DrEvil11417

so far my 4+3 works fine (knock on wood) but traffic sucks around nyc.. how much of a nuisance is it to convert a 4+3 to auto before either something expensive breaks, or i lose my mind?

is it worth it?

jhammons01

No.........

The only reason I don't say just sell yours and get another with an Auto is that you have a Z51.....hard to replace

DrEvil11417

it's a z52

James93LT1

Are you able to do the work yourself, or will be sending it out?

jhammons01

Z51, Z52 whatever it takes LOL...

About DrEvil11417

Full Name
Steve Rhodes
City
Ozone Park
State
NY
Country
USA
Your Zip Code
11417
Occupation
destroyer of corvettes / insurance guy
Year & Model
1986 Z51
Color
Flame Red
Mods
ha

DrEvil11417

oh, whoops i only updated my sig.. that was my old one, the new one is an 87 z52...

in any event i'll be doing the work myself, im sure getting the 4+3 out will be alot easier than getting the 700r4 in place

what parts will i need to change?

James93LT1

Auto radiator.
Might as well also install a external trans cooler also.
Trans lines to/from radiator.
700r4, or 4l60E with trans computer.
Torque Converter.
Inspection cover.
Auto trans yoke.
Auto Shifter and cable.
Auto kick down cable
Shifter Console cover.
Auto Trans tunnel where shifter mounts to.
Auto brake pedal.

rodj

4+3 has cooler in radiator; cut existing hard lines by bellhousing and run new hoses to auto
4+3 has same 27 spline yoke
Just remove clutch pedal and MC , unless you want the big auto pedal
The hole the man shifter mounts in can be glassed over to form the base for the auto shifter; under console so can't be seen

c4cruiser

You will also need to verify that the C-beam will bolt up and that the driveshaft length is the same or close.

You will need a auto trans flex plate to replace the flywheel.

There will be wiring to do for the T/C lockup. Get a FSM so you can follow the wiring diagrams for the auto trans cars.

As rodj mentioned, there is no difference in the radiators. The lines for the 4+3 can be used for the 700R4; just bend new lines to where they can be spliced together.

I wouldn't attempt to use a 4L60E tranny. Too much work to wire up the computer part and the 87 ECM will probably not be able to talk to it anyway.

You will probably still see the Upshift arrow on the dash cluster. You could remove that bulb if it gets annoying.

I would certainly save things like the clutch pedal assembly, the clutch hydraulics, shifter assembly, and similar items. No need to remove the OD relay on the firewall; just unplug the harness and tape it shut.

94vettelover2

If I was you & you wanted an auto I would just sell or trade your car for an auto.For the work involved & cost it wouldn't be worth it to me-just my OPINION.If you agree post if for-sale section that you want to trade or sell you vette for a auto.I sure there are people out there that would trade there auto for a manual vette anyday.The manual is more rare than the auto.If you decide to do the job good luck & post results.You may have to do something with computer if conversion is done

Pete K

I did the swap from a T5 to 700r4 on a 92 Pontiac Formula.
The parts were a bolt in, and the wiring was no big deal because we followed the Helms manual.

383vett

I went from a 4+3 to a 700R4 to a 4L60E. Not all that difficult if you have some time, some skills and the FSM. I went for years with a 3 pedal automatic. Last year, I sawzalled the clutch pedal. That thing is hard to remove (lack of skills).