Auto -> Manual conversion

Amoeba

Amoeba

Amoeba

Associate
Joined
11 Sep 2005
Posts
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..
 
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.
Click to expand...
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!
 
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?
Click to expand...
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
 
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!
 
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
 
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.
 
GT3 said:
http://pistonheads.com/sales/1179579.htm
Click to expand...
Have already rung about that one - it has poor service history (oil changes every 12k) and is also way over priced.
numnutz said:
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.
Click to expand...
Yes - certain mods are 'reasonable' on the insurance, so can probably get away with just an exhaust and filter if I see the right car.
MrLOL said:
this is an interesting point

given that a new clutch must cost at least £200

what sort of clutch are you going to get for £450 all in for the conversion.
Click to expand...
Noted! :)
 
nokinidea said:
try £350 for cover, plate and release bearing from Helix !

Also more to the point what sort of shoddy work do you think you are getting for £450 all in !!

Being in the trade and having customers come in with cars barely running having just been "fleesed" by so called experts makes me wonder how the hell they get away with it.
if something sounds cheap... IT'S CHEAP FOR A REASON !
Click to expand...
It's not all in, it's 450 just for a pallet of s/h parts.
 
True - but it's normally relatively easy to tell if a car has been well looked after or ragged to death.

I'd rather wait for the right car to come along which has evidence of being well maintained rather than buy one which has evidence of it not being well maintained, whether it is /currently/ running ok or not.
 
nokinidea said:
Now that's a bit more sensible..

So basically it's missed an oil change Oooooh

Why don't you go see it in the flesh and make your mind up from that stand point
Click to expand...
Well actually it's missed 6, and it's the other end of the country and is also rather over priced...

Plus if the owner hadn't bothered to change the oil at the right time what else has he neglected? Don't personally think I am being too fussy wanting a car that hasn't had a history of neglect..
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom