C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Autobox to 6 speed

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Old Jan 26, 2004 | 07:21 PM
  #1  
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Default Autobox to 6 speed

I have acquired a 1987 vette that is perfect! $35,000 miles, garnet red (my favorite) flawless interior, perfect paint! Only one problem...it is an auto!!

How hard would it be to swap a 6 speed circa 1990-1996 into this bad boy? What would I need to get and what should I expect to pay? I love the car but need to shift!! I know the autos are almost as fast and great at the strip, but something in my DNA needs to shift!!!

Thanks :banghead:
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Old Jan 26, 2004 | 07:22 PM
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Default Re: Autobox to 6 speed (dmraco)

Sorry,,that 35,000 miles. The car was free...it was left to me.
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Old Jan 26, 2004 | 08:12 PM
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Default Re: Autobox to 6 speed (dmraco)


I think you will also need a new rear end, different ratios possibly.I know that
old feeling, but I sure love my auto. :seeya
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Old Jan 26, 2004 | 10:19 PM
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Default Re: Autobox to 6 speed (dmraco)

It can be done, but to be perfectly honest, I don't think it will be worth the time,trouble and expense to do it.
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Old Jan 26, 2004 | 10:38 PM
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Default Re: Autobox to 6 speed (Mr Mojo)

This idea is nothing new, and it has been done. IF you take the cost of all the parts needed to do this you most of the time end up with more in the tranny swap then the car is worth. Then there is the labor you pay, unless you do it yourself. I think the last time I figured it up it would cost somewhere in the $8,000+ range if you had someone do it. In most cases you can buy a vette with a 6speed in it for close to the same cost as swapping.


[Modified by 88_vette, 8:14 AM 1/27/2004]
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Old Jan 26, 2004 | 10:44 PM
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Default Re: Autobox to 6 speed (dmraco)

Ever considered putting in a full-manual automatic shift kit. Its still not a real manual, but would give you shifting and a bit more control, plus its a lot cheaper then trying to convert to a 6-speed.
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Old Jan 27, 2004 | 11:45 AM
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Default Re: Autobox to 6 speed (rsafier)

I agree with what everybody said. Your trans tunnel, interiour pieces, trans mounts, and everything is different. It would be cheaper to buy another '87 with a manual.

My mom left me her '93 with an auto, and sure, I wish it was a manual, but I try to enjoy it for what it is.

And I think switching to a manual valve-body would be more hassle that it's worth. In a situation where you want the control of a manual, I think you would still miss out, because with a four speed, you're missing a ratio, with a big jump between first and second.

My advice is, put a transgo shift kit in there, swap the the rear end gears for a 3.73, and you won't be worrying about it not being a manual, you'll be having to much fun. :yesnod: I had the transgo kit in my LT1 Camaro, it freakin rocked!
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Old Jan 27, 2004 | 01:03 PM
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Default Re: Autobox to 6 speed (metropolis)

I still like the clutch. I think I will try to sell it and get what I really want
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Old Jan 27, 2004 | 01:36 PM
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Default Re: Autobox to 6 speed (metropolis)

What's this transgo shift kit? Is it true you can shift an auto when you want?
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Old Jan 27, 2004 | 02:46 PM
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Default Re: Autobox to 6 speed (Damien89)

What's this transgo shift kit? Is it true you can shift an auto when you want?
Transgo is a reputable company that has been making shift kits for many years. You can get one for pretty much any GM auto trans from Jegs, Summit, etc. In comes with lots of parts and detailed instructions plus a video. Installation involves dropping the trans oil pan and valvebody, drilling some holes, and swapping springs and servos with the ones in the kit. You have the choice of installing all or some of the parts, for about three levels of shift firmness, and you have the choice of making your auto full manual. I put one in my '93 Z28, it took about three evenings after work, I went with the maximum shift firmness, and it would bark the tires on gear changes like crazy.
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Old Jan 27, 2004 | 02:50 PM
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Default Re: Autobox to 6 speed (metropolis)

i have done about 4-5 sticks to auto changeovers and i saw what was involved and its not to bad
but to go from a auto to stick could be a nightmare and i personally would not even try that swap
sell the car and buy one with the 6 speed in it :cheers:


[Modified by CORKVETTE1, 2:50 PM 1/27/2004]
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Old Jan 27, 2004 | 06:34 PM
  #12  
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Default Re: Autobox to 6 speed (CORKVETTE1)

I swapped my 84 from 700R4 to T56. Other than the shifter, I didn't think it was all that hard. But I'm kinda sick like that.

Unless you're going to do it all yourself, or you are REALLY attached to the car, I'm with everybody else-trade the car for what you want. You'll be happier in the long run.


Save the Wave!
:seeya
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