Change 6-Speed Manual to Automatic Trans? Possible? Who can do the work?

[Susan]

My husband has a 2001 Corvette Convertible, 6-speed, loves the colors and everything about the car, silver, black top, red interior, looks like new. Just bought it last year, but has to find another just like it in an automatic or have this one changed to automatic. Heart condition and weaker legs means he has to have an easier drive. Can anyone help? Looking for "can this be done", and if so, who does good work? We are in western NC, and need to find 'reputable' and 'honest' place to do the change-over to automatic. Recommendations? Good idea? Bad idea? Any idea what cost could be?

 

[Tuna]

Welcome to the CAC!

Noticed this is your first post. Thought I'd say hi and welcome you to the Corvette Action Center forums.



As for your question, I'm sure the manual to auto swap can be done but it's probably not worth the effort given that there are so many automatic Vettes you could trade for for less monetary difference that doing the conversion.

Good luck getting the Vette you need.

 

[Susan]

Thanks Tuna

Not easy to find another one around here in the mountains, but I guess we can look for awhile. He really loves his car. Hoped I could find out what the cost would be to change it over. We paid 21,9 last year for this car and he drove it home. That's it. Really need to figure this out, car is garaged but needs to keep moving. Thanks for your reply, I'll start looking online to see what I can find. Appreciate the help. Not sure if this is how to respond to someone, just joined and have to figure out how to use this site. Appears to be very informative though, which is what we needed.
Thnx!

 

[i10fwy]

Welcome, IMHO - Buy a new car

i10fwy

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,

There are a number of factors to consider here.

#1, wiring. The six speed manual has much less wiring than a comparible automatic transmission. The 4L60-E, which is what could be installed, requires a different engine control module and the correct wiring to run down the torque tube to operate the transmission. The ECM will also have to be reprogrammed correctly.

#2, ABS/active handling systems will have to also be programmed correctly for this change.

#3, your rear differential can be used, but I do not recommend it as this would require aftermarket programming which has not been shown to be accurate enough for long term reliability of the powertrain.

#4, center console changes would necessitate purchase of the shifter assembly and cable to the transmission. Lighting to the shifter PRNDL will also have to be wired in.

#5, removal of the clutch pedal assembly and installation of the correct brake pedal would also be important here for comfort of the driver.

A preliminary cost analysis is about $10,000 between wiring harness, transmission, differential, PCM and pedal assembly, including some, but not all labor costs.

THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT in most owners view, is that every single part of this car will have to be removed. Entire powertrain removed to correctly replace the wiring harness. The entire interior including dash, carpeting, seats to correctly run the body harness for the changes.

I do agree with others here, a different automatic equipped vehicle would be a better option, IMO.

Allthebest, Paul

 

[Susan]

Thank you Paul

Thank you, this is the information I was looking for. So now I'll start searching for an automatic convertible in silver with red interior, 2001 or newer. Then I'll sell or trade his to get him what he wants. He loves this car, but I'll have to do some searching to find another that looks similar. Thanks so much for this post, it made my decision complete.
Take care, Susan
I have no idea what IMO means.....

HI there,

There are a number of factors to consider here.

#1, wiring. The six speed manual has much less wiring than a comparible automatic transmission. The 4L60-E, which is what could be installed, requires a different engine control module and the correct wiring to run down the torque tube to operate the transmission. The ECM will also have to be reprogrammed correctly.

#2, ABS/active handling systems will have to also be programmed correctly for this change.

#3, your rear differential can be used, but I do not recommend it as this would require aftermarket programming which has not been shown to be accurate enough for long term reliability of the powertrain.

#4, center console changes would necessitate purchase of the shifter assembly and cable to the transmission. Lighting to the shifter PRNDL will also have to be wired in.

#5, removal of the clutch pedal assembly and installation of the correct brake pedal would also be important here for comfort of the driver.

A preliminary cost analysis is about $10,000 between wiring harness, transmission, differential, PCM and pedal assembly, including some, but not all labor costs.

THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT in most owners view, is that every single part of this car will have to be removed. Entire powertrain removed to correctly replace the wiring harness. The entire interior including dash, carpeting, seats to correctly run the body harness for the changes.

I do agree with others here, a different automatic equipped vehicle would be a better option, IMO.

Allthebest, Paul

 

[LT4man]

IMO

In my opinion.

 

[Susan]

Thanks LT4man

Got it - thnx!

IMO

In my opinion.

 

[XLR8]

Hi Susan and

I see Paul has posted a reply to your question (and you'd have to go far and wide to find a better tech or finer fella than him)!!!

So I'll just say hi and suggest you keep asking your questions here and definitely keep us in the loop while you search. Our members are friendly, knowledgeable and willing to share their knowledge and experience with anyone that asks.

Enjoy the CAC and good luck!
Jane Ann

 

[gmjunkie]

I agree with c4c5specialist !

Cost prohibitive on changing the car to automatic!

But if your husband "Loves that Car",Why not give him one of these set up's with a hand clutch lever beside the steering column.

I've seen it in action at a Auto Show a couple years ago,It's purdy neat!~!!




Mastershift Main Disc - 1.wmv - YouTube

 

[hoosierdaddy]

This is the man that knows and you can take that to the bank!

c4c5specialist is da Man and the one who knows and will tell you like it is, put your trust it what he says when it comes to C4/C5 he is the MASTER


Bill

 

[hoosierdaddy]

Cost prohibitive on changing the car to automatic!

But if your husband "Loves that Car",Why not give him one of these set up's with a hand clutch lever beside the steering column.

I've seen it in action at a Auto Show a couple years ago,It's purdy neat!~!!




Mastershift Main Disc - 1.wmv - YouTube

Interesting for sure

Bill