converting from auto to manual - what is involved?

[Rubce]

Hi All

I am interested in replacing the 3 speed auto gearbox on my car with the 4 speed version that several of you have mentioned. However, the £2,000 price tag is discouraging me:?

As an alternative I am wondering what is involved with converting the car to a manual. I believe that I am correct in thinking that the gear ratio in manual 4th gear with overdrive would be the same as the 4th gear on the autobox.

What would be involved in such a conversion? I am thinking that the cost would be much less even if I purchased a reconditioned manual gearbox from somebody like Paddocks.

Regards

Bruce

[KOY 23]

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Hello Bruce.

Yes the ratios of O/D top and locked up top in the ZF are similar, possibly the auto is a little higher geared. I would be interested to know what the conversion with a re con box would cost, to give a fair comparison. Labour charges and a recon box could cost you similar money to the ZF. I inderstand that getting the clutch to work smoothly can be a time consuming job.

Had a quick look on Rimmers site, yes I know but they do have a comprehensive price list! Box with o/d and clutch is around £800, you would then need front exhaust, pedal box with clutch hydraulics, gear lever wooden surround, speedo cable etc. I am sure Martin at Just Triumph could do you a deal for those.

If the cost of the manual conversion is approaching £1500, I would stump up the extra for the ZF as it is worth a hell of a lot more than £500. If you are doing the job yourself then it would be financially viable but may take several removals of the box to get the clutch right.

Please keep us posted.

John.

[Mark S]

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Hi Bruce,

Conversion to manual is a relatively straight forward job.I sourced all the parts fromsomeoneon the internet who breaksStags, listed exactly what I wanted and agreed a price.The going rate seems to be between £300 and £600 for all the parts you need. Beware ofconversions advertised with bits missing as the rare parts can be difficult to find and a hefty price from stealers.(Most breakers want to sell the exhaust complete but Stainless front pipes are dirt cheap)

List of parts off top of my head

J type o/d gearbox, two piece gearboxcross member & rubbers, engine adaptor plate, flywheel, pilot bush, clutch with bearing & carrier, clutch master with reservoir, slave& pipe, manual pedal box, propshaft, speedo cable & angle drive, o/d gearstick & wiring, wooden trim, reversing/ od switch wiring loom, J type front pipes & mounting bracket.

If possible get all of the nuts and bolts too as sourcing these separate can be time consuming and expensive.

It's up to you whether you exchange the box for a recon, fit a new clutch etc, but this will substantially add to the price and may be no better than the one you buy. Carefully inspect theclutch cross shaft/fork attachment and replace (or fit additional) end bushes in the casing if worn. Check that theo/d and reversing switches work.Make sure the box has the later long nose piece and align the gearbox to the adaptor plate using TWO dowells.If youhave access to an engine crane dont bother trying to do the job from underneath the car - perfectly possible but much harder work.

I wouldn't go back to auto,even the ZF conversion.

Mark.

[Sheepdip]

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My twopennethworth... After a 35 and 65, I tried converting mine to manual last year and then had to revert back after reverse failed. While it worked I liked the higher geared cruising but missed the auto intraffic jams and especially putting the car in the garage which is on a slope, two foot auto made this a doddle. Also the wife (who hates driving the Stag) much preferred the auto as one less thing to worry about!

All the bits are available but be prepared to face the flywheel and install a new clutch. The hydraulics might be iffy - it all adds up.

I will try the manual again but long term I'll be looking to installal a DIY 4spd auto.

[Mark S]

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Sheepdip wrote:

I will try the manual again but long term I'll be looking to installal a DIY 4spd auto.

I have a couple of BW35 bell housingscluttering up the garage andI think the flex plate is there too if you want them.

Mark.

[dogsnadgers]

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Sheepdip wrote:

be prepared to face the flywheel and install a new clutch.

I would do this automatically and replace everything for the clutch with new. If you install it correctly and it still judders it will be alignment and you should be able to do this without removing the box by loosening the bellhousing bolts and moving the box slightly. Get the alignment right and you will be okay from the off. Personally, unlesws you are doing a lot of miles I would stick with the auto as you won't get your money back in saved fuel.

Dave

[Kevin Garrod]

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dogsnadgers wrote:

. Personally, unlesws you are doing a lot of miles I would stick with the auto as you won't get your money back in saved fuel.

Dave

I don't know, the way fuel prices are going......

In any case, I think we spend money on our cars to make them the way we want them. If you want to save money on petrol, see Nick and buy a bicycle.

[Sheepdip]

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Mark S wrote:

Sheepdip wrote:

I will try the manual again but long term I'll be looking to installal a DIY 4spd auto.

I have a couple of BW35 bell housingscluttering up the garage andI think the flex plate is there too if you want them.

Mark.

Mark, I may well take you up on the offer thanks. I have acomplete 35 in the shed and 65 installed but would save messing the boxes around. Are they just bellhousings?

Paul

[Mark S]

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Yes, just two bell housings, (three dodgy BW35 boxes went to the skip earlier this year).I still have the flex plate and engine adaptor plate, yours to hack about if you want them.

Mark.

[les M]

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Mark S

If Paul (sheepdip) doesn't want them then I will I'm looking for a auto engine backplate, flex drive plate and a B/W 35 bellhousing. (all for one of my next projects)



Les.

[Kevin Garrod]

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Is this the long-awaited 5-speed kit?Will you beat Tate and Lewis to it?

[stustag]

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Have a look at this!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/LGC-TRIUMPH-ST...QQcmdZViewItem

[V8 Rumbler]

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Rubce wrote:

Hi All

I am interested in replacing the 3 speed auto gearbox on my car with the 4 speed version that several of you have mentioned. However, the £2,000 price tag is discouraging me:?

As an alternative I am wondering what is involved with converting the car to a manual. I believe that I am correct in thinking that the gear ratio in manual 4th gear with overdrive would be the same as the 4th gear on the autobox.

What would be involved in such a conversion? I am thinking that the cost would be much less even if I purchased a reconditioned manual gearbox from somebody like Paddocks.

Regards

Bruce

ebay Item number: 150258537319

Darren

[Kevin Garrod]

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Don't expect a bargain, look who the seller is and check out the 'watch out' thread

[mad cyclist]

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i would make yourself a shopping list and buy it all as and when it comes available, get a new clutch and the cover as they need to be right when you do it.

alternativly is your car of setimental value? if not why not sell it and buy a mod.

rgds Nick