Automatic to manual conversion

[Cartman]

Hi guys, this is probably a stupid question, but I have to ask anyway, is it viable to convert an auto to manuel? Has anyone ever done this sucsesfuly? I realice that it's alot of work, having to add the clutch pedal, and source a manual gearbox, flywheel, clutch and so on, but is it dooable? In my search for the right car, there seems to me that there are more autos, than manuels, and I want a manual one. I generaly don't like automatic cars at all.

The reason I ask is because I found a reasonably cheep one in germany, although it needs alot of work, it is claimed to be running fine. http://suchen.mobile.de/auto-inserat/andere-andere-delorean-dmc-12-1-california-owner-kristiansund-n/176147049.html?lang=en&pageNumber=1&action=eyeCatcher&__lp=1&scopeId=C&sortOption.sortBy=searchNetGrossPrice&makeModelVariant1.modelDescription=Delorean&makeModelVariant1.searchInFreetext=false&makeModelVariant2.searchInFreetext=false&makeModelVariant3.searchInFreetext=false&makeModelVariantExclusion1.searchInFreetext=false&damageUnrepaired=ALSO_DAMAGE_UNREPAIRED&export=ALSO_EXPORT

If the auto/manual conversion is not adviced, how would you describe the auto box? Beside beeing only 3 speed, is it any good? Are there any reasons to go for the automatic rather than the manual?

Thanks in advance :)
Adrian :)

[OverlandMan]

Hi guys, this is probably a stupid question, but I have to ask anyway, is it viable to convert an auto to manuel? Has anyone ever done this sucsesfuly? I realice that it's alot of work, having to add the clutch pedal, and source a manual gearbox, flywheel, clutch and so on, but is it dooable? In my search for the right car, there seems to me that there are more autos, than manuels, and I want a manual one. I generaly don't like automatic cars at all.

The reason I ask is because I found a reasonably cheep one in germany, although it needs alot of work, it is claimed to be running fine. http://suchen.mobile.de/auto-inserat/andere-andere-delorean-dmc-12-1-california-owner-kristiansund-n/176147049.html?lang=en&pageNumber=1&action=eyeCatcher&__lp=1&scopeId=C&sortOption.sortBy=searchNetGrossPrice&makeModelVariant1.modelDescription=Delorean&makeModelVariant1.searchInFreetext=false&makeModelVariant2.searchInFreetext=false&makeModelVariant3.searchInFreetext=false&makeModelVariantExclusion1.searchInFreetext=false&damageUnrepaired=ALSO_DAMAGE_UNREPAIRED&export=ALSO_EXPORT

If the auto/manual conversion is not adviced, how would you describe the auto box? Beside beeing only 3 speed, is it any good? Are there any reasons to go for the automatic rather than the manual?

Thanks in advance :)
Adrian :)

Nicholas R did this on his car. He can probably fill you in on the details. I know from what I've read that its a major PIA. The frames are drilled differently from what I understand. Probably cheaper and easier to find the car you really want rather than convert.

[Cartman]

Thought so :/ wel, it was worth asking atleast :)

Thank you :)

[David T]

The conversion is possible but not practical. Best done with a donor car so you can get all of the hardware. The frames ARE different but nothing you cannot handle if you can make an adapter plate. The car is not as "sporty" but it is very drivable with the automatic. Much easier to drive in heavy traffic. Both transmissions have their strong points and weak points. If you really want a 5-speed it is much better to find one than to build one.
David Teitelbaum

[bastien-fma]

the car was sold today... ( seller's reply )

[Cartman]

The conversion is possible but not practical. Best done with a donor car so you can get all of the hardware. The frames ARE different but nothing you cannot handle if you can make an adapter plate. The car is not as "sporty" but it is very drivable with the automatic. Much easier to drive in heavy traffic. Both transmissions have their strong points and weak points. If you really want a 5-speed it is much better to find one than to build one.
David Teitelbaum

Thanx, i belive you are right, it's probably best to find the one I want, rather then try to modefy one :)

Snince I wil be using it as a daily driver, i have a 6km drive to work, and we have a brand new car we use for everything else :) And I won't be using it on the track like I am with my curent car, I may just consider an auto, but that wil be my backup plan, I realy do prefer a manual box :)

[Nicholas R]

Nicholas R did this on his car. He can probably fill you in on the details. I know from what I've read that its a major PIA. The frames are drilled differently from what I understand. Probably cheaper and easier to find the car you really want rather than convert.

Indeed. It's a major pain in the ass. Certainly dooable, but if you don't have a Delorean and you want a manual, just wait until you can find a manual. I did it because I already had a decade of time and money invested in my particular car (and even still I really considered buying another car). Don't impulse buy if the transmission is that important to you. It is not cost effective monetarily or time wise to buy an auto with the intention of converting it.

EDIT: If you're really interested, this (http://ls1delorean.blogspot.com/2012/03/two-weekends-of-madness.html) post of my blog outlines some of what was involved in the conversion on the frame side. I believe this (http://ls1delorean.blogspot.com/2012/05/bodyframe-rejoining.html) post shows some of the work regarding the pedal box, clutch reservoir, etc.

[Cartman]

Thanks for the advice, I think I wil be finding the rght car instead :) but it's good to know that it atleast is dooable :) just in case :)