me, I've had two autos and one manual and although I do love the manual trans, like Cruzer said; an auto to tough at the track. They're just so darn consistant on every run.

Good luck.............. Nut