auto to manual conversion
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 961
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque NM
I did it to my '02 coupe, but it's expensive. You can get the parts for around $1500-2000 used, the labor will run $1000-1500. Also consider that you may want to change out the rear diff - another $1500.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,073
Likes: 0
From: East Lansing, Mi
I changed mine from an auto to a manual about 3 months ago. RPM transmissions in Indiana did the work. I traded Rodney my entire trans setup, torque tube, shifter, pedals, 3.15 differential. I got an RPM micropolished MN12-Z06 trans, 3.42 differential, Z06 shifter, pedals etc. Including the labor it cost $2500.
You need to really find a shop that is outstanding in this area as there are some pitfalls. These include issues with the wiring harness, reverse lockout. I have read some posts from other members who did it and had problems. Rodney and guys did an outstanding job on mine and plus I got an RPM built transmission all at a reasonable price. I loved the car before but I really enjoy it now.
My advice is make sure you have someone do it that has done it before. Any questions you may want to email rodney@rpmtransmissions.com
I would highly recommend that if nothing else you get your trans from him
You need to really find a shop that is outstanding in this area as there are some pitfalls. These include issues with the wiring harness, reverse lockout. I have read some posts from other members who did it and had problems. Rodney and guys did an outstanding job on mine and plus I got an RPM built transmission all at a reasonable price. I loved the car before but I really enjoy it now.
My advice is make sure you have someone do it that has done it before. Any questions you may want to email rodney@rpmtransmissions.com
I would highly recommend that if nothing else you get your trans from him
Pro
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 734
Likes: 0
From: Fishers Indiana
Rodney is a good friend of mine and he does a ton of work for me. I let LPE and Rodney work on my car. LPE does the motor and Rodney does any and all drivetrain work. He is excellent and I would ship my car to his shop from California if I had too.
Race Director
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 16,667
Likes: 1,209
From: Raleigh, NC
St. Jude Donor '15
It's been done on my car...not a hard job. Everything bolts right up and the hole for the clutch stuff is easy to make because everything that has to be cut was designed to be for a manual or auto at the factory so all the holes are already marked for you.
As far as cost...it depends on how you shop around. I'm sure you could spend $5K EASY going with brand new GM parts...but shopping on a budget with used parts you can come out very well. I recently paid $300 for a used torque tube (20K miles), transmission and rear end you should be able to get for $1250 or so total on ebay if you are patient. Lastly a new Z06 clutch/flywheel/slave cylinder/throwout bearing is around $500 new. The only thing left is a master cylinder ($100ish) and a shifter.
Subtract from that the amount you can sell all of your old parts for and you'll find it is a very cheap job if you can turn a wrench yourself.
As far as cost...it depends on how you shop around. I'm sure you could spend $5K EASY going with brand new GM parts...but shopping on a budget with used parts you can come out very well. I recently paid $300 for a used torque tube (20K miles), transmission and rear end you should be able to get for $1250 or so total on ebay if you are patient. Lastly a new Z06 clutch/flywheel/slave cylinder/throwout bearing is around $500 new. The only thing left is a master cylinder ($100ish) and a shifter.
Subtract from that the amount you can sell all of your old parts for and you'll find it is a very cheap job if you can turn a wrench yourself.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,960
Likes: 21
From: West Norriton PA
St. Jude Donor '08
I am in the midst of the conversion from auto to manual.
I don't know how much HP you plan on making, but that will determine what you should do. The more power you make the more it's going to cost you.
You will need the following major parts
-Clutch, flywheel of your choice.
-Clutch Resevoir, Clutch Master Slave Cylinder, Slave & Throw Out Bearing.
- Brake & Pedal Assembly from Manual
-Bellhousing
- Torque Tube 2001 and newer
- Transmission
- Rear End (3.42)
- Tranny Wiring Harness (Pull your battery and read the little white tags on the wire connectors behind their, that will tell you what period to look for wire harness from.
You'll also need new shifter boot and various hardware to complete conversion.
There are a few set-ups on Ebay or you can piece meal the parts. I piece mealed mine to get exactly what I want.
Expect to pay somewhere in the $2,500 - $3,000 range plus clutch for parts.
Good luck.
I don't know how much HP you plan on making, but that will determine what you should do. The more power you make the more it's going to cost you.
You will need the following major parts
-Clutch, flywheel of your choice.
-Clutch Resevoir, Clutch Master Slave Cylinder, Slave & Throw Out Bearing.
- Brake & Pedal Assembly from Manual
-Bellhousing
- Torque Tube 2001 and newer
- Transmission
- Rear End (3.42)
- Tranny Wiring Harness (Pull your battery and read the little white tags on the wire connectors behind their, that will tell you what period to look for wire harness from.
You'll also need new shifter boot and various hardware to complete conversion.
There are a few set-ups on Ebay or you can piece meal the parts. I piece mealed mine to get exactly what I want.
Expect to pay somewhere in the $2,500 - $3,000 range plus clutch for parts.
Good luck.
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