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Auto to 6sp conversion not as difficult as we thought


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MOHD from the US (the guy that runs mkiv.com) has recently done an auto to 6sp conversion. Theres pictures and stuff at

 

http://www.moreboost.org/conversion.htm

 

Mohd also put this in one of his mails to the NZ mail list :

> > > I just finished a swap from an auto to a 6spd, in this case you

> > don't need a new

> > > ecu wiring harness, you will only need to modify the backup light

> > harness,,very

> > > simple..

> > >

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  • 6 years later...

Its really not, I reckon it could be done on a driveway over 2days, a garage with a ramp about 6-8 hours(with the donor components ready to install)

 

I was pretty suprised at how simple it all came out, previously I was against these conversions, but I would consider it if the right auto/6speed conversion came along

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Its really not, I reckon it could be done on a driveway over 2days, a garage with a ramp about 6-8 hours(with the donor components ready to install)

 

I was pretty suprised at how simple it all came out, previously I was against these conversions, but I would consider it if the right auto/6speed conversion came along

 

Awesome. Thanks for the feedback.

 

I've found the perfect Aerotop for the job (at the right price, aswell) so I think it's time to get the ball rolling...

 

:yes:

 

Lol, 6 years to get a reply.:D

 

haha the beauty of "search". :D

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Lol I never even seen the year haha!

 

J80Leo just asked me if you could do it just with the box - I replied, but correct at will:)

 

 

No, you need the driveshafts, diff(of the correct year) and prop(which shouldnt cost you a great deal£400?), but then small parts like Clocks, gear lever surround, peddals(which are the biggest pain in the arse to remove!You need the pedal frames too), clutch master cylinder and reservoir(and clutch line)

 

I threw in the Brake Master Cylinder and the Brake Fluid Reservoir, dont know if that was really needed(It may be due to the frame of the pedal holder), and obviously clutch and flywheel

 

Considering a decent condition the box will sell for 1500 minimum, then really I cant see the conversion being sold for less than 2200to2300(with an oem clutch)

 

I honestly wouldnt expect to pay anyless, and I would prefer to take a donor car to work off than pieced up components(unless new ofcourse)

 

You would also have to take into account the bushes(these are fecking extortionate from Toyota) two rear diff bushes are 56 each!Theres 5 IIRC, I sold the box and diff with oil and sealed, but again on conversion I'd change the fluids before giving it my all so another 100quid there, that pretty much covers everything, so about 2500-2600before labour, if your handy with a socket set and have a set of axel stands you really shouldnt need a mechanic - everything is within reach which is more than I can say for those fecking twins!:D

 

Oh when replacing clutch a new oem release bearing is around 40quid and a Pilot bearing is about a tenner too, replace these ALWAYS, but as I say buying it from a scrapyard would have the added risk of parts missing, even small things like circlips e.t.c these all add to the cost but really take your 6speed car - my clutch needed replaced at 50K, so about £200for oem clutch(I spent 1000with l.flywheel)then £260 for labour take this off the cost and it sounds like a bargain almost:innocent:

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I've not seen one in a while, if they had any sense they would strip it, but as a whole car I'm guessing 3.5K minimum assuming gearbox and engine are intact - even then theres a profit to be made stripping it,

 

Its a shame most sups are worth more in parts than they are as full cars, generally due to the over inflated price of aftermarket parts:rolleyes:

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What does the trans tunnel mod entail, Homer? I've had engines in and out many times on my driveway. It's never easy, but I don't have any alternative. Will definitely plan to do this in the summer. :D

 

There's a step by step guide of the full conversion here: http://www.mkiv.com/techarticles/auto_to_6spd_swap/index.html

 

The trans tunnel mod is here: http://www.mkiv.com/techarticles/auto_to_6spd_swap/subtunnel/index.html

 

However I found the article and pics a little misleading as the entire auto trans plate has to come out, not just the partial bit they show in the pics.

 

TLicense also did a step by step guide somewhere here, which included itemised costs (though he went all-new parts!).

 

I agree with Bolarbags comments above, the cost is normally around the £3000 mark if you do the work yourself and are good at finding parts, £3500 might be closer to a real figure once you include any unexpected items, new clutch, flywheel, etc... The really hard part is finding a salvage 6spd or the individual parts. You'd do well to contact one of our salvage merchants on here: Jezz or Keron

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Bolarbag: Okey... more expensive than what I would have hoped, but not the end of the world.

 

I can relate to cars being worth more in parts. Sadly I would lose around £1500 if I sold my S13 complete so it's going to have to be stripped and sold for parts. Kinda demoralising as it took so much time and effort to put the parts on in the first place. :(

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Forgot to say, there's another much cheaper option if you are desperate for a manual, install a W158 5spd manual from an NA. I picked up an entire engine and drivetrain, including everything needed (inc pedals, clocks, etc) from a salvage yard for £350. That was quite cheap, but they are available for not too much more and availabilty is far greater.

 

The gearbox isn't as well matched to the TT engine power range and the auto diff will thow the ratio's out a bit. It's also FAR weaker, but should be okay for stock TT power levels.

 

You'd need to uprate the clutch, so factor that in.

 

It's another option for you, but it's not really recommeded unless you know what you're doing and don't mind the odd knackered gearbox - but from what you've said it shouldn't be too much of a problem for you.

