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Converting an automatic to a manual (stick for the US ppl :))

D

DaLeroy

Golden Member
Car is a 86 XF Falcon (aussie car)

It used to be a six potter (250ci) but it's already been converted to a 351! Have already installed the new pedal setup (great fun!) and bolted the master cylinder for the clutch to the firewall, which was pretty tricky since this particular model never came with a V8 and only had a cable clutch. Measuring up the correct cylinder spot was not fun!

But, the conversion is all underway, this weekend we're going to drop the box, take the flywheel off, install the new flywheel, pressure plate and clutch, and whack the new box in, as well as shorten the tailshaft! Should keep us busy, but it will be worth it. My mate can't wait till get rid of the pissy auto box!

So, any other 'serious' car people out here? That do the 'hard' work themselves?
 
I'm thinking about doing this with my '70 Chevelle. Currently has a 350 in it but looking to upgrade to a GMPP Ramjet 350 or Fastburn 385 crate engine. Want to put in a muncie 4sp. My father has done this a few times and says that (in a Chevelle at least) it's really not that tough. Since there will be a center console you have some room for error in cutting the hole.

PS: Check out the our other 'projects' on my site. Our '66 Chevelle is going to be damn nice in Marina Blue!

SDC

 
Well this is just my opinion, but having driven both in older muscle cars. I much prefer an auto. With just a little tweaking, it's every bit as fun to drive and shifts so much faster when racing. Their a little more expensive, but just as much fun.

I had a 69 Buick GS400 with the turbo 400. I had the local shop put in a semi-auto valve body with a few mods. I could leave it in drive for around town driving and shift it manually for racing. Under full throttle, it would spin the tires shifting into 2nd, and chirp them going into drive.


 
I've done the exact opposite, ie. converting a stick to an automatic. That was more of a pain in the ass then it was worth and i'll stick with whatever comes factory.

I like standards since they are more fun to drive, but when you don't feel like changing gears and want to relax there is nothing that compares with an automatic transmission.
 


<< .....and chirp them going into drive >>



That is one hell of a 'mod' on that tranny. Just putting into drive and chirping the tires is extreme! (Tim 'The Toolman' Taylor grunt)

I currently have a TH350 in my 'bu and have to replace the original stock torque converter. I'll most likely go with a TCI Breakaway (about 1000-1500 above stock stall) and a mild shift kit/rebuild in the tranny. My father had the same thing done to his '69 Camaro Pace car and it easily chirps 1-2nd but is very driveable with the 3.55:1 rear. I like performance but I like to drive my car on weekend trips so it has to be 'enjoyable' for family too!

SDC
 
I almost converted my 1988 Honda to a manual when the autobox died at 204,900 miles, but I decided that it was easier (and more importantly, faster, since it's my daily driver) to just rebuild the autobox. There are only two things I won't work on myself with a car, FI/computer "brain boxes" and automatic trannies. Still, the Accord was back on the road in less than a week. (Always good to know people. 🙂 )

ZV
 


<< Just putting into drive and chirping the tires is extreme! >>



That was under way at full throttle. Just driving it around town, it would shift normaly though a little firm.

I had the 3.42 with limited slip in mine.

Both Chevelles on your page are sweet. That big block 66 is going to be a ride! 😀
 


<< I almost converted my 1988 Honda to a manual when the autobox died at 204,900 miles, but I decided that it was easier (and more importantly, faster, since it's my daily driver) to just rebuild the autobox. There are only two things I won't work on myself with a car, FI/computer "brain boxes" and automatic trannies. Still, the Accord was back on the road in less than a week. (Always good to know people. 🙂 )

ZV >>




Yeah, I won't muck around inside auto trannies, too many 'little' bits 🙂

As for driving around, a V8 needs a manual if it's not going to be used for racing. Just more fun that a auto, even if it has a hi-stall in it. Nothing like revving the crap out of it and dropping the clutch 🙂 It's good for the drivetrain too 😉 Just that bit more fun. I agree tho, for racing, auto is the way to go, heaps quicker gear changes
 
We just got the heads done and have a .560 cam (competition cams) going in it along with roller rockers, brass valve seats, heavy duty springs...etc. Basically the whole valve train will be brand new. We went conservative with the Camaro and now going 'all out' with the '66. I've been arguing with my dad about the tires. He has brand new 14X7 Redlines (coker tire) on it and wan't to keep them. I say go with some Goodrich T/A's (as big as possible) to handle the torque. Otherwise he'll be buying new tires every year (or twice a year....🙂). I should have some new pics soon. I'm pretty lazy with the site 🙁

SDC
 
<<Yeah, I won't muck around inside auto trannies, too many 'little' bits>>

Peter Egan (of R&T) said it best, the inner bits of an autobox always look like the underside of a Maytag washing machine.

ZV
 
I agree SDC, save the Redlines for shows and run BFG's for everyday use.

All the fun in these cars are the build ups. 😀
 
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