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Automatic to Manual Transmission Conversion; Yes, I do really, really, REALLY want to do it.
Topic Started: Jun 24 2010, 11:05 PM (2,943 Views)
micahmye
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[ *  * ]
Howdy Folks!

I have been a lurker here for awhile, mainly because I had no Geo to post about ;)

Well I have fixed that problem and am now the proud owner of a oil burning 97 LSi Hatchback with a 1.3l and yes, what this whole topic is about, a automatic tranny.

I have the oil burning part all covered (I think and hope), I ordered all new intake and exhaust valves, full gasket kit, rod bearings, and of course rings. I will rebuild the engine myself (let's hope), all thanks to this great forum and Johnny Mullet and his useful rebuild how to's.

I AM ABSOLUTELY 100% SURE THAT I WANT TO DO THE CONVERSION, I realize there is a lot of work involved, for me this will be fun and a good summer project

Now I have a offer to make, I am no expert, more like a huge noob when it comes to transmission conversions; So here's my offer.

Tell me what parts and pieces I need to do this and I will purchase them and then make a detailed how to thread documenting how I did it. I have not seen a thread like that and I think it would be a great addition to the how to section. Sound like a deal to you?

I would probably like to run the 4.10 4cyl tranny, tell me why I don't want to and I may change my mind :)

I did do my homework and I came up with these two topics: 1 and 2

But neither tell you really what parts you need, so help me out and I will help others in exchange :D

So here are the parts I'm guessing I'll need:
Manual Transmission (duh)
Clutch Pedal and mounts
Center Console (Where the stick shifter would go :P)
Clutch Cable
Clutch
Flywheel
Transmission Mounts?

I don't have an entire car, but am keeping my eye out. In the meantime I am going to try to collect all the parts separately; I just need to know what they actually are :)

If someone has a parts car that they would like to sell me everything needed for the swap please let me know and we can make a deal!
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Coche Blanco
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4.10 is too "short" for the 4 banger. Go 3.79, or 3.52 unless you plan on keeping it SLOWW

This is a personal preference. ^^^
Edited by Coche Blanco, Jun 24 2010, 11:31 PM.
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Bad Bent
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Facetious Educated Donkey

Welcome to the forum, micahmye! :coffee

I wonder if you don't need a "Center Console" and might get away with something simple and custom, like a Neon. :dunno

You've heard the rhetoric. :deal Good luck!
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micahmye
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blanco: I don't really ever plan on going past 70mph, in PA the speed limit is 65 and I will probably go 55 to 60 in the 65 zone most of the time. What would be the benefits of running a 3.79 or a 3.52?

bent: Thanks man, I'm real glad to be here. That might be sweet, what do the neon's look like inside? Any pic's around of a metro with the neon center thing?
Edited by micahmye, Jun 25 2010, 11:30 PM.
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Coche Blanco
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Lower RPMs, but depending on your terrain/driving style, you may get better MPGs with the 4.10
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Bad Bent
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Facetious Educated Donkey

micahmye
Jun 25 2010, 11:29 PM
bent: Thanks man, I'm real glad to be here. That might be sweet, what do the neon's look like inside? Any pic's around of a metro with the neon center thing?
I don't go peeking in Neons that much. :lol

Take a look at Neon Console Install and Armrest Mod in '95-'01.

Looks like fun. :D
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micahmye
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blanco: Well here in pa there are quite a few hills and mountains, and my driving style; I tend to drive like a old man :P City and highway for me is mixed, probably 40/60. I think that I would want this to get better mileage on the highway over city. But I don't want it to be a pain to drive around town if gearing is to low (IE:3.52) would the 3.79 or the 4.10 be best for my application?

bent: That does look like fun! Haha I will look into it :)

On topic, Does anybody have any parts to add to my list for the conversion?
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Coche Blanco
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Since you have the 1.3, I would suggest the 3.79, but the 4.10 is good too. Don't just take my opinion, wait for other people to post on the subject.
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G.O. Joe
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Great idea! I've got the 1.3 automatic also, and I'd love to change over to a 5 speed. My problem is I have no idea where to start. :hmm

Good luck, and keep us updated! ^o)
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micahmye
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Blanco: Have you seen anyone with a 1.3 and the 3.79? if yes, how does it perform?

paprmakr: Yeah man, Thanks! Hopefully I can help you and others out by making up a list of stuff you will need and a step by step :D

P.S. I found out that I need to add the shifter linkage to the list of items I'll need.
Edited by micahmye, Jun 27 2010, 11:01 PM.
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Coche Blanco
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We have a few (lucky) members with that combo, IIRC. They will probably find this post and tell you.

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Woodie
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The factory combination for a 95-01 is 1.3 liter and 3.79 gears. 60 mph is about 2,600 rpm. Works great.

4.10 gears would be a little more racy with higher rpms and less gas mileage. If you get one of those you'll probably need to tap out the hole for the shifter brace rod mounting stud.

3.52 gears would be the gas mileage option, not as easy to find as that combination didn't come in a Metro in the States. Need to find an 89-94 Swift or a Canada Metro.

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bogs
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Duct tape heals all wounds

:+1 my 96 has a 1.3 and the 3.79s and I think its great, has enough power to keep up with traffic and gives me 40 mpg despite my lack of driving conservatively.
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Horn


hey mic pm me if you need parts
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Good bye


If you check again you will find that 1.3l stick shift cars 95+ come with 3.79 gears. So buy rusty 95+ sedan and you should have all the right parts. :)
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