24 replies to this topic

[MiniMowse]

Hey people! I was just wondering. I recently bought a 30,000 miler auto city Mini. Do you know if it is possible to change the auto gearbox to a reconditioned manual gearbox? Would I have to take the engine out to get to it? Would I have to change the engine too ?(Don't want to do this as the engine seems really good, and v. low miles) Also if it is possible, how much would I pay for a recon box, and if I got a garage to fit it, how much would that cost?

Also, what are the pros and cons of both types of box?

Thanks guys! All advice greatly appreciated!

[Brawlyrox]

This has been bought up before and if i remember rightly you cant swap an auto box for a manual, you have to change the engine aswell

Nick

[MiniMowse]

DOH! :nugget: :sad:

[Brawlyrox]

i thort the same LOL,

[Bluemini]

Fraid so, tiz either one or the other, or you'll have to get a recon auto box - not cheap!!!

To convert to manual aint that big of a job tho, takes bout a day and a half...

[TimS]

or swap the engine(takes bout 4 hours including the remote change)


its a bugger that they didnt design the A series block to accept both gearboxes really

[The_Mini_Bug]

i read in one of the books this is hard to do

[Woody]

I tried this and the crank is differant so i fitted a complete engine/box from a manual + the clutch master cylinder and pedal (went straight on all the holes are there) If you do this , dont forget there are 2 wires that go to the auto gear changer , you have to conect these together or the car wont start (took me about 4 hours to remember that one ) these wires went to a switch that stoped you starting in drive .

[The_Mini_Bug]

i might be completely wrong but arnt the front subframes diffrent :erm: :erm:

[Pavel]

Front subframes MIGHT be different, but the difference that I defo know of is that the engine blocks are different, so is the box etc.

If I were you I'd stay with the auto! They're getting rare and unique and they're not as bad as many people think!

[MiniMowse]

OK then people, here's another question:

Can I get a bigger auto engine? The reason I ask all this is 'because I'm a bit scared when pulling away at roundabouts. People go like maniacs around my way and liddle old me in liddle old Percie duz not want to get flattened! Once we're moving, its quite good accelleration, it's just the actual pulling away.

It's a lot worse when it's cold. this morning on the way to college I pulled out from my home and was going about 2 miles an hour, if that!

me and Percie don't want to end up like this!


PERCIE IS A GIRL!!!
ROCK ON MINI NUTTERS

[Pavel]

I assume its the 998 engine in there?

If so, I suggest that you buy a stage one kit (150-180 pounds depending on where you get it).

This includes a better exhaust and inlet manifolds, a brand new exhaust system (pick whichever tickles your fancy), all the necessary gaskets, a new free-flow air filter, carb needle.

That should add some pep to ur engine!

If that doesn't give you enough go, you can look into a better cylinder head (more pricey), or Nitrous if you want.

[The_Mini_Bug]

well mines auto and its cool

[MiniMowse]

That sounds like a good idea! :grin: Does this job then add much to my insurance?

[metalminis]

A stage one kit wont add much to it, if anything. I have had it fitted to both my previous 998's and the insurance didnt go up. Make sure tho, if you do fit a stage 1, you get it rolling roaded after to get everything set up right. If you dont, you may end up with less power and a larger fuel bill!