Automatic to Manual Tranny Conversion
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: McAllen TX
Automatic to Manual Tranny Conversion
Hi! My current setup is a ZZ502 with a TH350 transmission with 3.08 gears. I was wondering what it would take to convert from automatic to manual transmission, like the 5 speed, Tremec TKX. I think the car would be more fun to drive and probably a little faster, but not sure if it would involve a lot of modifications and cutting or as easy as installing a bolt-on kit.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,953
Likes: 4,508
From: Virginia
I think Silver State Transmission has released their TKX kit. https://shiftsst.com/
A manual will make the car about a million times more fun to drive. A higher-stall torque converter might make your current setup a bit more fun to drive.
A manual will make the car about a million times more fun to drive. A higher-stall torque converter might make your current setup a bit more fun to drive.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,412
Likes: 1,823
From: Apple Valley, MN
There are many posts on this conversion so I would highly recommend you start by reading and researching to gain the insights from others who undertook the change. Lay out a full plan on paper on what you will be doing and fully understand the process before you pick up a wrench. You will have a lot less headaches if you do. It’s not a particularly hard project but it does have its share of nuances.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,743
Likes: 289
From: Chardon Ohio
Here are a couple threads I did on this a few years back -
This one is from when I converted from Auto to Manual (4 speed):
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...on-thread.html
This one is when I upgraded to a TKO 5 speed:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...0-install.html
Jim
This one is from when I converted from Auto to Manual (4 speed):
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...on-thread.html
This one is when I upgraded to a TKO 5 speed:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...0-install.html
Jim
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 42
Likes: 11
I did the conversion on my 80. I used all the factory linkage with the Z-Bar. I would say the worst part was getting the pedals swapped. There isn't much room to get all the way up to the bolts that the pedals pivot on. The other hiccup might be if your block doesn't have the pivot ball provision on it. I put in a T56 6 speed Viper spec back when it was Kiesler transmission. It's the best mod I have ever done to my car.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 189
Likes: 54
From: Orange Park, Fl.
I battled with this decision..swapping the 700r4 for the tkx from SST. I decided to sell my 82 CE and buy a manual car over the $5600.00 conversion. 82 is being picked up March 4. Got my eyes on a 4-spd car when the 82 actually leaves.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,499
Likes: 1,507
From: Little Rock AR
Here are a couple threads I did on this a few years back -
This one is from when I converted from Auto to Manual (4 speed):
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...on-thread.html
This one is when I upgraded to a TKO 5 speed:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...0-install.html
Jim
This one is from when I converted from Auto to Manual (4 speed):
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...on-thread.html
This one is when I upgraded to a TKO 5 speed:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...0-install.html
Jim
how do you like driving the 5 speed vs the 4 speed? Was the juice worth the squeeze?
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Racer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 336
Likes: 81
From: Southeastern MASS
I did this swap on my 76, Corvette Central has a kit for all the conversion parts (not including the transmission), pedals, linkage, cross shaft, even the pivot *****, clutch fork, etc. It was very complete and saved trying to hunt down every little piece. Good luck.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,743
Likes: 289
From: Chardon Ohio
Yes. The four speed was fun and a nice change from the automatic but they can't handle much horsepower, at least the model I had. I had a Super T10 with 3.27 first gear which is only rated at 300 ft-lb and since I was planning on upgrading the engine I upgraded to a TKO600. As far as driving, the TKO shifts much crisper and obviously has overdrive which is almost a must on the highway. It's awesome.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,720
Likes: 554
From: Seattle Washington
Consider having the Power Brake Booster gone threw when You change the Peddles. ( Assuming it has PB and or You want to add them ) Make sure the Neutral Safety Switch is installed and working before the Peddles go in. Don't buy more Clutch than what You need. If You go with a Hyd Clutch system get a duel line one so You can bleed it and change the fluid.