Transmission swap: auto to manual...

[itdansharpe]

Hi all! I am entertaining the idea of swapping in a manual transmission and wanted feedback on whether this is actually doable. Thoughts?

P.s. this is just a preliminary idea.. don't get me wrong I love the auto. When I initially bought the car it was going to be my daily driver. It no longer is, and the idea of a stick is more enticing.

[Flat Black VW]

sell it and buy a manual, shouldn't lose too much, may even be able to break even since the auto is valued at more than the manual.

If you try to swap you will just be dumping money into parts and labor.

[JonnyRocket]

You'd likely be better off selling it and buying a manual. Our finding someone to trade.

[itdansharpe]

Thanks guys I am more interested in discussing the technical aspects of a swap. I.e. would the wiring harness, clutch pedal components, etc.

[NemeGuero]

I bet it is doable. I bet you even have a circle cutout in the firewall where the clutch MC would go.

You'd have to get a manual ECU, trans, clutch, flywheel, pressure plate, clutch and brake pedal, wiring harness, and driveshaft though.

[TheSt|G]

Sounds pretty stupid and expensive when you could fairly costlessly change cars.

[sofrsnsokleen]

why is there ALWAYS some noob in EVERY car forum who asks about swapping from an auto to a manual??!!! ITS GOING TO BE INSANELY EXPENSIVE AND YOU MIGHT AS WELL BUY A NEW MANUAL!!!! SMH

[Tansey86]

Why is there some asshole in every thread who complains about people not knowing everything about cars? The reason why we have these forums is to communicate questions/concerns/advice to help others.

Its not a big deal guy, im sure there is a question you will ask that seems noobish to someone else.

[Captain Insano]

Yes very expensive right now... I think this depends a lot on part cost... Right now while there are not many of these in junk yards = pricey... If you wait 6+ months and are patient eventually parts will get cheaper from wrecks... Then, if you do your own labor, this might not be crazy expensive.... You can sell some of your parts from auto... I know, who wants a used auto right? Well somebody that tears theirs up or wants a shell to build for track usage like all out drag racing. Again you would need to be patient trying to sell those parts off. Soooo... I think it depends if this is a long term project or if you are wanting to do this like tomorrow. :-)

[CircuitJerk]

^^ This. Way to early in the game to consider doing otherwise.

[TwinRz]

My DD is a manual. That was the mistake you made. Switching it is gonna cost way more. Should of just bought a manual in the first place. Why wouldnt you lol. If its cause of city driving n traffic you made a bad mistake cuz its not a problem at all just bc of those things.

[FrsSwag]

sell it and get the one you really want! best of luck

[Gixxersixxerman]

I've swapped two cars from auto to stick.. Both cars were "old" at the time.. A 93 probe GT and a 90 Isuzu pickup.. Neither were difficult swaps.. The pick up much easier then the car.. But I had access to both vehicles at the same time.. I bought the probe from a dealer for 87$ as it was abandoned and had a bad engine.. And ruined interior... My car had a bad trans... I'm a ASE mechanic so no problem... The pick up was going to be sent to the junk yard as it was rear ended, and the guy didn't want it on his property.. IF you had a diner car.. Then easy peasy.. If you had a hook up on parts... Easy peasy.. The chassis come off the line the same.. I've entertained this idea if I can come across the parts.. But I'm not going out my way to buy them.. I personally don't see how I could get more then what 20k for my car... Still owe 31k as I've only made two pay,nets.. So trading it in or selling it then buying the stick... For what it would cost I could swap it for roughly the same money... Also.. One swap I'd love to do would be RHD it.. I love the looks I get out of my 66 beetle for being on the "wrong side" when I drive lol

[mact]

I swapped a Nissan Maxima from auto to 5spd manual. Wasn't bad at all.