Auto trans swap
04-20-2003, 08:10 PM
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Auto trans swap
First, hello to everyone and I'm thrilled to part of this group.
I have an '81 auto and want to swap in a 4sp trans. Anyone done this? Is it a straight bolt in, or will I need different axles, fluid lines, etc. I found a transmission from an '83S on e-bay.Is this a good year to use, or would another year trans be a better choice? The car will be street driven only, no track use.
Thanks for any ideas/advice..........
I have an '81 auto and want to swap in a 4sp trans. Anyone done this? Is it a straight bolt in, or will I need different axles, fluid lines, etc. I found a transmission from an '83S on e-bay.Is this a good year to use, or would another year trans be a better choice? The car will be street driven only, no track use.
Thanks for any ideas/advice..........
04-20-2003, 08:34 PM
#3
Hey Sparks.
(Thanks for your help on the phone steve. I've given up on automatics)
The 4spd trans swap is straight forward. On the 83 and 84 transmissions the crossmember LOOKS the same as your 81, but the part number is different. I have the 84 version for sale.
Using an early 4spd will allow you to just stick it up there, instead of "beating" the area on the car over the Torque converter as you would on an 87+ trans.
My 84 trans is for sale. It is slipping in all gears, but downshifts and then upshifts very well at full throttle. I am unsure what is wrong, but the unithas a very good LSD differencial, so I am selling it all for 1000.
Maybe you could ship it to steve for a rebuild
You need custom fluid lines, so that the 81 lines will line up with the 84 trans. I have these as well. Newly made, 3k on swap parts.
You will need an updated "downshift cable" as the 83 and 84 trans has a different way of hooking to the downshift cable than the 81. I had one fabricated, and it worked wonderfully. I tried to get an OEM on, but they are 350. I will sell mine for 200, which is the time I had to pay my mechanic to make one.
The TT is from an 83+ car is needed. You cannot use your 81 TT. I rebuilt an 89 unit, and will be selling it for 300.
The plugs for speedometer and other wiring is perfectly matched. You simply plug the harness for the 83-84 trans into your 81 and poof, it works.
You need a rear flexplate for the year trans you are using. This I am not selling, as I believe the uned one I bought had the rivets let go. Saddening really.
YOu can use your original halfshafts, but hey, I shoudl mention that mine were rebuilt with the correct porsche grease and rubber boots and flanges.
You will need to put new coverter (actually coverter cover) bearings into the trans before you put it in. Course, mine has them new already. And make sure whatever trans you buy has a Torque convterter and front cover.
Buy a filter change kit, and plenty of trans fluid.
It was great, and still is, except for the slipping. It REALLY wakes the car up. You will enjoy it.
Best case scenario is to put an 89+ auto in, to get the shorter rear end gearing and 1st gear, but thats more money.
(Thanks for your help on the phone steve. I've given up on automatics)
The 4spd trans swap is straight forward. On the 83 and 84 transmissions the crossmember LOOKS the same as your 81, but the part number is different. I have the 84 version for sale.
Using an early 4spd will allow you to just stick it up there, instead of "beating" the area on the car over the Torque converter as you would on an 87+ trans.
My 84 trans is for sale. It is slipping in all gears, but downshifts and then upshifts very well at full throttle. I am unsure what is wrong, but the unithas a very good LSD differencial, so I am selling it all for 1000.
Maybe you could ship it to steve for a rebuild
You need custom fluid lines, so that the 81 lines will line up with the 84 trans. I have these as well. Newly made, 3k on swap parts.
You will need an updated "downshift cable" as the 83 and 84 trans has a different way of hooking to the downshift cable than the 81. I had one fabricated, and it worked wonderfully. I tried to get an OEM on, but they are 350. I will sell mine for 200, which is the time I had to pay my mechanic to make one.
The TT is from an 83+ car is needed. You cannot use your 81 TT. I rebuilt an 89 unit, and will be selling it for 300.
The plugs for speedometer and other wiring is perfectly matched. You simply plug the harness for the 83-84 trans into your 81 and poof, it works.
You need a rear flexplate for the year trans you are using. This I am not selling, as I believe the uned one I bought had the rivets let go. Saddening really.
YOu can use your original halfshafts, but hey, I shoudl mention that mine were rebuilt with the correct porsche grease and rubber boots and flanges.
You will need to put new coverter (actually coverter cover) bearings into the trans before you put it in. Course, mine has them new already. And make sure whatever trans you buy has a Torque convterter and front cover.
Buy a filter change kit, and plenty of trans fluid.
It was great, and still is, except for the slipping. It REALLY wakes the car up. You will enjoy it.
Best case scenario is to put an 89+ auto in, to get the shorter rear end gearing and 1st gear, but thats more money.
04-20-2003, 10:47 PM
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Thanks Brendan, that looks like all the info needed. Will you part with the cooler lines seperately? Don't know when (if) I'll do the swap, won't be for a while. I will get back to you about addional parts in a week or so. Again, thanks for taking the time to pass on the info!