i bought a 89 rs about 6 months ago. automatic. i cant stand losing races to cars that i really shouldnt lose to anymore. i was wondering how much trouble it is to convert to a stick, and if anyone has done it, some tips would be greatly appriciated. also if anyone has any idea what the price range is on a project like this, that would help to. thanks a lot.

Jorge

 

there is a tech article on doing this on this site. check it out and see if you still want to go through with it
https://www.thirdgen.org/newdesign/t...nualswap.shtml

 

I wold do it cause the manual REALLY HELPS the small motor of ours.

 

Not worth your time...a poor return for the time and money it will take.

------------------
88 TBI IROC- mods- 5500 rpm redline tach, 240 KM/H speedo,
L69 air cleaner (installed someday

 

I'd say convert your car to a manual when you run out of other mods.


------------------
-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!

 

The swap is VERY WORTH IT!
It makes my little 2.8 act like it has a pair. Now I can chirp in second gear w/o dropping the clutch. Manuals are about 90 lbs lighter than an auto. My gas mileage went up 5 mpg after the swap, so the swap will eventually pay for itself.

Expect the project to add up to about a grand. It may be less if you are lucky and find a good donor car.

Do a search on the tranny forum to see some of the pitfalls. I did my swap from the tech article and it is pretty close. The worst part is installing the pedals and hydaulics. Other than that it about as much work as changing a clutch.

Dale

------------------
1986 FireBird
2.8L MPFI
Gutted Cat, No muffler (Sweet Sound)
Was 700-R4 --> Now T5

 

ive done it too..well worth it. I was real lucky and everything only cost me 300 bucks.

------------------
1989 Firebird
2.8 v6, t5 swapped in

Ram Hi-po clutch, Cold Air, 1.6 rockers,Lakewood LCA's, Lakewood Lift bars, Wonder Bar, 3" y-pipe, Random Tech Cat, 3" I-pipe, Flowmasters, MSd 6a, MSD Coil (Fireball in future) Accel 8.8 wires, MSD Ignition Module, Auto Meter Gauges (Water, Clock (needed one) Fuel Pressure, and 5" monster tach)TB Bypass, 4th Gen Seats

Coming for my v6:
Panhard Bar, 4thgen front seats, Nitrous, Line Lock, and Ram Air 2 hood

"I'd rather run last in a full out race, than to not have run at all"

 

WELL LET ME HAVE THAT NUMBER.
I HAVE $300 TO SPEND RIGHT NOW & I'LL BRING IT RIGHT OVER!!!

------------------
Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

 

lol!...subscribe to the scfb list karl, thats where i found it on. Someone sent a message through the server saying they had this crap for a v6 and i bought it
http://www.socal-fbodies.org

------------------
1989 Firebird
2.8 v6, t5 swapped in

Ram Hi-po clutch, Cold Air, 1.6 rockers,Lakewood LCA's, Lakewood Lift bars, Wonder Bar, 3" y-pipe, Random Tech Cat, 3" I-pipe, Flowmasters, MSd 6a, MSD Coil (Fireball in future) Accel 8.8 wires, MSD Ignition Module, Auto Meter Gauges (Water, Clock (needed one) Fuel Pressure, and 5" monster tach)TB Bypass, 4th Gen Seats

Coming for my v6:
Panhard Bar, 4thgen front seats, Nitrous, Line Lock, and Ram Air 2 hood

"I'd rather run last in a full out race, than to not have run at all"

 

DEFINETLEY WORTH IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

a manual is the main reason i bought the camaro i did

but all in all it should be about a grand to do:

figure used tranny $500
clutch assembly $200
labor $400


i figure $400 for labor because it was only $600 to have my tranny removed, rebuilt, reinstalled

 

OK So you got real lucky, Graeme!

My brother told me to junk my auto & do the swap.
But, $650 for rebuilding & in n out labor, ain't so bad. I only need raise the moola & bring the car down to Torrance.
I still have 1-2, some of 3.
Gonna try for smog inspection today.
Tranny should make it thru the test.
I'm now driving my old Corvette & @135,000 miles on that tranny, it stll can chrip going into second (if I wanna).
IT's never been apart, except for fluid changes.
Why can't these 700R4 last that long.
Someone wants to make my R4 last that long, but, it'll cost me more than I have into the whole car!!

------------------
Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

 

KED85,

Curious to know how the smog inspection pans out. Is this with the 3.4L? I believe your using larger injectors, correct?

 

KED85,

Curious to know how the smog inspection pans out. Is this with the 3.4L? I believe your using larger injectors, correct?

 

KED85,

Curious to know how the smog inspection pans out. Is this with the 3.4L? I believe your using larger injectors, correct?

 

1. 700r4's run hotter & break down fluid faster
2. Bad initial designs (pre-87's).


------------------
-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!

 

Well, I have to wait until Friday, as a certain guy will be there.
I'm hoping the tranny holds up for the testing.
I really doubt if I'll have any trouble, just hoping the tranny works well enough.
I THINK.....
the larger injector will "come into play" with the increase in engine demand (or going real fast to supply fuel). The test makes a car go to 25MPH or a bit more.

Anyone know what type of banana or sawdust I insert for helping tranny slippage?
I can't wait for some fund input to eliminate the tranny problem, real quick. Can't stand not doing anything because of lack of room (or driving the Corvette, limits stuff to insert!!)

------------------
Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA