Transmitions

General Lee 01 · January 2, 2002

Alright, here's the question. (in scenario form )

Let's say I find a car or truck I really like (1980 Trans Am if it matters) but I don't like the fact that it has an Auto tranny. Is it possible to switch an Automatic to a manual? And if it is possible, than how much $$$ would I have to spend (Estimated)?

CMNTMXR81 · January 2, 2002

Yes it's doable, but another question is what manual trans will you want? A 5 spd or a T-56 (6 speed) from a 93-97 F-Body. If it is the later (a 6 speed) even though any 93-97 F-Body T-56 will work (note: 98+ LS1 T-56's won't work because of a different bellhousing and clutch mechanism) there is a whole conversion company that the Impala SS and Caprice crowd use. You may want to ask over on www.impalaclub.com as they'd know the company that makes the whole kit.

Essentially it really isn't all that hard to do if you can do it yourself. All you'll need are the custom fabricated crossmembers and a few other pieces this kit combines.

General Lee 01 · January 4, 2002

Whoops, I knew I forgot something...

If a "Later" 6-speed can be put in a 1980 model, then sure, I'll go for it.

January 5, 2002

A swap like this can be done reasonably cheap and without buying a lot of expensive junk to make it work.

This is where "junkyard shopping" is learned. With the exeption of really new stuff(like the six speed swap), there is a part made by GM that will fit your needs. I hate going to yards where the fat guy at the counter stares at you and says, "If I don't know the model, year, and engine, I can't help you." Those people are idiots. Find a yard that will let you go hunt stuff. A good thing to do is frequent yards on "fact finding" missions. Ask them if you can go look at some of there vehicles for ideas on interior swaps or what ever. Some will let you go look around.

CMNTMXR81 · January 7, 2002

Aside from getting the 6 speed, bell housing and clutch assembly (including all hydraulics) from a donor LT1 powered car, you'll need to either obtain or make a custom crossmember. You may even wish to consider the driveshaft from the donor F-Body as it is already a stout aluminum piece (compared to what's in there now).

Then I'd look at your center console and shifter setup. Since I've never done this or seen it done, I can't tell you what you'll need or need to move inside. All I know is the parts underneath.

Also, as a reminder, 98+ LS1 powered 6 speeds won't work as they have a different bellhousing, clutch and hydraulic setup and of the LT1 cars, I'd shoot for a 96 or 97 as those had the highest power ratings of the B&W's 6 speeds in those cars due to beefed up synchro's.

As a side note, B&W T56's (the 6 speed) is a BIG unit. It is very long compared to a normal 4 or 5 speed and it is pretty heavy. I'd guess it closes in on the 100lb range. It's a REAL ##### when lieing on your back replacing a clutch with them.

Eric Bryant · January 13, 2002

If you want to make the job easier, start off by finding a car that was available with a manual from the factory. For example, a 3rd-gen F-body was available with the T5, so it makes a good canidate for a swap since you can find things like pedal assemblies.

The toughest route is to do this swap on a car that wasn't available with a manual. Basically, the following is necessary to do the swap on my Impala:

1) custom-fab crossmember for T56

2) fabricate pedal bracketry

3) cut floorpan for shifter

4) cut firewall for master-cylinder pushrod

5) wire in clutch/starter safety switch, VSS

6) re-position aftermarket cats for proper clearance

7) reprogram PCM for manual tranny

There's a conversion kit available for my car, but it's a bit pricey. I'm stubborn that way :stupid:

For my swap, the cost breaks down something like this:

$1000 for tranny

$300 for tranny rebuild parts

$1000 for McLeod Street Twin clutch