Hello everyone! I've been reading a lot of threads in this forum and have used the search option but could not find the information that I need so I decided to start a thread here.

I'm currently looking at buying a FD version V at quite a bargaining price but I'm concerned about whether the car was an auto before and had a manual conversion done and that's why the cheap price.

Can anyone please tell me whether there is any difference between a stock manual FD and a converted one? Thanks!

 

I cant say what has been done to that particular vehicle but generally when going from auto to man. you would get a flexplate and counterweight then mount a stock manual trans to your engine... not actually converting anything within the transmission itself...

Whenever purchasing a vehicle, especially one that has been modified. have it looked at by someone qualified.

 

Hello,

If you go in the 3rd gen specifics -> FAQ, you'll find the following links:

Auto to Manual Transmission swap:
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/automatic-manual-swap-how-hard-anyone-done-96658/
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-gen-archives-73/mt-swap-161482/
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/so-how-many-people-have-done-auto-manual-swap-258966/

You might find them useful.

Getting the car inspected is actually a good idea, I don't know if your Mazda dealer would do it (maybe?) but there might be some 3rd gen specialist around you.

Good luck.

If you test the car I would make sure I test it on a cold(ish) start.

 

Hey guys! Thanks for the reply!

What I really want to know is that if the car's responses would be any different or will driving a converted auto feel just like driving a stock manual. I forgot where but I heard that an auto after a manual conversion does not feel as responsive as a stock manual so I'd figure if I'm gonna buy the car then it has got to be a stock manual.

By the way, I found out the car that I want to buy is actually a stock manual by looking at the sticker on the door sill... Should have checked that before I start a new topic!

 

I think it depends how thoroughly the conversion was done. Generally there is no reason why a full manual conversion would be any different than the same parts installed originally.

The differential ratio is the one thing I can think of that might be left alone and would affect performance.

 

..get a Flexplate and counterweight,then mount a Manual Transmission to your Engine...What???
First of all you have to Get RID of the Flexplate,and replace it with an Actual Flywheel,so the Clutch has something to Grip onto.Also,the torque converter must be removed.
The Counterweight Can stay,IF you are going to put on a Light Flywheel.If you Use a Stock flywheel,then you take the counterweight off.
You will also need the Hydraulics(clutch slave and Master.) and their hoses,etc.
Then you should By rights,Convert the Brake pedal to the Clutch pedal and Brake pedal assembly for a Manual Type vehicle.
there is also some wiring that is done Too,To take care of the Safety neutral and the Fifth Gear/Reverse
Last but not least is getting rid of the Cluster(if it says PRNDL on it)I am not sure if of that one though On an FD.
..OH,I forgot!..you need a Good Clutch,and pressure plate,throw out bearing,Pilot Bearing..and a Decent Five speed Transmission.
I am wondering if the Driveshaft will still be useable.You will have to Look into that
Anyways..that is that.
There is a Good Write up,although Not for FD,(it is for FC) in the Sec Gen Section.It is a Step by step thread.That will give you an idea,as to what has to be done..oR what to look for If the Car Has been Converted..
(I am forgetting the Surrounds and shifter and ****,inside the Car,That is Obvious,that it would need to be Changed over also).
..Hope that Helps.STYX.

 

Though a converted fd would in my opinion be more likely in better shape haha automatic cars are less likely to have seen as much abuse as manual ones so getting a converted car in my eyes is a plus

 

my bad. I did mean flywheel and not flexplate. Also, being this thread specifically asked about a converted transmission I simplified the response to illustrate that the trans itself is not converted but swapped for the manual counterpart. I dont believe listing exactly how it is done is in the scope of this tread. It has been covered to exhaustion on this forum and the vehicle in question has already had it done.