Converting Manual to Automatic

[Johnny C]

I know I'm probably gonna get blasted for this, lol, but has anyone ever done this sort of conversion? I saw a thread for converting an auto to a manual, but not the other way around. What difficulties would one run into in making this conversion? Would everything align and "fit" where it's supposed to (shifter, etc)?

I live in an area with a TON of traffic and that heavy clutch isn't doing my leg any favors, LOLOL.

Any thoughts? Should I not even consider it? Should I shut the hell up?

-Johnny C

[MrChocky]

I know I'm probably gonna get blasted for this, lol, but has anyone ever done this sort of conversion? I saw a thread for converting an auto to a manual, but not the other way around. What difficulties would one run into in making this conversion? Would everything align and "fit" where it's supposed to (shifter, etc)?

I live in an area with a TON of traffic and that heavy clutch isn't doing my leg any favors, LOLOL.

Any thoughts? Should I not even consider it? Should I shut the hell up?

-Johnny C

Given the demand for manuals by auto owners, I think you'd simply be better off finding someone to swap cars with. It depends how much you've customized your car though.

[82DMC12]

As far the frame goes, the only thing you would have to do is cut the deck out where the manual shift sits and have someone fab up a new plate that can be installed at the correct height in the frame for the auto shifter. The auto shifter sits lower than the manual shifter. No other frame changes needed.

No idea on other automatic-specific components as I don't have one and have never looked very closely at one.

[MrChocky]

An incomplete list of additional auto components is:

Second WOT switch.
Auto trans computer and governor cable.
Auto trans itself.
Obviously shifter and linkage.

[Michael]

An incomplete list of additional auto components is:
Auto trans itself.

You have a firm grasp of the obvious.

[Mark D]

Sounds like you just gotta stop skipping leg day and beef up those lower left leg muscles.
Gotta be swole to drive a manual DeLorean





But seriously though, it is an interesting question. I can't say I remember anyone ever doing a manual to auto swap.

I don't drive my car frequently enough in heavy traffic that the clutch pedal is that annoying, but I agree it's got a heavy feel to it. I let one of my friends drive my car a while back and the first thing he said was "really?? is this how the clutch pedal is supposed to feel??" He's a mid 90's honda guy and the pedal feel on those by comparison is super light.


EDIT:

Here we go, I just found this thread about swapping from auto to manual. Just do the exact opposite and you should be all set!
http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?18...ight=auto+swap


Double ninja edit:
Looks like you're not the first one to ask this question:
http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?40...ight=auto+swap

[David T]

Going 5-speed to auto is actually easier than the other way. You need a LOT of little bits though. It would be easier if you had a parts car, some of the bits are going to be hard and expensive to get one-by-one. Probably more cost effective and a lot faster to just sell your car and buy an automatic. Realize an automatic is not as "peppy" as a 5-speed but it is more convenient to drive especially in traffic or hilly areas. It is all bolt-in except for some minor fabrication of the frame in the shifter area. The ideal situation would be someone who has an automatic that wants a 5-speed. You could either swap parts or cars.

[WHO1DMC]

OK Just spitballing here. Can the peddle be modified for a lighter peddle return spring? How heavy is that thing? Or roller barings instead of solid bushings?



Remember just ideas I could think of to possibly make a difference in a easier way.

Dave B.

[Johnny C]

OK Just spitballing here. Can the peddle be modified for a lighter peddle return spring? How heavy is that thing? Or roller barings instead of solid bushings?



Remember just ideas I could think of to possibly make a difference in a easier way.

Dave B.

Ooohhhhh, now there ya go... That's a great question. I'd entertain that option for sure. Why IS that thing so heavy? Anyone successfully made it less difficult to press down on?

[Johnny C]

Sounds like you just gotta stop skipping leg day and beef up those lower left leg muscles.
Gotta be swole to drive a manual DeLorean





But seriously though, it is an interesting question. I can't say I remember anyone ever doing a manual to auto swap.

I don't drive my car frequently enough in heavy traffic that the clutch pedal is that annoying, but I agree it's got a heavy feel to it. I let one of my friends drive my car a while back and the first thing he said was "really?? is this how the clutch pedal is supposed to feel??" He's a mid 90's honda guy and the pedal feel on those by comparison is super light.


EDIT:

Here we go, I just found this thread about swapping from auto to manual. Just do the exact opposite and you should be all set!
http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?18...ight=auto+swap


Double ninja edit:
Looks like you're not the first one to ask this question:
http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?40...ight=auto+swap

Thanks Mark! I saw the first one, but let me check out the second for sure! As for being swole... hell, my left leg will eventually get there and I won't even have to have leg day! LOLOLOL!!! Now to figure out how to make the right leg match.... hmmmm..... ;-)


Great advice here folks! Thanks so much!!