a4 conversion
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 638
Likes: 23
From: St. Johns Fl
a4 conversion
I have tried searching and haven't found what I need. I will be changing my Z06 over to an A4 soon and am trying to gather information before I start. First, is there a write up that someone can point me to? I am wondering if all the wires/connectors ,for the wiring harness, that came with the transmission connect to my stock ecu? A diagram would be great to have. I am also considering maybe putting in an after market transmission controller to get around the stock wiring harness. What plugs in to the shifter to release if from park? I'm sure this comes from the brake, but I was wondering if it goes through the ecu or what. Maybe that is in the wiring harness? That is another concern if I go with an after market controller.
Do I need to change the radiator to one that has connections for the trans fluid lines?
I'm sure there are other concerns that will come up during the change over. I will be changing the engine to a forged 347 and adding an APS twin turbo when I start the work.
Do I need to change the radiator to one that has connections for the trans fluid lines?
I'm sure there are other concerns that will come up during the change over. I will be changing the engine to a forged 347 and adding an APS twin turbo when I start the work.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 30
From: San Rafael CA
First, you need to purchase the Service Manuals for your Model Year. There is no way you will accomplish the swap asking a few questions on the forum .... you are looking at a significant project.
Second, it is unlikely you will find a "write-up" on this, it is way too expensive (and complex) a swap for a "shade tree" mechanic. I believe RPM Transmissions has done a few of these, but since it is how they make money it is unlikely they will "share" how it is done.
Finally, unless you plan to keep the car "forever", putting an A/T in a Z06 is going to hurt resale value, if not make it almost impossible to sell. Certainly you will never recoup the cost of this conversion in the sale price. I'd STRONGLY recommend you consider selling the Z06, buy a C5 (or C6) with an A/T, and the money yyou would have spent on the conversion can now be spent on engine and suspension mods to make the car "equivalent" to a Z06 ... a way cheaper way to go.
Second, it is unlikely you will find a "write-up" on this, it is way too expensive (and complex) a swap for a "shade tree" mechanic. I believe RPM Transmissions has done a few of these, but since it is how they make money it is unlikely they will "share" how it is done.
Finally, unless you plan to keep the car "forever", putting an A/T in a Z06 is going to hurt resale value, if not make it almost impossible to sell. Certainly you will never recoup the cost of this conversion in the sale price. I'd STRONGLY recommend you consider selling the Z06, buy a C5 (or C6) with an A/T, and the money yyou would have spent on the conversion can now be spent on engine and suspension mods to make the car "equivalent" to a Z06 ... a way cheaper way to go.
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,995
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
several members in the C5 ZO6 section have completed this swap.
look here:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1916615
and here:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...t=transmission
look here:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1916615
and here:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...t=transmission
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 638
Likes: 23
From: St. Johns Fl
First, you need to purchase the Service Manuals for your Model Year. There is no way you will accomplish the swap asking a few questions on the forum .... you are looking at a significant project.
Second, it is unlikely you will find a "write-up" on this, it is way too expensive (and complex) a swap for a "shade tree" mechanic. I believe RPM Transmissions has done a few of these, but since it is how they make money it is unlikely they will "share" how it is done.
Finally, unless you plan to keep the car "forever", putting an A/T in a Z06 is going to hurt resale value, if not make it almost impossible to sell. Certainly you will never recoup the cost of this conversion in the sale price. I'd STRONGLY recommend you consider selling the Z06, buy a C5 (or C6) with an A/T, and the money yyou would have spent on the conversion can now be spent on engine and suspension mods to make the car "equivalent" to a Z06 ... a way cheaper way to go.
Second, it is unlikely you will find a "write-up" on this, it is way too expensive (and complex) a swap for a "shade tree" mechanic. I believe RPM Transmissions has done a few of these, but since it is how they make money it is unlikely they will "share" how it is done.
Finally, unless you plan to keep the car "forever", putting an A/T in a Z06 is going to hurt resale value, if not make it almost impossible to sell. Certainly you will never recoup the cost of this conversion in the sale price. I'd STRONGLY recommend you consider selling the Z06, buy a C5 (or C6) with an A/T, and the money yyou would have spent on the conversion can now be spent on engine and suspension mods to make the car "equivalent" to a Z06 ... a way cheaper way to go.
I don't plan on selling the Z06 and I understand the cost, resale value and all that. I know there are a lot of shade tree mechanics that have done this swap and I will be another one to do it. I already have all the parts I need to do it. I am just looking for a little information to make it easier once I start. This is the tech forum, right!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 638
Likes: 23
From: St. Johns Fl
several members in the C5 ZO6 section have completed this swap.
look here:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1916615
and here:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...t=transmission
look here:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1916615
and here:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...t=transmission
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 30
From: San Rafael CA
several members in the C5 ZO6 section have completed this swap.
look here:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1916615
and here:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...t=transmission
look here:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1916615
and here:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...t=transmission
I have yet to see a forum member post that they have done this conversion themselves, let alone post a "how-to" on the steps involved ....
