Changing automatic to 6 speed
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Changing automatic to 6 speed
Hello, I have a '02 vette that is an automatic right now. Is it possible to change it to a 6 spd manual? What kind of work is involved and is it worth it price wise?
I spoke to someone yesterday and they told me that I needed to get GM parts only and there is no aftermarket items sold to do this. I would appreciate it if someone out there can shed some light to this, or let me know if you have done it and what kind of issues you ran into. Thanks!
I spoke to someone yesterday and they told me that I needed to get GM parts only and there is no aftermarket items sold to do this. I would appreciate it if someone out there can shed some light to this, or let me know if you have done it and what kind of issues you ran into. Thanks!
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,811
Likes: 2
From: Simpsonville SC
Ive done it. Its not that hard. You need the manual tq tube, and someone to reprogram your computer for a manual. Also when you change the pedals theres a trick to it, I think, I believe if you can take the radio out and have a long long extension you can disconnet the brake pedal and install the clutch pedal and manual brake pedal. I did it the hard way and took out the whole dash. Oh yea you need to get the same year wiring harness for the manual also. Good Luck and if you have any other questions let me know and I'll help the best way I can. Good Luck!
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Happa thanks for the quick reply. I'm new at this, but I know a mechanic who has done it with mustangs so it shouldn't be a problem for him, but what is a tq tube? Also, what kind of price range are we looking at so I can get an idea, and did you purchase parts from GM or another place? Thanks!
Racer
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 452
Likes: 2
From: Lynnfield MA
Before you commit to this project, you might want to see
how much it would cost to simply trade your car for a 6-speed
car with similar year and mileage. You might find that it's cheaper.
That assumes you don't have buckets of other mods on the car
already, of course...
how much it would cost to simply trade your car for a 6-speed
car with similar year and mileage. You might find that it's cheaper.
That assumes you don't have buckets of other mods on the car
already, of course...
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,590
Likes: 1
From: Littleton Colorado
The Tourque tube is the part that connects the trans to the engine, kind of like a drive train since the trans is in the rear.
By the way post everything you find out here, I would consider doing this as well if its not a huge $$ change.
By the way post everything you find out here, I would consider doing this as well if its not a huge $$ change.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,811
Likes: 2
From: Simpsonville SC
Im not sure about the cost, we had everything with us. You can buy all what you need from a junk yard or someone selling everything. I would try that first before you pay for GM parts, unless you just want everything brand new, then your talkin a lot of money. The swap took us roughly 16-18 hrs. Then he had a tuner swith his computer to a 6 spd. You'll get check engine lights until you tune it, but thats only cause it still thinks you have a auto. Also it would be wise to go ahead and get a upgraded rear end or go with a C5 z06 rear end. Where are u located? if you are close I can help you with out charging you anything. Im in upstate South Carolina. Good Luck!
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Hey Happa, thanks for the input! I'm in the Atlanta area... moved here not too long ago. I'll figure the parts I need before deciding on anything. I rather buy new parts because even though the car is 5 years old there is only 5700 miles on it.
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Drifting
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,255
Likes: 4
From: Holliston MA
Contact the guys at Cartek, I considered swapping my A4 for a M12 and asked these guys lots of questions and they were very responsive. They have done many of these swaps.
I ultimately decided to sell it and buy a Z06.
There is a lot of work involved in this project. The easy stuff is removing the existing A4 hardware and installing installing the M6 hardware. The headache comes when you need to wire in switches and swap out the pedals.
And the biggest factor for me to sell it and by a z06 was resale value. How many guys will buy a car that was a A4 and swapped to a M6?
I ultimately decided to sell it and buy a Z06.
There is a lot of work involved in this project. The easy stuff is removing the existing A4 hardware and installing installing the M6 hardware. The headache comes when you need to wire in switches and swap out the pedals.
And the biggest factor for me to sell it and by a z06 was resale value. How many guys will buy a car that was a A4 and swapped to a M6?
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Would that be everything I need to change from automatic to manual? I'm taking these are used parts? What kind of condition are they in?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 874
Likes: 0
From: Bonita CA
These parts are in good working condition. I had it all checked out by a reputable tranny shop. These parts came off of a donor car from a guy that was building a kit car that did not need these parts. Other parts you may need to supply are thing s like a new pilot bearing and 3:42 rear end. You will also need to reflash your PCM to a 6 speed version. Shipping to Columbus OH is about $200. insured.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,799
Likes: 1
From: Northern Virginia
St. Jude Donor '08
As others have said it can be done. My brother will be doing this soon.
Most of what you need is pedal assembly, clutch, master cylinder, 6 speed tranny, manual torque tube, probably different differential gear (3.42), wiring harness.
The mechanical part isn't that hard, but your car needs to be reprogrammed to work with a manual rather than a auto. Big change.
RPM does excellent work and is a good choice for getting work done.
You can get most of the needed parts by visiting the C5 parts for sale section. Lots of stuff coming up. A lot of people who drag race switch cars from manual to auto.
Good luck.
Most of what you need is pedal assembly, clutch, master cylinder, 6 speed tranny, manual torque tube, probably different differential gear (3.42), wiring harness.
The mechanical part isn't that hard, but your car needs to be reprogrammed to work with a manual rather than a auto. Big change.
RPM does excellent work and is a good choice for getting work done.
You can get most of the needed parts by visiting the C5 parts for sale section. Lots of stuff coming up. A lot of people who drag race switch cars from manual to auto.
Good luck.
