Louis M

The absolute cheapest FD that I can find is 10.5K (neg.), but that is automatic. There are about five or six more under 12K. The absolute cheapest FD that I can find in stick is 14.5K (i don't know if neg. or not). Now, this is 4K and the swap can be done anywhere from 1-2K, therefore saving mondo cash (2-3K). Is there anything wrong with doing this? I ask this because I have seen people look down on those who buy auto and swap.

93BlackFD

no, it's not

and if you're having trouble aquiring an FD, you're not going to have it very long

i bought mine in november, rebuilt motor with 7k miles on it, 74k miles on the car, $14k

i've got $27k in the car now, and it is taking another motor

Trout2

iTrader: (5)

To answer your question, no its not worth it.

Buying the cheapest FD you find will likely lead to spending more in the end to make it a good car than if you just save up longer and buy one that's in good shape with a manual trans. No matter what price you pay, you need to have $3-5K on the side for the unexpected.

Jack

Louis M

Its not about trouble aquiring it, its just there's no point of spending the extra money... or is there? That was my question.

Louis M

Then suppose that I find a good one at 11K in auto and a good one at 15K in stick, then is it worth it? I understand that its not worth it to buy a crap car just because its cheaper, we almost bought one at 13K which was modded like crazy, but it didn't feel right and we didn't. My question is what would go wrong with swapping a manual transmission in a formerly automatic car.

kyle@insight

It just sounds to me that you're trying to cut some corners to save on price. A manual swap will probably run you at least $3k. If you're THAT worried about saving some money that you want to buy it with the sole intent of riping the transmission out of it then this probably isn't the car for you.

maxpesce

to do the Auto/Manual swap CORRECTLY is not so simple - In addition to needing a Trans, Bellhousing (yes the are dirfferent), Clutch, Flywheel, Clutch Pedal Assembly, Clutch Master & Slave cylinders & plumbing, The Wiring harnesses (both Engine Compartment & Main Dash Harnesses) are different as are the ECU, Differential, & Driveshaft not to mention the starter motor is different & in a different location, and the Instrument cluster having a different Tachometer. LAST but not LEAST the Rear engine Housing on an auto has a different bolt pattern for the bell housing than for the manual (partly due to the different starter location) All the parts alone will run over $1.5k (assuming mostly Used parts and not changing the Rear Housing) and then it is another 30-40 hour labor so expect to pay up to $2500 labor + $1500 parts to have someone else do the swap for you.

This is why I don't think I will do the swap on my Auto Equipped FD.
for less moneyI can build (have built) a Bullet Proof High Perf Auto trans and spend the extra money on other perf. enhancments.

DavidDeco

I'm in the midst of it now. For me, it was worth it because I was buying a car mostly for its frame and it was dirt cheap ($5k) with lots of sellable and usable parts (I've sold almost that much in spare parts).

But if you factor time and hassle, No. It is not worth it at all. In fact, unless you get a good steal on a car, it's not worth it economically.

David