Auto -> Manual conversion

Amoeba

Amoeba

Amoeba

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Joined
11 Sep 2005
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1,883
Location
Southport
Anybody got any thoughts on these? I am struggling to find a suitable 200sx with a manual box, but there seem to be quite a few with the auto box.

Now, assuming I can source all the bits needed (which I can) and pay a decent company to do the conversion, would there be any inherent problems with this? Or would it essentially be the same as a car that rolled out of the factory with a manual box?

I guess a bonus for doing it this way is that an auto is less likely to have been abused during its life..
 
Buy the manual version, seriously. It costs a good lot of money to do the conversion and the 200sx isn't a rare or unique car in the grand scheme of things.
 
I would forget that and keep looking for a manual, who needs all that hassle.
 
Hate said:
Buy the manual version, seriously. It costs a good lot of money to do the conversion and the 200sx isn't a rare or unique car in the grand scheme of things.
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The labour costs £350 and the parts are around £4-500.

The car may not be unique but it is certainly difficult to find a well looked after standard one that's not massively overpriced and got moon mileage!
 
And you've got a quote for that? Alas I find it hard to believe you can source a gearbox, pedal box, the clutch stuff, electronics and everything else needed AND drop the engine to fit it all (including possibly modifying the floor to fit a clutch pedal in) for under a grand.

You also have to notify the DVLA, and declare it on your insurance.

Have you tried the 200sx owners club?
 
Hate said:
And you've got a quote for that? Alas I find it hard to believe you can source a gearbox, pedal box, the clutch mechanism, ecu and everything else needed AND drop the engine to fit it all (including possibly modifying the floor to fit a clutch pedal in) for under a grand.

You also have to notify the DVLA, and declare it on your insurance.

Have you tried the 200sx owners club?
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PPS do a conversion kit for £450 which includes everything needed:

5 Speed

Gearbox
Gearbox crossmember
Manual gear lever surround
Clutch/Pressure plate/Release bearing
Flywheel
Clutch slave cylinder, master cylinder and lines
Clutch and brake pedals
Propshaft
All Bolts

Various people in the owners club have had the conversion done at APT for £350 (ie one days labour).

And yes - I have tried looking on the owners club for cars, and have been doing for the last 2 months or so! :p
 
Just hold out and get a decent manual. Why does it have to be standard? Can you not buy one thats running Stage 1 and remove any modifications if you're worried about insurance?

DIY style doing the Auto to Manual conversion is the only way it's every going to be cost effective, i.e you make the cost up in the additional value of the car being manual. I've got a mate who's got an Auto 14, who bought it to get the conversion done but it's just hassle finding all the bits and pieces at reasonable cost (£450 for the PPS package is a lot).
 
numnutz - Well I thought about removing mods, but don't know if that would be any less hassle really... Finding a standard exhaust, airbox, IC, wheels etc etc and then getting them fitted. Not really viable.

I guess I should just keep looking!
 
I presume autos are more expensive than manuals anyway? If you genuinely can't find a decent manual then fair enough, but it just seems a waste to pay more for an auto and then pay more on top to convert it into a manual.
 
miniyazz said:
I presume autos are more expensive than manuals anyway? If you genuinely can't find a decent manual then fair enough, but it just seems a waste to pay more for an auto and then pay more on top to convert it into a manual.
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No, automatic 200SX's are generally a fair bit cheaper than manuals because not many people want them.
 
Ok so back to the original question (as the conversation has as usual spiralled into a financial debate).

If I DID decide to do a conversion, would it mechanically be ok? Assuming the work was done properly? It would it always be a bit ropey? :p
 
Are you looking for a car without modifications because of issues with insurance? Because you do know that you're going to have to declare it to your insurance company?

And I have a feeling that having an auto to manual conversion is going to bump up your premium a bit more than declaring an aftermarket exhaust, air filter and bling wheels (which are pretty much standard items on s14s these days!).
 
Yeah I thought I'd have to declare it - didn't really see why doing a conversion would make the policy more expensive though?

I thought things that made the car faster / more dangerous or more desirable to steal would put the policy up but not a new gearbox! Will have to ring up to find out I think.
 
Amoeba said:
Ok so back to the original question (as the conversation has as usual spiralled into a financial debate).

If I DID decide to do a conversion, would it mechanically be ok? Assuming the work was done properly? It would it always be a bit ropey? :p
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Yes, it should be fine.
 
On my preludes V5 it is listed incorrectly as an automatic (god knows why) but this seems to be quite common on imports, i just manually selected the manual version on my insurance company's website.

So the answer find a auto import and convert it :)
 
Buy a manual.. seriously !

What sort of crappy second hand clutch do you think you get when the whole conversion costs £450!!
LOL
 
Clarkey said:
Doesn't seem like it is to me, not at all.
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If you put the legwork in you could find the parts for a lot less. It's more £450 and then another £300 labour to fit, is where I'm heading with this. I'm pretty sure there's no real warranty either. You'll get whatever's left of a clutch etc

£750 to go from auto to manual, no thanks.
 
Amoeba said:
numnutz - Well I thought about removing mods, but don't know if that would be any less hassle really... Finding a standard exhaust, airbox, IC, wheels etc etc and then getting them fitted. Not really viable.

I guess I should just keep looking!
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Hassle Vs Cost.

Have you tried running quotes with and without modifications? I don't see how changing an auto to a manual is less hassle.
 
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