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 30
From: San Rafael CA
Thanks for the input I don't plan on selling the Z06 and I understand the cost, resale value and all that. I know there are a lot of shade tree mechanics that have done this swap and I will be another one to do it. I already have all the parts I need to do it. I am just looking for a little information to make it easier once I start. This is the tech forum, right!
I don't plan on selling the Z06 and I understand the cost, resale value and all that. I know there are a lot of shade tree mechanics that have done this swap and I will be another one to do it. I already have all the parts I need to do it. I am just looking for a little information to make it easier once I start. This is the tech forum, right!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 638
Likes: 23
From: St. Johns Fl
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Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 30
From: San Rafael CA
I gave you reasonable advice .....
STEP ONE - BUY THE SERVICE MANUALS
They contain the wiring diagrams so you can see what the differences are between the A/T and Manual wiring harnesses, the manuals explain how the PARK interlock works, and shows the differences in the plumbing for the ATF cooler system.
The manual's will answer 90 percent of your questions .... they are thousands of pages .... not only showing explanations and drawings of mechanical systems, but also with explanations of how the A/T and the PCM interact to shift the transmission.
Without the manuals, how is someone supposed to explain to you the differences in the wiring diagrams ???? There are hundreds of pages of wiring diagrams for the C5 ... this is not a 1968 SS 396 Chevelle, this is a car controlled by a number of computers, and to further complicate matters, has a "plastic" body making grounding of electrical componenets an important issue.
ORDER THE MANUALS and then you will have some idea of what you are facing ...
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 638
Likes: 23
From: St. Johns Fl
I know the service manuals are a good idea, but I was hoping to get the readers digest version before going that route.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 23,682
Likes: 9
From: Flagstaff Az.
Can't comment on the rest of the swap, but you can install an after market cooler. Since you are going twin turbo I would recommend an after market twin tube radiator and you could order one with the tranny cooler in it. As suggested above, post in the FI section also.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,331
Likes: 4
From: Jacksonville Florida
I agree with buying the manuals, but i disagree that this could not be done by a "Shadetree". If you take your time, utlize the books and maintain good attention to detaile, i have no doubt this could be done at home.
Ronnie, if you run into any sticky spots or need some information, give us a call id be glad to help answer any questions you might have.
Ronnie, if you run into any sticky spots or need some information, give us a call id be glad to help answer any questions you might have.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 30
From: San Rafael CA
I agree with buying the manuals, but i disagree that this could not be done by a "Shadetree". If you take your time, utlize the books and maintain good attention to detaile, i have no doubt this could be done at home.
Ronnie, if you run into any sticky spots or need some information, give us a call id be glad to help answer any questions you might have.
Ronnie, if you run into any sticky spots or need some information, give us a call id be glad to help answer any questions you might have.
Can someone do the swap "at home" ... sure .... but keep in mind you not only have the mechanical issues, but wiring issues, and issues such as dealing with the fact the current PCM is programmed for an M6 tranny ... what ya gonna do ... reprogram or replace the PCM .... and in replacing you gotta update the VIN in the "new" PCM (if you don't you'll get stuff like a B1001 which disables your airbag system) ..... OR go with some third party tranny "controller" and figure out how to integrate that into the car .... hardly "shadetree" mechanics ......
Again, I'll state that other than posts referring to RPM having done a VERY few swaps ..... please show me where an "individual" has done this swap ..... even RPM wants the car for days to do the work .....
Last edited by BlackZ06; Mar 27, 2008 at 02:52 PM.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,331
Likes: 4
From: Jacksonville Florida
My definition of a "shadetree" mechanic is someone who can obviously replace spark plugs, change oil, even replace a water pump. It starts to get kinda "grey" as to whether a "shadetree" mechanic could replace their own clutch on a C5. Swapping out an MM6 for an M30 (4L60E) is NOT a "shadetree" mechanic.
Can someone do the swap "at home" ... sure .... but keep in mind you not only have the mechanical issues, but wiring issues, and issues such as dealing with the fact the current PCM is programmed for an M6 tranny ... what ya gonna do ... reprogram or replace the PCM .... and in replacing you gotta update the VIN in the "new" PCM (if you don't you'll get stuff like a B1001 which disables your airbag system) ..... OR go with some third party tranny "controller" and figure out how to integrate that into the car .... hardly "shadetree" mechanics ......
Again, I'll state that other than posts referring to RPM having done a VERY few swaps ..... please show me where an "individual" has done this swap ..... even RPM wants the car for days to do the work .....
Can someone do the swap "at home" ... sure .... but keep in mind you not only have the mechanical issues, but wiring issues, and issues such as dealing with the fact the current PCM is programmed for an M6 tranny ... what ya gonna do ... reprogram or replace the PCM .... and in replacing you gotta update the VIN in the "new" PCM (if you don't you'll get stuff like a B1001 which disables your airbag system) ..... OR go with some third party tranny "controller" and figure out how to integrate that into the car .... hardly "shadetree" mechanics ......
