warren t claim Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 I was recently given the opportunity to purchase my mum's former taxi back which is an 03 plate LTI TX2 with the Duratoss Ford engine. I briefly considered it for sentimental reasons but as it's a fucking rot box I had to be a bit cold hearted and decline. Another reason is that it was an automatic that's been converted to a manual and I'm not sure whether I'd trust the workmanship. That got me thinking this'll be a good thread on a topic I don't remember seeing on here before. What cars are the most suitable for a transmission sex change and which are the most difficult if not impossible? Have any of us performed a swap or bought a car knowing the pedal count has changed? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorfolkNWeigh Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 Two weeks ago I took my brother down to The New Forest to pick up his manual VW Caravelle Type 4. A week before the RAC had flat bedded his knackered automatic Caravelle down there.The place which specialises in breaking T4s charged about £1300 and they do it in a couple of days, looking inside you wouldn't know it had ever been auto, but then they have everything on the shelf, including trim etc.Apparently it drove ok , well as OK as these things do - he's already put it up for sale because it's so fucking slow and low geared ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tooSavvy Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 ^^^ What? A £1300 'throat cut'..? Must be doing a roaring trade/any road test offered TS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eddyramrod Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 Auto to manual? One had better have a bloody good excuse for such butchery! alf892, HillmanImp, djimbob and 6 others 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cort16 Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 I think pretty much any conversion is possible of you've got the machining facilities. I see quite often on jay leno's garage they've converted some obscure thing or other to a tremec 6 speed so nothing can be off the shelf.The only thing that'll be off the cards is the hybrids as a lot of the time the hybrid system itself is in the gearbox. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise2cv Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 The allegro was a manual from auto. It's one of the reasons I sold it as whoever did it hadn't updated the V5 and being a new mother I couldn't live with the fear of having the door smashed down at 3am and being dragged away by the cops because of having this fraudulent paperwork. Did I mention I sometimes over worry a bit? I think it was done as part of an engine change to accommodate an A+ engine. Worked fine but meant there was a big hole in.the carpet and no trim around the gear change area. alf892, alcyonecorporation and somewhatfoolish 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
overrun Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 Auto to manual? One had better have a bloody good excuse for such butchery!Driving enjoyment! S14a 200sx is a very doable one. John F 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alcyonecorporation Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 Depends. I get asked why I'm not 'just sticking a five speed' in my SVX. Several reasons:1. Finding an Impreza gearbox that isn't completely knackered from hard starts is quite difficult unless you've got £500 spare; I haven't. Six speeds are even more. 2. Five speed gearing and a 3.90 rear diff makes an SVX buzzy as fuck and tiring to drive on a motorway.3. Dunno if anyone's noticed, but an SVX isn't the smallest or lightest thing in the world; 'just' changing to manual doesn't turn it into a Skyline killer, which is what scores of idiot Americans seem to think (their fabled FOUR FORTY FOUR DIFF SWAP BRO is near impossible here given that even shagged Subarus fetch strong money).4. If you want a large manual Subaru, get a flat 6 Legacy. 5. I want a big wafty coupe. Why can I not have my car how I want it? Yes, I'll 'just' change it to make it into the car you've decided it should be after three seconds' lazy Googling. Why don't you fucking well buy an SVX and 'just' convert one yourself? What? No? Can't be arsed? You do surprise me. Yes, I have driven several manual SVXs. No, I don't see why people bother. The internet is always right. Lord Sterling, eddyramrod and Honey Badger 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twosmoke300 Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 A customer of mine bought a 06 hilux from Ireland ( first mistake ) He brought it into me for a lack of power when towing - a quick test drive and I found the problem . At 70 it was doing about 1600 rpm instead of the usual 2400 . I also noticed that it had an illuminated r in the dash when you put it in reverse . Further checks revealed it used to be an auto . Wiring was a mess and the 4wd didn't work as it used gearbox sensors etc that weren't there anymore . Took a bit of working out ( handy having a normal manual to look at too ) to get it all working and it still needs a different rear axle . All in all not a great conversion alcyonecorporation and HillmanImp 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Sterling Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 I think it's just a massive waste of time and ultimately ruins the car your