21 replies to this topic

[tipcat]

Does anyone have an idea of the cost, in time and money, of converting an Auto to manual? I have an idea of the requirements (new engine, gearbox, subframe and associated bits), but I'm clueless on time and ability required. Also, does anyone have the necessary bits and pieces 'laying around', that they might part with for a reasonable cost?

[Guess-Works.com]

Jammy's the man as he's just done it, but should realy only be a weekender...

Remove engine gearbox and subframe in one, if you prebuild a replacement subframe and suspension, then the only thing to do while it's all out is replace the pedal box, put in the clutch master and short the start inhibitor switch, then put the new subby/engine and gearbox in...

Could do the swap in 1/2 a day if you prepare...

Ohh... have a front subby, plenty of gearboxes and engines comming out of every orifice possible... can do a complete replacement unit of you want :cheese:

Edited by GuessWorks, 20 September 2005 - 10:00 PM.

[Woody]

Ohh... have a front subby, plenty of gearboxes and engines comming out of every orifice possible...

I dont usualy sink to this level BUT ....
THAT HAS TO MAKE YOUR EYES WATER !

[tipcat]

Ohh... have a front subby, plenty of gearboxes and engines comming out of every orifice possible...

...the mind boggles!

[Woody]

back on subject :grin:
the best way is to get a rusty complete running car as a donner, this conversion can then be carried out in a weekend easily
you will need a socket set and a set of combination spanners ,a good trolley jack and some axle stands (dont even need an engine crane)
the only awkward bit is the bleeding (if you havent done this before), oh and fitting the other pedal is a bit fiddley

Edited by Woody, 20 September 2005 - 10:27 PM.

[tipcat]

Well, I have the equipment... can anyone recommend a good guide on how to drop an engine, gearbox and subframe? (I'm an electrician... if it ain't got wires, I get confused! :erm: )

[Jammy]

I've managed to follow the Haynes manual well enough to drop an engine and subframe. Basically just disconnect everything attached to the engine from the car (including earth and positive battery leads! doh!), and then undo the subframe mounts and lift the body away. I was going to say I found wiring the biggest problem; one, because I couldn't remember where I taken the wires off, and two, because I don't get on with wiring very well anyway. But then your an electrician so you'll find it alot easier than me!

Also make sure you have a few friends around for moving the body and engine/subframes around, you wouldn't want to drop one!

[Guess-Works.com]

Here I am talking about, this is a conversion that I would like to do... and just realised, I picked up the manual MK3 subby for Pingu on Saturday... Doh ! this is exactly what I'm doing... just need to find the time now...

[Jammy]

Ahhhh, I thought you were going for a huge power auto cruiser? Shame I would of liked to have seen what that would be like!

[Guess-Works.com]

Ah that's the other one... which is going from Manual to Automatic... ..

oh god I've got a headache now...

[Jammy]

I thought I had alot of cars and projects but I have difficulty keeping up with yours!

[Guess-Works.com]

me too

[tipcat]

I had to take the car to a garage yesterday... a few weeks ago I just took off the tyres, then put them back on... that's all. Didn't touch the steering, suspension, anything. Since then the steering has became progressively worse... too much play, and when I turn the car, the steering wheel felt like it got stuck... when I forced it back to the middling position, the car would swerve a little... Tuesday it was getting stuck almost every time I turned it, and it felt like the tyres slid when I forced the wheel back... also the tyres seem to be pointing in slightly different directions. Most annoying!

Back on topic... how (and forgive me if it seems like a daft question, but I AM an electrician!) does changing the subframe affect the steering gear? If at all... or does the old steering gear transfer over to the new subframe?

(And Guessworks... any idea how much you might charge for a built-up engine, gearbox and subby?)

[clubman katie B.F]

the steering rack is located under the sub-frame, between the bulkhead and the sub-frame, whilst you are dropping the subbie, it makes sense to change your steering rack, as it is a ******* of a job with the engine and subframe in the car, i think i paid 35 for a new steering rack. it is as simple as undoing 7 more bolts tim

[tipcat]

Sounds like some undetermined weekend in the near future is getting busier by the minute! Thanks for the info, Nick.