Hey everyone!

Got a question to those who have done a auto to manual swap. I have been doing some research into swapping the automatic transmission in my 84 GSL with a 12A for a manual transmission. There has been some great info on the forum, as well as some online videos that I've been going through, but something specific concerns me. In discussion people have mentioned that when when in the swap, there is an additional flange on the engine side that is used when bolting an auto trans, but is not on a manual trans. The engine side of a manual usually has this cut and has a small plate placed as an access point for the flywheel. My question to those who did the swap is what did you do about this flange? Did you cut it off or do something else?

Thanks in advance!

 

I don't think the rear irons on a 12A differ at all whether manual or automatic. I do know there is a tin plate on the header side of the engine that covers this opening. I assume it is only there to keep dirt out of the bell housing. One thing you need to be aware of is that series 1 (79-80 SA) trannys will not place the gear shift in the right place for an FB. So make sure you get an FB transmission.

 

Oh interesting. So if I were to swap the automatic for a manual transmission, then I need to make sure I get an appropriate era transmission and I guess a plate cover for the access opening? I know there are many other parts to get, of course, but at least this clears a bit of the confusion I was having in the research. Thanks t_g_farrell! I appreciate the information.

 

I've done the swap on my 1985. There is no difference on the engine side. The BIG difference of 1984-1985 are the unibody trans mounting points. The auto and manual chassis are different. I have some pics in a thread in the first gen section. I cut thise mounts out of a scrap manual body and tig welded the on to my auto chassis. I left the auto mounts in place.

Here is one of my threads: https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generati...rsion-1168109/

 

Sounds good! Thanks for the info everyone!