Transmission swap
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Transmission swap
Has anyone ever swapped a manual for an automatic, or knows of someone who has? I am looking to start drag racing more seriously and the manual just isn't consistent enough. Any info on cost, problems, etc...would be appreciated.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,799
Likes: 1
From: Northern Virginia
St. Jude Donor '08
I would contact Rodney at RPM ( a forum sponsor) who has done this before successfully.
If you do a search you will find some posts on this subject. Might have to look in the archives.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,217
Likes: 5
From: Stark County Ohio
Personally, I don’t think it’s worth the effort. Massive electronic changes involved. Yes it has been done. I’ve seen it on this forum in the past. Keep searching using various search terms.
Buy an automatic. Keep or sell the manual car.
If you do it, PLEASE do a photo documentation of the project for fellow forum members. We can never have too much “good” information.
Buy an automatic. Keep or sell the manual car.
If you do it, PLEASE do a photo documentation of the project for fellow forum members. We can never have too much “good” information.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,590
Likes: 1
From: Littleton Colorado
Hey, just sent you a PM. I'm looking to go the other way, I have different needs than you. My A4 gets way to hot on the road courses 
Most bracket racers I know love the autos, they tend to not break as many parts LOL...
Most bracket racers I know love the autos, they tend to not break as many parts LOL...
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,960
Likes: 21
From: West Norriton PA
St. Jude Donor '08
I made the swap from an auto to six-speed myself with some help from Dr.Phil (aka Road Rebel).
The mechanical portion will take a few days. It is much more difficult to go from a manual to an automatic, but it can be done.
You will not be able to move or drive your car until the PCM has been properly reflashed.
The easy was y would be to find someone with the same year electronics as yours and do the swap.
I found a tranny harness and pedal assembly locally, from junk yard that was from the same production period as mine.
The production date of the tranny harness in on the harness connections which is on the side wall where the battery is mounted.
The mechanical portion will take a few days. It is much more difficult to go from a manual to an automatic, but it can be done.
You will not be able to move or drive your car until the PCM has been properly reflashed.
The easy was y would be to find someone with the same year electronics as yours and do the swap.
I found a tranny harness and pedal assembly locally, from junk yard that was from the same production period as mine.
The production date of the tranny harness in on the harness connections which is on the side wall where the battery is mounted.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Tranny swap
Hello, I did this on my '00. It caused more problems than I ever expected. A friend did most of the work. He gave me a tremendous break on labor. After the change, my steering wheel telescope fails to work and we had to add computers, add components and more than I would ever do again.
If you're utilizing the car for the track only then it might be o.k.
The only way anyone could ever tell I've swapped is by checking the VIN. The auto was built for the track. It didn't help my 0-60 time. Went from 2:73 to 3:43 gears and regret the swap.
Good luck
If you're utilizing the car for the track only then it might be o.k.
The only way anyone could ever tell I've swapped is by checking the VIN. The auto was built for the track. It didn't help my 0-60 time. Went from 2:73 to 3:43 gears and regret the swap.
Good luck
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,960
Likes: 21
From: West Norriton PA
St. Jude Donor '08
Hello, I did this on my '00. It caused more problems than I ever expected. A friend did most of the work. He gave me a tremendous break on labor. After the change, my steering wheel telescope fails to work and we had to add computers, add components and more than I would ever do again.
If you're utilizing the car for the track only then it might be o.k.
The only way anyone could ever tell I've swapped is by checking the VIN. The auto was built for the track. It didn't help my 0-60 time. Went from 2:73 to 3:43 gears and regret the swap.
Good luck
If you're utilizing the car for the track only then it might be o.k.
The only way anyone could ever tell I've swapped is by checking the VIN. The auto was built for the track. It didn't help my 0-60 time. Went from 2:73 to 3:43 gears and regret the swap.
Good luck
I have no problems and everything works as it should.
If you are having alot of problems you must have done something wrong. I'm not sure where you live but a visit to RPM Transmission could correct all of your ills.
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 18,048
Likes: 53
From: long Island NY
Personally, I don’t think it’s worth the effort. Massive electronic changes involved. Yes it has been done. I’ve seen it on this forum in the past. Keep searching using various search terms.
Buy an automatic. Keep or sell the manual car.
If you do it, PLEASE do a photo documentation of the project for fellow forum members. We can never have too much “good” information.
Buy an automatic. Keep or sell the manual car.
If you do it, PLEASE do a photo documentation of the project for fellow forum members. We can never have too much “good” information.
these cars are worth good money so you could easily sell and buy a A4
