Your car has an automatic transmission, but you crave the power and fun of a manual transmission. what should you do? Here’s the good news, it’s possible for you to convert an automatic to a manual transmission. This article will tell you how to convert an automatic to a manual transmission.
Related Post: Can a Manual Car Become Automatic
Things to Consider Before Converting An Automatic To Manual Transmission
Conversion comes in one of two ways: physically converting the existing transmission or replacing the automatic transmission (whether new or rebuilt) with a manual transmission. The rebuild option is fairly expensive but may be necessary, depending on the make and model of the vehicle you’re converting. However, you can switch transmissions without changing the transmission; however, there are several factors to consider:
- Make and Model of Vehicle – No matter which route you choose, the make and model will determine the scope of the project. Newer vehicles are equipped with special computer chips, so you can convert not only the actual mechanics but also the computer components.
- Replacing Components – To convert a transmission from an automatic to a manual, your transmission specialist will need to replace several components that rely on an automatic process. One of the biggest replacements will be the brake pedal. This will be replaced by a full-hand brake and clutch installation. A separate bell housing, clutch mechanism, and hydraulic or manual clutch system will need to be created, and the driveshaft may also need to be replaced.
- Expertise – Converting an automatic to a manual transmission is not impossible, but it can be extremely complicated. This requires mechanical experience, and you need to have the right tools on hand beyond your average toolbox. Due to the complexity of the conversion, it is best to hand the work over to a reputable transfer shop in Calgary, Lethbridge, or Medicine Hat.
How to Convert Automatic to Manual
Step 1
Remove the existing shift link if it is a column shift, or remove the shift lever if it is a floor shift. If it’s a post mount, use a small hammer to knock out the roll pin holding the shifter. Remove the shift cable from the stem at the bottom of the steering column and run it through the firewall. If it’s a floor shift, you’ll need to remove the center console and release the shift lever from the floor. Just unscrew the bolts that hold the console and floor mover to the floor.
Step 2
Release the brake pedal linkage from under the dash. Disconnect the electrical connector from the brake light switch. Bolt the new clutch and brake pedal assembly under the dash. Bolt-on the new brake light switch and connect the electrical connectors.
Step 3
Raise and support vehicle on four jack stands. Remove the shift cable or connecting rod from the transmission by removing the nut on the connecting rod and pulling out the shift lever. Save the shift lever for later installation.
Step 4
Use a wrench to remove the inspection cover, use a 3/8″ drive ratchet and socket to remove the bolts in the torque converter, and disconnect the torque converter. Remove all electrical connectors from the transmission. Use a wrench to remove the bolts in the drive yoke. Remove the drive shaft.
Step 5
Place the jack under the derailleur base plate and use the ratchet and socket to remove the bolts in the beam and derailleur mounts. Raise the derailleur and remove the cross member. Lower the derailleur and use a wrench to remove the derailleur cooler line.
Step 6
Use the ratchet and socket to remove the bolts in the bell housing, then remove the derailleur. Use the ratchet and socket to remove the flex plate.
Step 7
Install the new flywheel and tighten the bolts. Install the new clutch kit using the alignment tool included with the kit. Tighten the bolts securely. Install the new thrust bearing in the new bell housing and bolt the new bell housing.
Step 8
Insert the bolts and tighten them with the ratchet and socket to bolt the new manual transmission to the bell case. Plug in all electrical connectors.
Step 9
Install the derailleur mount and tighten the bolts with the ratchet and socket. Place the jack under the derailleur and raise it to install the beam. Lower the derailleur onto the beam, insert the bolts and tighten. Install the drive shaft and bolts and tighten with a wrench.
Step 10
Route the linkage or cable through the firewall and connect it to the clutch pedal. If it is a hydraulic clutch, connect the master cylinder to the clutch pedal and firewall. Bolt the derailleur end of the connecting rod or cable to the clutch release lever on the derailleur. If it is a hydraulic system, connect the slave cylinder to the transmission.
Step 11
Install the shift lever to the derailleur by placing the nut on the shaft end and tightening it with a wrench. Manually place the shift lever on the transmission in the neutral position. When in neutral, the drive shaft can be turned by hand.
If it is a top loader, remove the top cover from the transmission. Bolt the shift lever and cover. If it’s a side-mounted shifter, make a hole in the floor for the shifter. Lift the shift lever, push the handle up through the floor, and insert a bolt into the side of the shift lever to secure it to the transmission. Tighten the bolts with the ratchet and socket. Bolt the connecting rod from the shift lever to the transmission shift lever. Make sure that both the shift lever and the transmission shift lever are neutral.
Final Thoughts
Converting a manual to an automatic is much simpler than converting an automatic to a manual. This is a project that requires a lot of parts and strong mechanical abilities. The automatic transmission’s brake pedal needs to be replaced with a full manual brake and clutch installation. On rear-drive vehicles, the driveshaft may also need to be replaced. Requires a separate bell housing, clutch mechanism, hydraulic or manual clutch mechanism, and finally a shifter and linkage.
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