1987na

Hi all,

I am looking to put an auto trans from a 85.5 n/a into a 87 n/a which currently has a 5sp. The auto has 120k+ on it. My question is, is it a good idea to rebuild the auto trans before putting it in or not? I'm thinking it's a good idea just to be safe, but wanted to know anyone else's thoughts.

Thanks for all ideas and advice.

Legoland951

Its not easy at all to do the swap. You will have to change the instrument cluster, rewire the reverse switch along with installing a neutral safety switch and a whole lot of trans lines including a radiator. The axles are assymetrical for the auto compared to the 5 speed so you will need the axles also along with a different torque tube that will accomodate the automatic (has a slot for the snap ring which holds the damper in the front). A new damper will set you back $400 to $800 depending on where you buy it and putting in a used one is worse than installing a used rubber donut center clutch in a 5 speed. I just did a conversion of an auto to a 5 speed last month (3rd one I have done) and I have mentioned before I rather do 3 clutch changes in a row before one auto to stick conversion. The conversion parts and labor will cost you more than to keep your 5 speed and buy another auto car. If the trans works well, use it as a rebuild will cost you a good amount. If you want to swap cars, I have an 87 automatic that runs well to trade you for your 87 with a 5 speed. It will save you a lot of headaches and if you have never done a conversion before, it will save you more headaches than you know.

dubstr

Why? why would you do this? It devalues the car.. plus makes it slow. That is why it devalues. Plus have you seen the price on the flywheel? just curious.

Legoland951

I have a flywheel I will trade for a few bottles of 2 liter cokes A clean auto goes for about the same as the 5 speed but mostly bought by women instead of men.

BrianAg95

You have got to be crazy I would change my auto into a manual in a second if it wasn't outrageously costly, but a swap the other way.... no way..... Besides for the cost you could probably just get another whole car. or well close to it....

1987na

I probably should have mentioned, the auto trans along with everything else relating to it is going to come from a car I already have. You all still probably think I am crazy though.

PCA 944

I resent that as I auto 944 owner.

Legoland951

Mostly is the word...

PCA 944

Fine.

I still think auto trannies get too much of a bad rep. They are slower, and less responsive but an auto isn't that bad. Especially in LA, with all the traffic.

1987na

No one's answered my question yet. I'm doing it because I like the auto trans, so everyone can please get over that. Should I rebuild the auto trans before putting it in the car?

streckfu's

Yes. Consider it insurance against have to do it 3 months after installing it.

1987na

Thanks, now does anyone know where I can get a trans rebuild kit?