7 replies to this topic

[mike.]

it is possible to do this isn't it? Its just i'v seen a few cheap auto minis and reconditioned manual boxes are too expencive so was wondering if i would just whack a manual box on it. I guess it wont just be a straight swap will it?

How hard is this to do and is it worth it?

[Ethel]

Oooo - sure peeps add these threads just to get us going...

In theory it's quite possible you just need...

Gearbox

Selector mechanism

Clutch

Clutch housing

slave cylinder , Hose, Arm etc.

Master Cylinder

Clutch Pedal, Return Spring etc.

Also bear in mind that if you were thinking of buying a reconditioned gearbox they'd be expecting an old one in exchange.

[spud]

Hi,

I did mine but I had to get a complete engine/box and manual front subframe. Apparently, so I was told that the engines are different between manual and auto as are the subframes although special adaptors are available to make a manual gearbox unit fit in a auto frame. But I preferred to do mine properly

A new front subframe can be had secondhand for a small fistfull of dollars to be honest I found it difficult to get the right engine ( I wanted a 1275) at the right price. The rest of the bits are peanuts from peeps on here or autojumbles etc.

Hope that gives you a bit more info!!

The swap over isn't too bad anyway. I had to do mine because the engine was a bit u/s but well worth it!!

Cheers,

spud.

[Ethel]

Pretty sure subframes are the same though engine mounts differ.

Engines are the same save a few externals, oil filter, carb linkage but will fit either.

Picking up a complete engine 'n box may well be the easiest, especially if they're in a car that's died for other reasons - like being a metro .

I reckon you could make all the Metro bits fit save the clutch pedal (if it's not a cable clutch)

[minislapper]

Subframes are not the same. You can use an auto subframe with a manual engine/box but you will need to get some spacers made up.

The blocks are NOT the same. It is possible but the work needed makes it not worthwhile in the slightest.

You will need to pick up a complete manual engine and box to do the job easily. Plus the pedal box, gear linkage etc.

Do a search. This has been discussed many times on here.

[Dan]

You don't need to swap out the whole pedal box, just the change the spring and replace the spacer with a pedal. Removing the whole pedal box is a horrible job.

Yes the auto block and subframe are very different from the manual. As above, converting the auto block into a manual is not worthwhile. You have to drill new oil ways and be pretty accurate about it too.

[mike.]

Yeah i really didn't think this through, i totally forgot about the clutch! I'v realised now i'd definatly not worth it. Thabks anyway.

[miniboo]

actually it isnt that bad minimadmike. it is easier than you think