Swapping an auto box for manual

[paulw106]

Hi folks,

Just a general question, how much is involved in swapping an auto box out of a spider for a manual?

Apart from the obvious ( a clutch and a manual box) I know I'll need a new pedal box, and flywheel and also a different driveshaft and possibly a bell housing.

Apart from that am I missing anything and has anyone ever done this conversion that could proffer some advice?

Basically the auto box in my spider is leaking like a sieve and rather than a) spending the 750 quid I've been quote to referb it or b) trying to find another one in the UK ( which is damned near impossible as GM don't sell a lot or auto's here) I thought I'd try a conversion.

Cheers in advance for any advice.


Paul

[v6spider]

You'll need a clutch cable to....not sure about driveline...you may have to make some changes there too.

Rob

[seabeelt]

Whats leaking, gaskets? coolant lines? seals?. Not that hard to rebuild yourself particularly if its not your daily driver. Try posting on the parts wanted section if plan to go the other route (manual). You may find that you will spend more than 750 doing the conversion. (left hand or right hand drive?) If you dont mind driving with an auto rear end, you will need to replace everything from the diff to the engine, other wise a new diff as well; - drive shaft, carrier bearing, tranny, clutch, pressure plate, flywheel, - new clutch pedal assembly, clutch cable, plugs for the radiator whre the coolant lines attached, different interior transmission plate cover, shift boot, shift gasket (foam -rubber thingy).... I'm sure there are a few things I left out, but you get the picture

[paulw106]

Whats leaking, gaskets? coolant lines? seals?. Not that hard to rebuild yourself particularly if its not your daily driver. Try posting on the parts wanted section if plan to go the other route (manual). You may find that you will spend more than 750 doing the conversion. (left hand or right hand drive?) If you dont mind driving with an auto rear end, you will need to replace everything from the diff to the engine, other wise a new diff as well; - drive shaft, carrier bearing, tranny, clutch, pressure plate, flywheel, - new clutch pedal assembly, clutch cable, plugs for the radiator whre the coolant lines attached, different interior transmission plate cover, shift boot, shift gasket (foam -rubber thingy).... I'm sure there are a few things I left out, but you get the picture

Thanks Michael,

You've certainly added a couple of things to the list I hadn't considered, the car is left hand drive as are nearly all the spiders in the UK from what I've seen.

I guess as well as replacing the leaking auto box I would use this as an opportunity to convert the spider to a manual (as in my opinion it should be in the first place) seemed like a good idea at the time when I bought the auto but it really does steal so much power from the car it's crying out for a manual box.

I'm not that bothered about the rear end ratios so it would just be the drive train between the axle and engine, don't suppose anyone has already done this conversion that can shed any light on what is involved?

[seabeelt]

I'm working on one of each, Came home with a parts cat that had an automatic in it and suddenly (since my wife doesn't like to drive a stick shift) I had another project to do... and I haven't had time to finish the first one yet. As Densie says ... "Its a disease"..

[spiderrey]

Find your self a parts car with a good tranny and sell all the extras to minimise your cost. I would look for a running car with a good trans but a junk body. Just a thought.