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There's a step by step guide of the full conversion here: http://www.mkiv.com/techarticles/auto_to_6spd_swap/index.html

 

The trans tunnel mod is here: http://www.mkiv.com/techarticles/auto_to_6spd_swap/subtunnel/index.html

 

However I found the article and pics a little misleading as the entire auto trans plate has to come out, not just the partial bit they show in the pics.

 

TLicense also did a step by step guide somewhere here, which included itemised costs (though he went all-new parts!).

 

I agree with Bolarbags comments above, the cost is normally around the £3000 mark if you do the work yourself and are good at finding parts, £3500 might be closer to a real figure once you include any unexpected items, new clutch, flywheel, etc... The really hard part is finding a salvage 6spd or the individual parts. You'd do well to contact one of our salvage merchants on here: Jezz or Keron

 

Those step by step guides look pretty informative. Thanks for the information, it's much appreciated. :)

 

I'm definitely going to allow for additional budget for all of those extra things that come out of the wood work.... you're right about the unexpected items (bad experiences come to mind :D). There's also the situation where possible modds could be done while the engine is out.

 

I wonder how much a reasonably low mileage NA auto engine and box would fetch?

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Forgot to say, there's another much cheaper option if you are desperate for a manual, install a W158 5spd manual from an NA. I picked up an entire engine and drivetrain, including everything needed (inc pedals, clocks, etc) from a salvage yard for £350. That was quite cheap, but they are available for not too much more and availabilty is far greater.

 

The gearbox isn't as well matched to the TT engine power range and the auto diff will thow the ratio's out a bit. It's also FAR weaker, but should be okay for stock TT power levels.

 

You'd need to uprate the clutch, so factor that in.

 

It's another option for you, but it's really recommeded unless you know what you're doing and don't mind the odd knackered gearbox - but from what you've said it shouldn't be too much of a problem for you.

 

Are the N/A pedals and Clock the same as the 6speed? Thats a very good price!

 

I'd miss the 6th gear on the Sup, I was in it a lot:innocent: in fact I miss the 6th gear on any car I drive!

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Forgot to say, there's another much cheaper option if you are desperate for a manual, install a W158 5spd manual from an NA. I picked up an entire engine and drivetrain, including everything needed (inc pedals, clocks, etc) from a salvage yard for £350. That was quite cheap, but they are available for not too much more and availabilty is far greater.

 

The gearbox isn't as well matched to the TT engine power range and the auto diff will thow the ratio's out a bit. It's also FAR weaker, but should be okay for stock TT power levels.

 

You'd need to uprate the clutch, so factor that in.

 

It's another option for you, but it's really recommeded unless you know what you're doing and don't mind the odd knackered gearbox - but from what you've said it shouldn't be too much of a problem for you.

 

Ahh, I never thought of that....

 

Considering the long-term plans with the car, I'm not so sure the NA manual box would stand up to the power.

 

Just out of curiosity, would the SZR (6sp) box be up to the job, I would you be in similar waters with the TT box in price??

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Are the N/A pedals and Clock the same as the 6speed? Thats a very good price!

 

I'd miss the 6th gear on the Sup, I was in it a lot:innocent: in fact I miss the 6th gear on any car I drive!

 

Yep, they're all the same.

 

With the TT auto LSD and W158 gear ratio's the top speed is still pretty high (circa 180mph top end IIRC), it's the lower gears where it'll suffer as they'll be much longer. But yes, I'd miss the 6th gear cruise too.

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Just out of curiosity, would the SZR (6sp) box be up to the job, I would you be in similar waters with the TT box in price??

 

Yes, the NA 6spd and TT6spd box are the same, actually the NA 6spd is a later facelift so has the same V161 gearbox of the late TT's, they are more expensive and have a slightly closer ratio. I'm not sure about the diff ratio...

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Yes, the NA 6spd and TT6spd box are the same, actually the NA 6spd is a later facelift so has the same V161 gearbox of the late TT's, they are more expensive and have a slightly closer ratio. I'm not sure about the diff ratio...

 

Oh well, was worth a thought. :D

 

TBH, I think I would be happier with just buying a wrecked 6sp TT donor car. There's swings 'n' roundabouts in price, but you can't beat it on parts. :)

 

Also, who knows what extra money you could claw back from selling the additional parts that weren't used in the conversion.

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Also, who knows what extra money you could claw back from selling the additional parts that weren't used in the conversion.

 

Not a lot, the only part I can think of is the auto gearbox, but again it's not really worth anything. Most of the folks here give them away.

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Not a lot, the only part I can think of is the auto gearbox, but again it's not really worth anything. Most of the folks here give them away.

 

I was thinking about the odd light/panel/wheels/interior bits, but yeah, I doubt it would come to much.

 

Right, I just need to pull my finger out and get this car I've seen for sale. Fingers crossed it hasn't been sold.

 

Commence the breaking of the S13. :(

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I was thinking about the odd light/panel/wheels/interior bits, but yeah, I doubt it would come to much.

 

Oh yes, sorry you mean the parts off the breaker car. Yes, you could get a good few quid back on parts, obviously depending how bad it was damaged.

 

Finding one would be VERY difficult, the salvage guys bid hard on the 6spd's as there's a huge demand for them. As mentioned, you might do better to contact one of the traders mentioned before and try and stike a deal.

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