Changing fom Auto to Manual Gearbox

[cbrown1469]

Hi all,

I have procured an original spider manual gearbox, flywheel, pedal box, propshaft, clutch cale and speedo cable and wondered if anyone has any points to watch out for before I embark on changing during the winter months?

Thanks. C

[baltobernie]

Unless you change the rear axle, the speedo/odo will not be accurate. There is no speedo gear set for the manual gearbox and auto rear. Not a big deal; you can create a "cheat sheet" as a buddy has done with actual vs. indicated that he keeps in the car. You can also get a US company to make you a tiny reduction gearset that splices into the cable, if you are so inclined.

Some people like the taller gearing with the auto rear, some don't. The 2L is certainly capable of handling it.

[spiderrey]

In stock form I dont think the 2 liter will have much bottom end.

[cbrown1469]

Unless you change the rear axle, the speedo/odo will not be accurate. There is no speedo gear set for the manual gearbox and auto rear. Not a big deal; you can create a "cheat sheet" as a buddy has done with actual vs. indicated that he keeps in the car. You can also get a US company to make you a tiny reduction gearset that splices into the cable, if you are so inclined.

Some people like the taller gearing with the auto rear, some don't. The 2L is certainly capable of handling it.

Thanks for the reply buddy.

Not sure what you me RE. There is no speeo gear set for the manual and auto?

[2ndwind]

The automatic differential was different from the manuals. He means there is no speedometer gear set that is made to properly accommodate the manual gearbox with the automatic rear end.

[cbrown1469]

The automatic differential was different from the manuals. He means there is no speedometer gear set that is made to properly accommodate the manual gearbox with the automatic rear end.

Aah, sorry I see what you mean now thanks. Yes I wondered bout this and also wondered if bottom end would suffer...... Seems it would. I'm thinking that it may not be worth the hassle. I'm a bit of a purist too and it would mean its non original too. Decisions huh!

[spiderrey]

No one would know that its non original. Just you, there are no matching #s or build codes that I know of to check originality. You have everything so far but a rear end. That shouldnt be a deal breaker, as you could get more for your auto rear end then you would have to pay for a manuel rear end. In the end it all comes down to what YOU want from the car.

[baltobernie]

If you were in the states, we'd say, "sell the automatic car and buy a manual one", but you don't have many Spiders there. You could still go that route - maybe there's a countryman who would like a vintage Italian roadster, but wants/needs an auto 'box.

Yes, the low end suffers a bit when compared to an identical 5-speed car. It's entirely possible that the 5-speed would be uniformly quicker than the 3-speed automatic with both having the same rear ratio.

[Baz]

I have done this conversion and am delighted with the result. The toughest bit was fitting the return spring for the clutch pedal. Very small area to work, very stiff spring and the task looked hopeless.....until I asked this forum and got what I consider to be a brilliant idea. That was to put the spring in a vice and take a pile of 20c coins and bend the spring from side to side inserting a coin at each bend so that you finish up making the spring as long as you need. Then simply put the spring in place and pull the coins. I like the performance of the auto diff and the 5 speed, much better than before. Good luck, take your time and make sure you put in all new bearings and rubber joints.

[cbrown1469]

No one would know that its non original. Just you, there are no matching #s or build codes that I know of to check originality. You have everything so far but a rear end. That shouldnt be a deal breaker, as you could get more for your auto rear end then you would have to pay for a manuel rear end. In the end it all comes down to what YOU want from the car.

Very true but the CS0 denotes auto box on chassis number.

Thanks for all the feedback though guys.

[Baz]

Oh...and while I am at it, I have been told that the auto box has a capacity to handle some big horsepower and is a popular for high powered boats...so don't throw it away.

[spiderrey]

I guess you learn something new every day, thanx.

[So Cal Mark]

GM used that trans in Chevettes, so I wouldn't call it a perf auto trans. As for the auto rear end, I prefer to blast out of corners with the lower ratio. There aren't many places I can cruise at 100mph, but there sure are lots of canyons and curves to race through

[paulw106]

Funnily enough I am just in the middle of an auto to manual conversion so some of the tips have been quite useful, one thing I haven't noticed anyone mention is that you'll need to get a pilot bearing for the manual box (goes in the end of the crank, and centres the flywheel to boot).


I found the hardest part was the pedal box swap, this requires dropping the steering rack and removing the instrument cluster as well as crawling round under the dash, I took the drivers seat out and found this gave me a lot more room.

Good luck with the swap!

[fiat218]

Funnily enough I am just in the middle of an auto to manual conversion so some of the tips have been quite useful, one thing I haven't noticed anyone mention is that you'll need to get a pilot bearing for the manual box (goes in the end of the crank, and centres the flywheel to boot).


I found the hardest part was the pedal box swap, this requires dropping the steering rack and removing the instrument cluster as well as crawling round under the dash, I took the drivers seat out and found this gave me a lot more room.

Good luck with the swap!

Y not just buy another fiat that's manual