12 replies to this topic

[RVR-ED]

Just wondering how difficult it is to put an automatic gearbox onto an originally manual engine. What's the rough time cost and skills involved?

[evo-gsr]

You will need an automatic loom and TCU to go with it.

[bazeng]

Not a basic job. Very time consuming. If done with dash and mpi/starter wiring conversion also.

[Benzo4gT]

I have done it, looms dash and all. It wasn't too hard, just time consuming as Baz has mentioned. The cost of all the needed parts bought separately will make the entire conversion cost prohibitive.

It would be easier to buy a working RVR that's already an auto and either fixing it and registering it or harvesting the parts in your own garage, the little things go missing or are overlooked when buying bits and getting them shipped

 

If you're still bent on going auto, an easier way is to skip TCU and loom and run a shift box, which is in effect a very simple TCU. It would make the auto a clutchless manual though, so you wouldn't really get the full benefits of an auto and you'd run the risk of frying the box because it boots up in 3rd and will not change unless manually shifted, so if someone doesn't know or forgets............

While in there you may as well buy some ARP bolts to replace the aged OEM ones, so that will add to the cost.

 

You'll also need the transfer case and rear diff as well as the mounts. A trans cooler will have to be put in unless you get an auto radiator

 

Are you looking into converting for ease of driving or to make it a touch more capable off road? (an auto acts as a torque multiplier)

[leon r]

This is becoming a common trend in US for drag racing DSMs.  Automatics are more consistent and cheaper to build/maintain, especially once you get above 600hp territory.  

 

But they are definitely less fun for a street/autox driven car.   I just converted my Eclipse Spyder from FWD/Auto to AWD/Manual:

 

 

The only sensible way to do this is to have a parts cars next your car and transfer the parts over.  Most professional mechanics will not tie up two bays for such project, so you have to do it yourself.  I highly recommend switching the engine harness!

[bazeng]

The problem with auto is that you turn a driver into a steerer. That's why I converted one of my cars. Getting old and lazy.

[RVR-ED]

I'm thinking of doing it as I've lost second gear in my manual and I've heard autos go really well in the rvr. And I just wanted to cover all my bases before committing to rebuilding the box.

[leon r]

You should have a good reason to undertake such project, just replacing a bad manual transmission will be infinitely easier than auto swap.

[White Knight]

I'm thinking of doing it as I've lost second gear in my manual and I've heard autos go really well in the rvr. And I just wanted to cover all my bases before committing to rebuilding the box.

The guys who are getting the good ewsukts with autos have big power and the autos are generally rebuilt by Aldo (Rockabilly) or some other guru.
The standard auto sucks....

[Benzo4gT]

The guys who are getting the good ewsukts with autos have big power and the autos are generally rebuilt by Aldo (Rockabilly) or some other guru.
The standard auto sucks....

 

What the bananas is "ewsukts?"  Did you collect you own mushrooms from the forest again dude?

[evo-gsr]

My deductions suggest "results" was meant
My reward?
Some of the mushrooms mentioned above please!

[White Knight]

Problem was I mixed them with your mushrooms Benny. Lol.

[evo-gsr]

Share em ya kuntz