Transmission swap
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Transmission swap
I just got a 1987 vette, it has some tranny issues and I want to swap it from an automatic to a manual. Has anyone done that, and if so what would be the best manual transmission to get?
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,752
Likes: 276
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
You may be able to get the whole manual upgrade from a wrecking yard ZF6 speed and D44 rear with the beam and tail shaft.
I believe the 88 or 89 onward had the ZF6 speed
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
The ZF-6 came into use in '89, one reason I picked an '89 for my "new" Vette.
Considering that the A4 came with a 2.59 rear while the ZF-6 came with at least a 3.07 and the low gear is shallower than with the A4 it would be wise to swap the entire drive train, IMO.
Considering that the A4 came with a 2.59 rear while the ZF-6 came with at least a 3.07 and the low gear is shallower than with the A4 it would be wise to swap the entire drive train, IMO.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,394
Likes: 2,741
It's been suggested by others in this thread and it's by far the more likely solution to make you happy! How long have you owned this car? You mention 'just got' but that's maybe generally not factual. Condition of the car other than 'transmission'? Did/does it drive presently?
Last edited by WVZR-1; Mar 5, 2019 at 07:45 PM.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Repair what you've GOT! You'll be much happier and be out substantially less money than if you attempt anything other than.that.
It's been suggested by others in this thread and it's by far the more likely solution to make you happy! How long have you owned this car? You mention 'just got' but that's maybe generally not factual. Condition of the car other than 'transmission'? Did/does it drive presently?
It's been suggested by others in this thread and it's by far the more likely solution to make you happy! How long have you owned this car? You mention 'just got' but that's maybe generally not factual. Condition of the car other than 'transmission'? Did/does it drive presently?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,394
Likes: 2,741
FIX IT - DRIVE IT and if you really want an MT car "BUY ONE"!!!!
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Pro
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 605
Likes: 64
From: WV
Then again there are a million threads on this already so I would assume that if someone isn't able to do a simple search that an auto to manual swap might be out of their league.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,394
Likes: 2,741
Not sure what premise this statement is being made. If you have all the needed parts a tranny swap can be done in a few days. As with any project you should make sure you do the proper research and its no surprise that parts can nickel & dime you.
Then again there are a million threads on this already so I would assume that if someone isn't able to do a simple search that an auto to manual swap might be out of their league.
Then again there are a million threads on this already so I would assume that if someone isn't able to do a simple search that an auto to manual swap might be out of their league.
A very talented person whose never done one starting from scratch with only a driving early C4 with an AT would very likely be several weeks to months. A person whose been there and done that would suggest I'm sure that OP 'forget about it'!
A very talented person with 2 cars 'side by side' would take I'm quite sure more than just a few days. I'd think for most anyone that's NOT familiar would take very likely a 'few months' to acquire parts after researching many threads with less than valid information.
Last edited by WVZR-1; Mar 8, 2019 at 08:30 PM.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 532
Likes: 104
Considering how cheap these cars are, it is easier and probably more economical to just buy a manual vette.
That said nothing about this appears overly difficult and all the parts are available.As a comparison I swapped a T-45 manual into a 2001 Ford Crown Victoria. That was a complete custom job with custom one-off fabricated parts, tunnel cut, computer etc and I did that in under a month on nights and weekends.
That said nothing about this appears overly difficult and all the parts are available.As a comparison I swapped a T-45 manual into a 2001 Ford Crown Victoria. That was a complete custom job with custom one-off fabricated parts, tunnel cut, computer etc and I did that in under a month on nights and weekends.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 605
Likes: 64
From: WV
This and
This tells me enough to assume it would likely be months or longer for the OP if ever!
A very talented person whose never done one starting from scratch with only a driving early C4 with an AT would very likely be several weeks to months. A person whose been there and done that would suggest I'm sure that OP 'forget about it'!
A very talented person with 2 cars 'side by side' would take I'm quite sure more than just a few days. I'd think for most anyone that's NOT familiar would take very likely a 'few months' to acquire parts after researching many threads with less than valid information.
This tells me enough to assume it would likely be months or longer for the OP if ever!
A very talented person whose never done one starting from scratch with only a driving early C4 with an AT would very likely be several weeks to months. A person whose been there and done that would suggest I'm sure that OP 'forget about it'!
A very talented person with 2 cars 'side by side' would take I'm quite sure more than just a few days. I'd think for most anyone that's NOT familiar would take very likely a 'few months' to acquire parts after researching many threads with less than valid information.
Im I’m martinsburg btw-don’t know any other vette owners in the area.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,423
Likes: 96
From: Magnolia Tx
I converted from a 4+3 manual to a T56 a few years ago. I installed headers at the same time, so add a couple of days, and that swap took about 6 weeks.
Mine was probably easier than yours would be, i already had a clutch pedal and a D44. There a hundred "one more thing" details that will really test
your patience. This is not meant to discourage you, but i would fix what you have, drive and enjoy it. Then make mod plan while you have a fully
functional car. I'm a huge manual fan too so i understand that urge.
Mine was probably easier than yours would be, i already had a clutch pedal and a D44. There a hundred "one more thing" details that will really test
your patience. This is not meant to discourage you, but i would fix what you have, drive and enjoy it. Then make mod plan while you have a fully
functional car. I'm a huge manual fan too so i understand that urge.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,429
Likes: 605
From: Minneapolis Mn
If you want to see what's involved, this might be a good resource: https://shiftsst.com/?utm_source=bin...0Transmissions
I've read good things about their product. Apparently you can get virtually everything for converting a automatic to a manual if you so desire. It's not going to be cheap but it is what it is.
My 86 started life with a 4+3 in it that was changed out for a Tremec TR3550 5 speed prior to my purchasing it. Other than first gear being a little too low for my personal taste, It's an enjoyable cruising transmission if manuals are to your taste.
I've read good things about their product. Apparently you can get virtually everything for converting a automatic to a manual if you so desire. It's not going to be cheap but it is what it is.
My 86 started life with a 4+3 in it that was changed out for a Tremec TR3550 5 speed prior to my purchasing it. Other than first gear being a little too low for my personal taste, It's an enjoyable cruising transmission if manuals are to your taste.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 138
Likes: 12
From: Watertown South Dakota
Clutch pedal would be fun I agree. I had my auto rebuilt with some fun parts and it puts the aggressiveness back in the auto. I'm using a constant pressure valve body and a 2400 converter. I want to find a proper ratcheting shifter, that would be a lot of fun too. FWIW, I think a full manual VB would be drive-able on a street car but that's just me.