Help Convert Manual 1986 to Auto
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 902
Likes: 0
From: Belvidere Illinois
Help Convert Manual 1986 to Auto
I am looking for some help in converting a Manual 1986 to an auto. I have the peddles and the shifter, what else is needed? Do I need to change any wiring? How about the ECM?
Pro
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 517
Likes: 0
From: South Lyon Michigan
Torque converter lock up kit, tc, trans shift cable, kick down cable. You will need to wire up the blue and green wires from the 4+3 to the shifter for the back up lights to work when you put the car in reverse. The shifter will require some modifications to the tunnel to fit in the right spot, you will need a new console cover. shifter boot for an auto. You can use the manual pedals if you want. I've spent too much time working on C4 vettes. Just a reminder, you can use the stock manual torque beam and manual driveshaft, the auto stuff won't fit. Good luck.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 700
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by 86C4EVER
Sorry, I cannot help you with your question, but I am currious, why would you want to do that?
I have had 2 zf's and one 4+3 and 3 autos which includes my wifes car now and the autos are much quicker and better I think. Besides the 4+3 doug nash is a pile! I always thought I would never own a automatic corvette then I got my first one and that did me in they're better in every way if you ask me. Ever wonder why they're much more auto c4's than manual c4's? GM makes more of the transmission that people buy more, something like 90% of corvettes today are auto GM supplies what we demand they offer more of what puts more $ in their pocket so I have no idea why you would ask him why it wants to swtich. If I had a 65 or something give me a 4sp but in a later vette auto alllllll day long.
Last edited by pionexxxx; Mar 13, 2005 at 01:57 AM.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 398
Likes: 1
From: Kelowna BC
Originally Posted by pionexxxx
Same reason people go from auto to 6sp he don't like it DUH.
I have had 2 zf's and one 4+3 and 3 autos which includes my wifes car now and the autos are much quicker and better I think. Besides the 4+3 doug nash is a pile! I always thought I would never own a automatic corvette then I got my first one and that did me in they're better in every way if you ask me. Ever wonder why they're much more auto c4's than manual c4's? GM makes more of the transmission that people buy more, something like 90% of corvettes today are auto GM supplies what we demand they offer more of what puts more $ in their pocket so I have no idea why you would ask him why it wants to swtich. If I had a 65 or something give me a 4sp but in a later vette auto alllllll day long.
I have had 2 zf's and one 4+3 and 3 autos which includes my wifes car now and the autos are much quicker and better I think. Besides the 4+3 doug nash is a pile! I always thought I would never own a automatic corvette then I got my first one and that did me in they're better in every way if you ask me. Ever wonder why they're much more auto c4's than manual c4's? GM makes more of the transmission that people buy more, something like 90% of corvettes today are auto GM supplies what we demand they offer more of what puts more $ in their pocket so I have no idea why you would ask him why it wants to swtich. If I had a 65 or something give me a 4sp but in a later vette auto alllllll day long.
The reason I was asking why he wanted to do that was because I may need some parts.
Like you said, you have no idea why I would ask, so dont start slaming people until you find out.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 902
Likes: 0
From: Belvidere Illinois
Originally Posted by 86C4EVER
Take a deep breath, and relax.
The reason I was asking why he wanted to do that was because I may need some parts.
Like you said, you have no idea why I would ask, so dont start slaming people until you find out.
The reason I was asking why he wanted to do that was because I may need some parts.
Like you said, you have no idea why I would ask, so dont start slaming people until you find out.
The reason that I am asking is that I do some autocrossing and prefer the auto which I find makes it easier for me to drive on the tight courses that we use. It seems to allow me to feel better left foot braking.
I have never done a swap like this before and was looking for any help or articles that I could get. In the old C2 C3 days I probably would have jumped right in but being older and wiser and not having a lot of electical knowledge I thought that I should ask first.
Thanks
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 902
Likes: 0
From: Belvidere Illinois
Originally Posted by 86C4EVER
Hope the mods go well. I've never done anything like that either, but if you go ahead, keep me in mind for your old 4+3 if you are not going to keep it.
I am still open for any tips on doing the conversion. Anyone?
Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,699
Likes: 2
From: The Black Hole LA
The trans tunnel is different. Yours has a hole in it where the current manual shifter goes through it. The auto tunnels have a dip in them where the auto shifter sits down into them. So this will have to be changed or fabbed up. Next the auto shifter (if you look at the one you have) has a 5 wire(might be 6) plug on it that plugs into the wiring harness on an auto car. Your manual car doesn't have that. That is the neutral safety switch. The standards have one but its on the clutch pedal 'I think'. As far as wiring goes you'll also need the light that goes under the gear selector. Then you'll have to get an ecm from an auto car. You can buy a remanufactured for like $100.
I've never done the conversion but I just took the entire interior on my 90 auto apart and can send you some pics of the floor if you like.
I've never done the conversion but I just took the entire interior on my 90 auto apart and can send you some pics of the floor if you like.
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 14,165
Likes: 9
Originally Posted by pionexxxx
Same reason people go from auto to 6sp he don't like it DUH.
I have had 2 zf's and one 4+3 and 3 autos which includes my wifes car now and the autos are much quicker and better I think. Besides the 4+3 doug nash is a pile! I always thought I would never own a automatic corvette then I got my first one and that did me in they're better in every way if you ask me. Ever wonder why they're much more auto c4's than manual c4's? GM makes more of the transmission that people buy more, something like 90% of corvettes today are auto GM supplies what we demand they offer more of what puts more $ in their pocket so I have no idea why you would ask him why it wants to swtich. If I had a 65 or something give me a 4sp but in a later vette auto alllllll day long.
I have had 2 zf's and one 4+3 and 3 autos which includes my wifes car now and the autos are much quicker and better I think. Besides the 4+3 doug nash is a pile! I always thought I would never own a automatic corvette then I got my first one and that did me in they're better in every way if you ask me. Ever wonder why they're much more auto c4's than manual c4's? GM makes more of the transmission that people buy more, something like 90% of corvettes today are auto GM supplies what we demand they offer more of what puts more $ in their pocket so I have no idea why you would ask him why it wants to swtich. If I had a 65 or something give me a 4sp but in a later vette auto alllllll day long.
I'll argue until the day I die that a 6-spd is better in a sports car for my purposes and I'll be correct. An auto may be better for YOUR purposes. Please leave it at that. You have added NOTHING constructive to this post but to rip at another forum member.
As for the actual conversion, I think people have just about got it summed up. There will be some modifications required to the tunnel. You will of course need an automatic flywheel, or flexplate as they like to call them. Your conversion should be easier than a later model because you're not trying to install a computer controlled trans.
