I recently picked up an 83 GSL RX7 at a better than normal price because it had an automatic transmission. I also have an 85 GS that I got for parts, including a manual transmission. I had assumed that the swap was a matter of mearly unbolting one and bolting in the other . (yes, I know the flywheel and couterweights need to be changed as well as pedals, etc) I decided to order some new seals, gaskets, etc rather than resuse the old ones and I noticed in the parts catalog that there are different part numbers for a few of the engine internals depending on whether the car has an automatic or a manual. Am I going to have to tear the whole engine apart to make this swap happen?

 

no. it is a simple mater of the things you first stated.
if you have the parts car for all your parts it ought to be fairly strait forward.

 

Don't forget the wire harness for the manual tranny.

 

Also, do not forget to install a pilot bearing and seal into the end of the E-shaft. If you are using the old clutch assembly, pick up a clutch alignment tool. This should be included with a new clutch assembly, and it is very difficult to align the clutch without one. The trans will not fit without the clutch being aligned.

 

Check out my website too, theres about 4 or 5 pages dedicated to this swap.

 

Great, thanks for all the replies. This is a big relief. I'm going to use a new clutch since I have no idea what kind of shape the old one is in and I've ordered some parts that people recomended should be replaced (like the pilot bearing).

-Trevor

 

Recommend that you install a new rear main seal also. Remember that you will be using the crossmember from the M/T and check the trans mount, they have a habit of seperating the rubber from the steel portion of the mount. Also recommend replacing the extension housing seal and the front input shaft seal. Better to do this now then have them start leaking later. Driveshafts of course are different and if the 83 does not have the big axle flange then you will either have to swap diffs or get a small flange driveshaft from a M/T car.

 

Wow, that's a great site you've got there. I was going to sign your guestbook but I guess it doesn't work anymore so I figured I'd reply here instead. Your pics and advice are going to help me a lot.

-Trevor

 

Thanks

That was my exact intention in creating a site, to help out anyone else later on. Pictures say way more than words. As for the broken guestbook...thanks for pointing it out...I had no idea, lol.

If you have any other info you need on the swap, you can pm me.

 

Ok, so my transmission swap is now complete. I haven't had a chance to try it out for a while because I decided to change the rear end gears at the same time (to a 4.88 Rear end is now complete as well and it was finally time to fire everything up. However, when I turn the key...nothing. I tried the starter from the donor car on a test bench before bolting it up and I know it works fine. I've left the wiring harness for the tranny untouched because this is a race car and I don't care about reverse lights. What I'm wondering is, is there some kind of sensor that tells the car it's in park/neutral that needs to be connected before it will start? If not, any other suggestions as to what I should look at?

 

No there is not.