Yeah... thats exactly how i did it, do even know what you are talking about? Anybody that knows how to use a wrench would probably be able to do this swap.

 

I have used two floor jacks, and nothing other than a set of metric wrenches. Oh, the one special tool I used is a 3 foot long extension. I almost have the new tranny in.

As for cost:

rebuilt tranny 1200
ripper shifter 150
stage 2 clutch 400
clutch hydraulics 200

So far 1950 on major components. Now add in the cost of sales taxes and the cost of various and sundry parts and add a bit more to account for unforseen issues, and 2500 is not hard to reach.

Yes I could have done things cheaper, but I don't want to be under the thing constantly. I don't want stupid stuff breaking or working less than optimally especially when I am at the track a hundred miles form home. I want a rock solid setup that I can drive across the country, or flog on all day at an RR or AX session.

How others chose to spend their money is their business, but I have almost complete confidence in the job I am doing.

 

I said it before and will say it again SIX SPEED!
But on the serious side of things you asked for our opinion and everyone chimmed in. I know you will love the 6 speed, but if you have to run up a credit card bill to do it, hold off and don't rush into it. I've seen it time and time again, run out and buy something you want and maybe get a fair deal then next week or month you see a great deal.

I did a similiar swap on the 2nd car I ever owned. Not hard at all and I loved it!

 

when i mentioned $300 for gas... i think i know my budget... thats about 2000miles a month at $1.75 that puts me at about $291 at 12 mpg... whenever i do a little work it'll go up then go back down... but a manual would be more like 15-18... and after a little work would be more like 20-22

 

if you are one who loves the stick then i would say do it. track times will be better with an auto though, (as much as i hate to admit it)

 

I had a 93z that was an auto a while back and now i have the m6 and i have to say i would never go back

 

Most of the guys touting 6 speeds are under 25 years old. Put in a stall, re-program the computer and go with the auto. You'll take them at a stop light every time. I've owned plenty of manual transmissions and loved them, don't get me wrong, but my last three cars I've owned and autocrossed were auto's and I wouldn't go back now.

 

i agree that the auto is faster, but i love to drive the manuals. When a driver knows what they are doing, i think the outcome is pretty close

 

Only if you want to go slower.

 

off the line...

but the manual transmission is geared better.

 

Didn't seem to hurt his times....

 

NASCAR start =

Not a big concern. When I get done with my combo, I'll probably have 3.27 rear gears, 2.45:1 first gear from a TH400 (I think that's what it is), and a 28" tall tire. Shifting at around 6700, not counting in converter slippage, I'll be able to hit 70 mph in 1st gear. Nice for when I'm hitting a 150 shot from a dead dig, then hit the bigger kit at around 40-45.

Don't forget its more consistant, but with a manual valve body, that goes out the window.

 

i dont race to often, and will probably never see the track...
maybe when i dont work 50 hours a week... id like to choose my gear rather then push the pedal just right to make it shift... manual transmission also gives me something to do.

 

700R4 with full manual valvebody and high stall!


so much more fun than a 6 speed!

 

Frankly, I feel very uncomfortable with the auto when doing AX or RR, and since that is what I am most intested in doing with my car, I am making the switch.

Yes, autos can work well in these circumstances, but:

I remeber once coming out of the last turn of the autox. I had the gear selector in 1. I was making a right turn out on to the last straight stretch, and needed to make a left turn shortly afterward in order to get into the stop box. On the throttle hard. The car bounced of the rev limiter just as I was going into the left turn, just as I was passing a lamp pole. The a4 said enough! It switched to second at about 5700rpm. I was sideways in a heartbeat, just barely missed the pole, and nearly had a coronary attack. (Heck I'm almost 50 years old.)

Enough with the a4. I will call the gear changes, thank you, and I will feel much more comfortable when I'm pushing my car