Auto to manual transmission?

[Tas131]

4 door series 3, does the pedal setup from a manual bolt directly into an auto? I'm contemplating buying an auto that has less rust than my car, but I want to install my running gear and convert it to a manual.

[mirafioriman]

Yes if you have the parts on your current car a swap should be possible. As far as I know the pedal boxes are the same except for the difference in the pedals. There is a marked hole for the clutch cable that you will need to drill out.

[Tas131]

Excellent Dave, thank you. There's a lot of rust in the doors, sills and rear arches of my car. I could repair it, but I've found another car with very little rust, the biggest issue is it's an auto. I just have to work out whether it's worth it, I'd have to fly to Queensland and drive it back, probably 16+ hours of driving, an overnight ferry trip to Tasmania and then another 3 hour drive home.

[Robert]

Hi Mick, conversion auto to manual is not a big issue; it was done to my car that came from the factory as 131 1600 ohv auto and is now 2000TC manual. Only thing you need to know (apart from the pedal issue) is grounding the cable that prevents starting an auto car in D or R; if you forget this, the car won't start and you'll search for hours for the fault...

[mirafioriman]

Just leave it as an auto

[Tas131]

Just leave it as an auto

I think not. I've got a rebuilt engine in the shed, just waiting on a few gaskets to finish it. I will then fit a torque multiplier and injection.