converting. Some bloke on the Rover 800 forum used to to convert all of his many 827s from auto to manual. It was a popular thing on there for a while and there were quite a few manual lickers on there too. People used to bleat on about it being part of the "enjoyment" of driving. Myself having started with a manual box'd Rover 827, I didn't understand what this "enjoyment" was all about. I didn't enjoy driving my Rover 827. I loved it because it was a Mk1 Rover 827, but at the time I hated that it had the manual box even though it was quite a crisp drive and a very good box. I wouldn't turn one down now, but I'm still not a fan. I'm not a manual box hater by any means, I've driven some cars that do suit having a manual box over an auto, but some cars suit autos better. Each to thier own though I guess. Bobthebeard, djimbob and eddyramrod 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Hooli Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 I wouldn't bother as you'll be insuring it as a modified car for ever after, might as well buy the gearbox you wanted to start with. John F, eddyramrod and Twiggy 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alcyonecorporation Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 I think it's just a massive waste of time and ultimately ruins the car your converting. Some bloke on the Rover 800 forum used to to convert all of his many 800s from auto to manual. It was a popular thing on there for a while and there were quite a few manual lickers on there. People used to bleat on about it being part of the "enjoyment" of driving. Myself having started with a manual box'd Rover 827, I didn't understand what this "enjoyment" was all about. I didn't enjoy driving my Rover 827. I loved it because it was a Mk1 Rover 827, I hated the manual box. Each to thier own though I guess. "Well, a manual conversion makes the car more enjoyable to drive" - the entirety of the USA regarding the SVX. Lord Sterling 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
somewhatfoolish Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 When I had a Stagea I pondered doing a swap to manumatic, but a lack of fucks given, the salty price of gearboxes and sundry bits from shagged Skylines and the fact I'd have to either live with a centre console that looked like it had been bombed during GW2 or pay eleventy squillion for a unicorn shit manual console put me off. Mostly it was the lack of fucks given though, after I'd got over the stupendous accelerativeness it bored me and I sold it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twosmoke300 Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 Same internet bollocks about the v6 accord coupe Honey Badger and alcyonecorporation 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John F Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 I don't commute and I don't like barges, so autos can get in the sea as far as I'm concerned. But back to conversions: I imagine some could be done to increase desirability, e.g. Mk 2 Escort. Louise2cv 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Hooli Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 I don't commute and I don't like barges, so autos can get in the sea as far as I'm concerned. But back to conversions: I imagine some could be done to increase desirability, e.g. Mk 2 Escort. Yeah 1.1 crossflow auto in beige for maximum desirability... mk2_craig, Louise2cv, John F and 4 others 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alcyonecorporation Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 It's car and engine capacity dependent. Old smaller engined autos don't have the grunt to keep up with stuff on motorways or for overtaking unless you shift manually; I do this with the 305 as it's the only real way to keep it happy. Otherwise it tries to change into top at 23mph and you might as well walk, frankly. I lock top out until about 60mph. Had the most pointless drag race with a tit in a 1.2 Polo who tried repeatedly to get up the inside on the A43 one evening. Yes, beanie twat: you got done by a miserable fat cunt in a beige automatic Peugeot from 1985. Stick that up your fake BBS RS reps. With the 960 I stick it in 'D' and leave it there. Lord Sterling 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John F Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 Very true... a mate of mine used to drive a Mk 2 Escort 1.6 auto. It was absolutely horrendous, always hunting between gears with the accompanying idiot droning sound of constant unnecessary gear changes. After one miserable journey in it as a passenger I refused to go in it again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MorrisItalSLX Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 Wheeler Dealers did a manual conversion to a Datsun 240Z to increase desirability. Edd made it look easy, but I imagine this was just "the magic of television" at work. alcyonecorporation 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirk Diggler Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 I thought all auto mk2s were snapped up by rally boys years ago because big tunnel NorfolkNWeigh and holbeck 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Hooli Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 Would make sense, you can fit a type9 straight in I guess? