Auto to manual convert
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Utica In
Auto to manual convert
I have a 84 auto that I would like to convert to a 6 speed; has anyone done this? Will a ZF fit? I know there are some 5 speed kits out there, but I would like a 6 if possible. Thanks for any help
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,475
Likes: 270
From: Kingman AZ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Cruise-In VIII
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
I talked with a representative from Keisler at a Corvette show recently about converting my 87 from an automatic to a Tremec 6-speed. It was really expen$ive!
Sell the car and buy an 85 or newer Corvette that was built as a stick shift. The 85-96 Vettes with stick shifts all had the stronger D44 rear end. The ZF-6 was first introduced in the 89 Corvette.
It will be cheaper than converting and you will be driving a car with newer features and updated electronics and mechanicals.
Sell the car and buy an 85 or newer Corvette that was built as a stick shift. The 85-96 Vettes with stick shifts all had the stronger D44 rear end. The ZF-6 was first introduced in the 89 Corvette.
It will be cheaper than converting and you will be driving a car with newer features and updated electronics and mechanicals.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
Likes: 7
From: sw Ohio
I have never seen a Vette for sale in my area with a manual transmission. I looked for about a year and never found one. Not too concerned anyway as i'm not the best with a stick. I'd be replacing the clutch every 6 months. 
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 11,992
Likes: 1,331
From: Middletown, DE
Originally Posted by 4Ever21
I have never seen a Vette for sale in my area with a manual transmission. I looked for about a year and never found one. Not too concerned anyway as i'm not the best with a stick. I'd be replacing the clutch every 6 months.
I agree much better and cheaper to sell yours and buy a stick. I have a 93 LT1 6-speed and it's awesome. You could probably pick up a very nice LT1 with 75K miles or so in the $9K-$11K range from a private party. Dealers seem to want about $2-$4K more -- I have no idea if they are getting that much
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 6,883
Likes: 2
From: www.corvetteflorida.com
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by corvetteronw
I talked with a representative from Keisler at a Corvette show recently about converting my 87 from an automatic to a Tremec 6-speed. It was really expen$ive!
Sell the car and buy an 85 or newer Corvette that was built as a stick shift. The 85-96 Vettes with stick shifts all had the stronger D44 rear end. The ZF-6 was first introduced in the 89 Corvette.
It will be cheaper than converting and you will be driving a car with newer features and updated electronics and mechanicals.
Sell the car and buy an 85 or newer Corvette that was built as a stick shift. The 85-96 Vettes with stick shifts all had the stronger D44 rear end. The ZF-6 was first introduced in the 89 Corvette.
It will be cheaper than converting and you will be driving a car with newer features and updated electronics and mechanicals.
I've been kicking around the same conversion (6 speed). I bought the vette cheap and it's paid for. Don't want more paymenets.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,590
Likes: 48
From: W MI
Everybody is right. You're better off just upgrading to a newer car with a stock six-speed. Especially because you'd be going from a L83 to a L98, LT1 or possibly a LT4.
Despite that I like a manual transmission in a sports car, I like how well engineered the Vette auto is. That said, I wanted an 80's Vette with low miles and an automatic. I am as happy as I could be with my purchase.
GT6
Despite that I like a manual transmission in a sports car, I like how well engineered the Vette auto is. That said, I wanted an 80's Vette with low miles and an automatic. I am as happy as I could be with my purchase.
GT6
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 534
Likes: 2
From: Cookeville TN
Originally Posted by CSS996
Local Corvette shop said $6,000 to convert a 4+3 to a 6, so probably even more for an auto swap...
If you use a Keisler close ratio TKO600 kit with the .64 od, you can get everything you need to convert a 4+3 car for $3,200.
Call me if I can answer any questions for you
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Utica In
Thanks for the help
Thanks for the help, but this was my first vette. I know also have a 21K miles 90 ZR-1 and I am preparing to go wild on the 84, but need to convert to a manual first. I am not sure if the tunnel is wide enough any thougts?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 22,209
Likes: 12
From: OBAMA IS HITLER
Originally Posted by corvetteronw
....Sell the car and buy an 85 or newer Corvette that was built as a stick shift. The 85-96 Vettes with stick shifts all had the stronger D44 rear end. The ZF-6 was first introduced in the 89 Corvette. It will be cheaper than converting and you will be driving a car with newer features and updated electronics and mechanicals.
