Converting fiero from manual to automatic, need help (Page 1/3)
jjd2296 NOV 19, 04:23 PM
I know, I know, you don't have to ask why. its for a build im doing for my dad, he doesn't drive manual. has anyone done this before? is it more difficult then doing a auto to manual swap?
Dennis LaGrua NOV 19, 05:48 PM
I've done them. You will need the transmission w Torque converter, CV axles, brackets/mounts, flexplate (for model year), TC bolts (high grade), Trans mounting bolts, shifter, trans selector switch ( rewire here), larger brake pedal, oil cooler/radiator, hard trans lines (you can make them), oil cooler hose, clamps and a wire to the ECM to activate the TC clutch. Finally you will need the ECM for the automatic or at the very least a chip with the automatic program on it. It is not a real hard job but I would not call it easy. The car must be lifted and the cradle dropped. Working alone, I would estimate 20 hrs of labor. Please work carefully. We already lost a member here this year from a car falling on him.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

jjd2296 NOV 20, 08:16 AM
Thanks Denis. Yes I’ll be safe I have access to a shop with a lift.
pmbrunelle NOV 20, 09:34 AM
There is also the automatic steering column (and the interlock cable); this one has the capability to block removal of the key unless the shifter is in Park.

[This message has been edited by pmbrunelle (edited 11-20-2021).]

jjd2296 NOV 21, 12:01 PM
I have the steering wheel and cable already
Dennis LaGrua NOV 21, 01:50 PM

quote
Originally posted by jjd2296:

I have the steering wheel and cable already



On the recent conversion that I did the column was left alone. Saw no reason to change steering columns and add more work to the process. The manual cars already have a locking steering wheel. The whole lockout system is just feel good security . Its not going to stop the professional.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 11-26-2021).]

jjd2296 NOV 24, 01:52 PM
I have the steering wheel and cable already
ZaraSpOOk NOV 29, 06:02 PM
just wanted to say cograts to you, all the pain in the butt clutch problems will be a thing of the past
And as a bonus you likely caused a lot of guys who did (or wanted to) do a auto to manual swap to say "SOMOFABITCH!"
so what are you doing with that highly desirable (sic) Getrag (should have been called Getrags, one rag has never been enough)

[This message has been edited by ZaraSpOOk (edited 11-29-2021).]

Dennis LaGrua NOV 29, 08:39 PM
I've been an automatic man for many years going back to my drag racing days. No human can shift a Fiero as fast as an automatic can but the stick guys say shifting through the gears is fun, that is until you get stuck in stop and go traffic for an hour..

------------------
" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

ZaraSpOOk NOV 30, 06:54 PM
All my vehicles I've owned since 1972 (Ford Mustang 1966) have had manual transmissions, other than replace the Mustang's tranny with a rebuilt (why I only had to pay $200 for a fairly pristine one) I've never ever had to bleed , replace a clutch, or do any tranny work EXCEPT for the highly desirable Getrags

My Vette has 6 gears, a genuine pain in rush hour which is why I almost never commute with it, I did finally get an SUV with an a CVT and paddles which I almost never use, the exception being to use engine braking in winter on occasion rather than the brakes

today a manual transmission is like a corded phone or a VCR
if I bought another Vette, it certainly would not have a manual transmission

[This message has been edited by ZaraSpOOk (edited 11-30-2021).]