How hard is it to change an auto trans to manual for an '85? Do I also have to change the gauge cluster? Do I have to cut/drill a hole to add and change the pedals?

 

Its a simple procedure. No cutting or drilling needed. The starter wiring is different and the trans mounts are not in the same spot. Otherwise everything is a bolt on affair. I did a writeup on this several years ago and included pictures of every step. Unfortunately photobucket joined the **** party and the pics are probably long gone. You'll need a pedal box and it bolts right up under the dash. Make sure you get a flywheel from an 84 or 85 so that the engine remains balanced properly. Be sure to get a manual trans driveshaft as the auto driveshaft is shorter. You can shoot me a message if you have any questions. I'll do my best to answer them based on my swap.

 

I found my thread and you're in luck as the pictures are still working!

https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generati...-begun-783169/

 

I've done this swap on my 1985 GSL. To do it right, it required welding in the trans mounts. I did this a few months ago.

I followed the thread referenced and didn't have good results. The issue was that the platte to span the mounts caused the trans to move too much. The drive shaft was slapping the heat shield. I didn't like all that deflection/movement.

For the clutch pedal, take the drivers seat out to make room. Remove the long bolt that the pedals pivot on. Do not take out the pedal box. Replace with longer manual bolt and add new clutch pedal.

If you want to go the platte route, I'll sell you the one I made cheap.

Parts:
* 1984/1985 Manual Drift Shaft - Might as well install new U Joints - yes the staked u joints can be removed.
* 1984/1985 Flywheel or lightweight flywheel using the auto counter weight
* New eccentric shaft pilot bearing - autos don't have them
* Clutch Master/Slave
* 1984/1985 Manual Trans
* Manual clutch cross member brace
* Long bolt and clutch pedal
* Clutch pedal switch
* Hard line between clutch maters/slave
* Clutch master/slave soft line - get steal braided
* New clutch kit (clutch plate, clutch disc, throwout bearing)

TIG welded

Drivers Side


Passenger Side

 

Thanks for the information guys, it's very helpful. It appears it's not as simple as I imagined, but it's not something that's not doable either. I will be in touch with you guys if I go down this road as I'm sure I'll need some guidance.

What would you say is a ballpark figure for cost of just the parts needed?

 

I did end up having trouble with the plate mount that I made. There was deflection and trans movement. I did not have driveshaft slap but if I remember correctly, I had to make another mount with a bend. I can't remember, but as stated above, the best way is to weld in new trans mounts to the body.