If convert 6 spd to auto, will need to change the radiator?

 

Need to? No, but doing so will give you a little more cooling capacity since the A4 cooler takes up space in the radiator.

 

Best option is to run an aftermarket trans cooler and just leave the stock radiator alone.

 

Has anyone done this before? I either need to swap to an auto or sell my C5 and buy one with an auto. If I can get this done for under $5k, I would do it.

 

You may not be able to find the deal that I did on used parts but here are my anticipated costs.

I bought a A4 torque tube w/ bell housing, Level 4 RPM trans, Vigilante 3 disc converter, Flex plate coupler, Auto brake peddle assembly and trans cooler lines from the trans to the engine bay for 1000.00 (lucky deal)
Sold Converter for 600 and ordered a new unit from FTI for 750

Parts total to this point = $ 1150.00

Next round of parts to be ordered from RPM for the conversion. THESE ARE ESTIMATED PRICES BASED ON A COUPLE CONVERSATIONS WITH TJ @ RPM. WAITING ON AN EXACT QUOTE BUT THESE SHOULD BE CLOSE.

AGAIN THESE ARE CLOSE ESTIMATED NUMBERS. PM ME AND I WILL TELL YOU THE REAL NUMBERS WHEN I GET THE FORMAL PARTS QUOTE (HOPEFULLY 3/4/09)

Shifter assembly with linkage and linkage mounting bracket = 300.00
SFI flexplate = 300.00
Wiring Harnesses = 500.00
Trans cooler with fan and braided lines = 200.00
DTE A4 Drive train brace = 400.00
PRND brake switch and ignition lockout = 150.00
Misc fluids etc....... = 200.00

Total parts list = 2050.00 + 1150.00 = 3200.00
Labor (RPM CHARGES ~ 1500 FOR THIS SWAP) = 1500.00

All parts plus labor = 4700.00

Sell my old parts:
DTE M6 brace = 300.00
2000 mile Textralia Z grip clutch, Freshened D&D built M6 - Currently built with every upgrade available, Fork upgrade, blocking rings, Carbon Syncros, Pads, Billet main shaft etc... (Refresh should cost me 700 in parts/labor Nothing wrong with trans now but I like to sell perfect fresh parts so I'll risk a little money to feel 100% confident with the sale.), M6 Torque tube, B & M shifter assembly with boot, Slave Cylinder with bleeder valve kit, Clutch / Brake peddle assembly EST selling price = 2700.00

Total 4700 - Parts sold from M6 setup (3000 - 700) = (2300) = $ 2400.00
Im also going to have my 4.10 diff changed to 3.73 and add some hard parts @ ~ 1600.00 so I will end up @ $ 4000.00 after all is done if everything works out.

Factor in your own numbers and needs for level of parts but you can do it for under 5K just find the right deal on parts.

 

I really need to find someone that wants to do this conversion. The car I have was all setup for drag racing with a Yank converter and I'm a road course auto cross guy. I want a 6 speed.
I'd love to just get the two cars to a shop and just pay for the labor of my swap. It's cheaper than trading in.

 

what do you mean by setup for drag racing.....what kinda shocks are on it?

 

F45 suspension.

Just saying the goal was 11.5's. The car got to 11.7's.
It wasn't a daily driver. it didn't even have washer fluid it in to save weight.
Everything was done for drag racing as the main use.

Only time I've ever been down the drag strip is when I entered it as the exit for the last turn of the lap at SIR, now Pacific Raceways.

 

Sounds like C4rod and Evilash just need to trade cars.

 

Real hot rods have a clutch...

 

why not just do a stall and a 3.73 or 3.90 in your rear end... Auto's are better on the track. just hit the gas and GO!

 

Why the heck would trade in? Just sell it and buy what you want from an individual. You'll come out about even.

 

The car has an almost new crate motor LS2 with all the extras, exhaust and dyno tune in it.
The mods won't get much cash over a standard LS1 which is what I'd end up with unless I found a Z06. And that Z06 still won't make as much power as I am.
The car is mint with 38k on it.
Seems to me if I find someone that wants my parts for their parts it's around $2,000 for the swap.
I considered buying a stick and then doing the engine and exhaust swap on it and selling the auto. But that doesn't sound cheap either.

For road course you want to hold a gear mid corner so the chassis isn't upset. I don't know how this auto will work out there.

Also heat is a killer on track for 20 minutes at a time. I need a $1,000 auto trans cooler setup.