I've found a pretty clean SA (not an FB). It's a 1980 model with 30k on a new engine from Mazda. 150k on the body. He wants 2k, but I think I can negotiate a good bit down.

In theory, an auto to manual swap doesn't sound too difficult... you just need to replace the transmission, figure out the linkage and deal with putting in pedals. But I also know that there's probably a thousand tiny things that I'll need.

Could a swap be done for about $500 at home, or should I just keep looking for one that is already a manual?

 

I would go for it, because clean FBs are getting hard to find, and clean SA's even more. Also though I have never dealt with an auto FB/SA I'm sure the conversion will be a snap since first gen rx7's imho have got to be among the easiest vehicles on the planet to work on.

 

Its not an easy swap. You have to either cut out part of the trans tunnel and weld in a manual tunnel or make custom trans mounts. There are other concerns as well, but that is the most obvious.



EDIT: I'd want to see some receipts for that "new from Mazda engine"

 

This is an EASY swap if you can find a 1979-1980 manual trans with cross member, manual brake and clutch pedals with long bolt. You're lucky because the auto and manual trans share the same mounting point with respect to the trans mount (unlike the 1984/1985). Get a new clutch master/slave/clutch hard and soft line.

I've done this swap. Also need to remove flex plate and install flywheel and pilot bearing.

 

I got a lead on a $75 5 speed that came out of a '79. Unfortunately, it doesn't come with a cross member.

 

Very simple swap... I have done it many times... The 79 tranny will work perfect. No need to cut or modify the tunnel at all.

 

I feel like if I can find everything, it should be a relatively simple swap. Only issue is finding somewhat rare stuff like a 79-80 clutch pedal assembly, as well crossmember, etc

 

yes its worth it what you can do is drive it around like that and then mean well start looking for all the parts you need and when you have everything then do the manual swap the parts are easy to find

 

Push come to shove you can always make your own, it's not like it's a complicated part that does complicated things.

 

Yeah I agree, I don't think the auto trans should keep me away from a clean SA. Now it's just decision time.

Fortunately, I think the auto trans kinda scares a few people away, so it's a way I can bargain with the guy a little bit.

 

The auto always go for lower prices. Definitely a bargaining chip. Tell him you have to knock off
$1500 because a swap is required to make it the car of your dreams.

 

You do NOT need a new cross member, or even a trans mount for that matter. I just did this swap. The cross member moves back on the chassis ( the chassis has tapped holes in it for both auto and manual).
The pedals are easy peasy to do, one long bolt comes out and a longer one goes in. Master cylinder for the clutch slave goes right in too, as the opening is in the firewall. You need a new starter. Drive shaft is the same.
You need a trans from an SA or the shifter will be in the wrong place. The linkage is built into the trans. You need a clutch, pressure plate, and throw out bearing and flywheel. I bought a racing beat flywheel which mounted to the counter weight, so even that was easy. Then you need to add a wire to the starter from the plug that used to supply the old starter. Back up lights are in the same plug.

I have converted 10 or 11 cars from auto to manual, and this was one of the easier conversions I have done.

Don't be afraid of this conversion as long as you can find a good SA trans. I paid more for the shipping than the actual trans itself.

If you get stuck, just ask. There is a lot of knowledge here.

I am also happy to go out to my garage and look or take pix for you if needed.

Good luck

Rich

 

And my swap cost me 625 dollars, but that included a new Racing Beat light weight flywheel, new clutch PP TOB master and slave. All other items were used or rebuilt. You can do it. If you skip the racing beat flywheel, you can do it at 500 dollars at home. The trans is very very light, so if you have a friend to balance it for you on a floor jack, or some other method, you can do it, but you will need to raise the car a fair amount to get the tranny under there.

Don't be afraid. If you think you can do it, you probably can!

 

if u can wait for another 2-3 mos, i will have a complete set available as i will be upgrading my SA to gslse brake booster and pedal assembly.