Mrmerlin

I have an opportunity to procure a 5 speed trans and TT and the other various parts to swap out the auto trans in my 88.

Would you think this is a good idea given the car as its a copy of the 1987 show car.
Would this increase its value?
Since I dont drive it much except to go to shows,
it would not be made to be a daily driver.
I had that 86 5 speed and it was fun to drive more so than the 88 auto.

I am not really sure if I want to invest the time to do this as the car is a one off special,
and this mod would definitely change the character of the car...
Still pondering this idea.

I am open to anyone's thoughts on this idea...

Benton

Stan, I know you would do it right--I say do it! Just document the process with photos so there aren't any secrets in the event the car is sold. I'm a 5-spd guy though, so I may be biased.

Edit: If you do it, I wouldn't put the 85-86 box in. Only a period-correct S4 box.

DJF1

if you are looking at preserving a rare car, then any mods whatsoever will take away from its value. I learned my lesson trying to sell my previous Porsche. If you dont care about resale value and you just want to enjoy the car, then go for it if its something you want.

leperboy

If it's a lot of work and you won't enjoy the fruits of doing it by driving it a lot, and it changes a rare car, I say no.

Spend the time looking for a distressed 85-86 5-speed and making it your DD. Then you have a car to enjoy and a car to preserve.

Matt

Rob Edwards

I would leave it alone.

Chuck Z

For sure if you did the swap it would be done right but, IMO, you have such a rare example I wouldn't do it. I understand why you would consider such a mod but, it's a pretty significant change from stock and one that is not easily reversed. It will most certainly impact the collectability of the car.

danglerb

Leave it alone, find another 5 spd project for a driver, or to tinker on.

Th Dude

Absolutely.

PorKen

Not worth it, IMO. Having a stockish auto for a cruiser, and a lightweight 5-speed for fun, works great for me.

Autos are fine with a little extra grunt. Put in 24# injectors, do a little SharkTuning. Add +3° cam advance for better response. Maybe even get some S3 or Colin's cams.

Jadz928

Don't do it.

White Lightnin'

For the same reason you didn't install a modern subwoofer audio system... not original & would adversely affect the value of your rare car.

Just say no!

Benton

Looks like I'm the only one... sticking to my guns though

ROG100

That would be such a waste of a great automatic car.

Mrmerlin

FWIW the 5 speed would come a from a 89 GT with LSD, not that matters......
Once you cut out the auto shifter quadrant to open the area for the 5 speed shifter,
there isnt any going back,
same for adding the clutch master cylinder mount and the 5 speed tach and rear crossmember

Leon Speed

Leave the car original, it would be a shame to hack it up.