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sierraman Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 Surprisingly big job it is, I know in a Sierra at least the Radiator, carb and the prop want changing as well. You ideally need a donor car to do this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mk2_craig Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 I've done a Fiesta with a buggered CTX box, but had a complete same year manual rotbox runner alongside, didn't take long to strip both down and swap over the powerpack, though I adapted the auto loom, only a couple of connections and a bypass for the inhibitor switch if I remember correctly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorfolkNWeigh Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 Update on Brother's T4. He sold it yesterday for £5000, he paid £2000 for it as a fucked auto. Apparently he couldn't find a used auto box and was getting quotes of £1500 to fix his, hence the swap which included a new clutch, the total price was £1500 in the end because he had the cambelt and waterpump done at the same time. All in all a good deal for him, but why anyone would take a perfectly good auto box out to replace with a manual , I don't know. As others have said, just buy a manual if you want a manual. Twiggy 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
overrun Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 I agree, it depends on the car.Something like an S Class has to be an auto (probs no manual option?), as it is a wafty and wallowy barge.An auto mk2 MR2 never made much sense to me, but then again, it is only the n/a stuff that is, so they were never gonna set the road on fire, anyway. Americans make me laugh. They think everything is better as a 'stick shift', due to the crap they have been served up for decades. alcyonecorporation 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorfolkNWeigh Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 I agree, it depends on the car.Something like an S Class has to be an auto (probs no manual option?), as it is a wafty and wallowy barge.An auto mk2 MR2 never made much sense to me, but then again, it is only the n/a stuff that is, so they were never gonna set the road on fire, anyway.Americans make me laugh. They think everything is better as a 'stick shift', due to the crap they have been served up for decades.I think the Septics got V10 M5s in Manuel flavour, rather than the nasty MSG bollocks we got in Europe. Which always seemed a bit odd to me. overrun 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
They_all_do_that_sir Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 I think the Septics got V10 M5s in Manuel flavour, rather than the nasty MSG bollocks we got in Europe. Which always seemed a bit odd to me.Yup that was the case. Bizarre as I'm sure a manual e60 m5 would have sold well here Sent from my SM-A510F using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UltraWomble Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 Done it with a Mini, (Pudding stirrer to auto)Easy as its just swapping the whole front subframe out with engine & box in situ - and pedal box. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stebob Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 Have to say guys I'm actually in this camp personally.... I've had an early 92 e36 coupe since 2004 so financially some things don't always make sense.... Story is that I imported it from Japan, the car was an auto and it never really suited the car in my view. Anyhow about 5 years ago it burnt out 2nd gear for no apparent reason. We then looked for a zf box for it as it was a 5 speed. It was only when we got the zf box that we realised that the car had neither the zf or gm box that the European cars had. Turns out that apparently cars from this era had to have a certain percentage of parts from the home market and this in turn meant the car was saddled with a jatco box instead (apparently the same one used in auto Imprezas of the era). Trouble with this was that no one reasonably was able to fix the box cheaply so my mechanic asked if I fancied it as a manual, my response was bloody right I do! It then took us 2 years to find a suitable early 6 cylinder car that wasn't snapped up by the Eastern Europeans. We discovered BMW Japan used the radiator and oil cooler from a 7 series in it and we had to change the prop and diff also. The only other thing to do was to bridge some wiring to make the car think it was in park so that it would start and also not lock the ignition barrel and also to re wire the reverse lights. Gotta say the car is a much more inspiring drive now, especially now that you can hold it in gear the way that you want it to, rather than fighting the box wanting to change down. Regards, Steve holbeck, overrun and warren t claim 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Furious Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 Briefly considered it on my mk3 Granada, but soon abandoned the idea because, as mentioned above, you basically need a donor car to do it. The gearboxes are physically different sizes so the prop needs changing, you need to make a hybrid manual MT75 by combining the front of a 4x4 gearbox and the back of a 2.0 DOHC (my engine never came with a manual from the factory) and then the obvious things like pedal boxes, some wiring changes, getting a suitable flywheel, clutch, pressure plate etc It was all a bit of a faff and I couldn't be arsed. eddyramrod 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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