2003 auto to stick
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Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 22
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2003 auto to stick
my auto transmission went out do if I put a z06 trans in it to handle more power do they make them in auto or are the z06 only manual and if it is only manual what all would I need to do the conversion?
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,994
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From: Chandler AZ
Only manual on C5 Z06.
It's going to be expensive to do this I'm thinking, you will need a 3:42-1 ratio differential your auto differential is a 2.73 or the performance option of 3:15-1, will be geared wrong for the manual.
Also I'm not sure a manual Z06 transmission is "stronger" than the base C5 manual, the gearing is more aggressive on the Z06.
Probably need a wrecked/salvaged car to get all the parts, clutch pedal, hydraulics, flywheel clutch, pressure plate.
However probably best to use all new hydraulics and flywheel clutch pressure plate, good idea to have transmission at least checked if not rebuilt.
Not sure if torque tube is different for auto and manual cars.
Need manual console and shifter, hopefully there is a factory hole already for shifter if it's not the same spot as auto shifter.
I think a auto rebuild/upgrade would be easier and less expensive.
It's going to be expensive to do this I'm thinking, you will need a 3:42-1 ratio differential your auto differential is a 2.73 or the performance option of 3:15-1, will be geared wrong for the manual.
Also I'm not sure a manual Z06 transmission is "stronger" than the base C5 manual, the gearing is more aggressive on the Z06.
Probably need a wrecked/salvaged car to get all the parts, clutch pedal, hydraulics, flywheel clutch, pressure plate.
However probably best to use all new hydraulics and flywheel clutch pressure plate, good idea to have transmission at least checked if not rebuilt.
Not sure if torque tube is different for auto and manual cars.
Need manual console and shifter, hopefully there is a factory hole already for shifter if it's not the same spot as auto shifter.
I think a auto rebuild/upgrade would be easier and less expensive.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,994
Likes: 386
From: Chandler AZ
I wonder what the ECM or whatever controls the automatic transmission would do, it might have to be tuned out, or maybe swapped out for a manual control module, someone here will know for sure.
Having said that mine is a T56 (non Z06) convertible car and I love it, never drove a auto C5.
You could get your auto rebuilt to handle more power, and how much power do you plan to make?
The 3:42-1 differential behind automatic and a high stall torque converter will out run a 6 speed, from what I've read on here.
Of course your highway mpg will be down.
What are the plans for this car, a daily driver or a weekend racer that mpg doesn't matter?
Having said that mine is a T56 (non Z06) convertible car and I love it, never drove a auto C5.
You could get your auto rebuilt to handle more power, and how much power do you plan to make?
The 3:42-1 differential behind automatic and a high stall torque converter will out run a 6 speed, from what I've read on here.
Of course your highway mpg will be down.
What are the plans for this car, a daily driver or a weekend racer that mpg doesn't matter?
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Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
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There is a lot more to a manual trans conversion than simply finding a suitable transmission. Who will be doing the work? Shop? You?
Besides the trans, there is: clutch assembly, bellhousing, clutch hydraulics (including pedal assembly), possible driveshaft and torque tube, ECM mods, maybe a rear gear ratio change, shifter installation in the console, and probably lots of little things.
The C5 Z06 trans has a different 1st gear ratio and probably 2nd and 3rd too. I believe the RPO code for the Z06 trans is different compared to a coupe or 'vert 6-speed. It is probably a little stronger.
You might be better off rebuilding the A4 and beefing it up. It will be much easier to do and probably cost a bunch less. Then if you really want a manual trans car, consider selling yours and looking for a 6-speed car.
Besides the trans, there is: clutch assembly, bellhousing, clutch hydraulics (including pedal assembly), possible driveshaft and torque tube, ECM mods, maybe a rear gear ratio change, shifter installation in the console, and probably lots of little things.
The C5 Z06 trans has a different 1st gear ratio and probably 2nd and 3rd too. I believe the RPO code for the Z06 trans is different compared to a coupe or 'vert 6-speed. It is probably a little stronger.
You might be better off rebuilding the A4 and beefing it up. It will be much easier to do and probably cost a bunch less. Then if you really want a manual trans car, consider selling yours and looking for a 6-speed car.
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