Again, I'll state that other than posts referring to RPM having done a VERY few swaps ..... please show me where an "individual" has done this swap ..... even RPM wants the car for days to do the work .....
The swap is not hard, time consuming, yes. But it can be done. Believe me i understand what is entailed. What i dont get is discouraging someone from doing something on thier own just becouse you havent seen one done at home on the internet, and why go to so much trouble to try and talk him out of it?
I applaud anyone who does this type of work themsleves, there is nothing more rewarding then modding your car yourself, and saving yourself thousands in the process
The mechanics for the swap are very straightforward, There is some wiring to take care of and of course the PCM and Vin, which will take any experienced tuner about 3 minutes to fix, so theres really nothing to stop him if he has the tools, the time, and the drive to see it through
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 7,370
Likes: 8
From: Slave to the evil empire
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Donor '04
My definition of a "shadetree" mechanic is someone who can obviously replace spark plugs, change oil, even replace a water pump. It starts to get kinda "grey" as to whether a "shadetree" mechanic could replace their own clutch on a C5. Swapping out an MM6 for an M30 (4L60E) is NOT a "shadetree" mechanic.
Can someone do the swap "at home" ... sure .... but keep in mind you not only have the mechanical issues, but wiring issues, and issues such as dealing with the fact the current PCM is programmed for an M6 tranny ... what ya gonna do ... reprogram or replace the PCM .... and in replacing you gotta update the VIN in the "new" PCM (if you don't you'll get stuff like a B1001 which disables your airbag system) ..... OR go with some third party tranny "controller" and figure out how to integrate that into the car .... hardly "shadetree" mechanics ......
Again, I'll state that other than posts referring to RPM having done a VERY few swaps ..... please show me where an "individual" has done this swap ..... even RPM wants the car for days to do the work .....
Can someone do the swap "at home" ... sure .... but keep in mind you not only have the mechanical issues, but wiring issues, and issues such as dealing with the fact the current PCM is programmed for an M6 tranny ... what ya gonna do ... reprogram or replace the PCM .... and in replacing you gotta update the VIN in the "new" PCM (if you don't you'll get stuff like a B1001 which disables your airbag system) ..... OR go with some third party tranny "controller" and figure out how to integrate that into the car .... hardly "shadetree" mechanics ......
Again, I'll state that other than posts referring to RPM having done a VERY few swaps ..... please show me where an "individual" has done this swap ..... even RPM wants the car for days to do the work .....
A service manual or access to the wiring diagram for the switches on the pedal assembly is mandatory, and the PCM can be sent out for reprogramming.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 455
Likes: 11
From: Clovis CA
More power to you Ronnie. Do what you want with YOUR car. If you are keeping it, who cares what you change or how you customize it. Shoot, if resale doesn't matter to you, who cares if you are planning on selling it.
It's too bad some people on the forum feel the need to blast you for changing parts on your own car.
I would guess that every tuner or shop had to start somewhere and do a job the first time.
It's too bad some people on the forum feel the need to blast you for changing parts on your own car.
I would guess that every tuner or shop had to start somewhere and do a job the first time.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
Le Mans Master
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From: Oviedo Florida
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First, you need to purchase the Service Manuals for your Model Year. There is no way you will accomplish the swap asking a few questions on the forum .... you are looking at a significant project.
Second, it is unlikely you will find a "write-up" on this, it is way too expensive (and complex) a swap for a "shade tree" mechanic. I believe RPM Transmissions has done a few of these, but since it is how they make money it is unlikely they will "share" how it is done.
Finally, unless you plan to keep the car "forever", putting an A/T in a Z06 is going to hurt resale value, if not make it almost impossible to sell. Certainly you will never recoup the cost of this conversion in the sale price. I'd STRONGLY recommend you consider selling the Z06, buy a C5 (or C6) with an A/T, and the money yyou would have spent on the conversion can now be spent on engine and suspension mods to make the car "equivalent" to a Z06 ... a way cheaper way to go.
Second, it is unlikely you will find a "write-up" on this, it is way too expensive (and complex) a swap for a "shade tree" mechanic. I believe RPM Transmissions has done a few of these, but since it is how they make money it is unlikely they will "share" how it is done.
Finally, unless you plan to keep the car "forever", putting an A/T in a Z06 is going to hurt resale value, if not make it almost impossible to sell. Certainly you will never recoup the cost of this conversion in the sale price. I'd STRONGLY recommend you consider selling the Z06, buy a C5 (or C6) with an A/T, and the money yyou would have spent on the conversion can now be spent on engine and suspension mods to make the car "equivalent" to a Z06 ... a way cheaper way to go.
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,995
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
Just curious, What do you plan to use your car for primarily? I know the C6-Z cars have a completely different frame that's significantly lighter but I'm not sure how much the C5-Z differs from the C5 Base.