I have a 2000 automatic mazda miata and i wanna get a manual transmission put in and I got a few questions. What would I need (parts, tools, etc.)? whats the difference between the 4-5-6 spd transmission? Whats the avg cost for a conversion like this? Would i be able to do this in my garage or would i have to take it to a mechanic shop? how long would it take (in garage and at the mechanics)? feel free to add any other info you think would be helpful! thanx
2006-12-20 06:01:53 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Contrary to popular belief there IS a cheap way to get this done, here's what you do.l Go to your local auto salvage yard and look for your mazda miata transmission there. You might have to look at a few places but if they have it they'll probably sell it to you for like 100 bucks or something like that. then just take it to your auto shop to get it installed and it would only cost you a couple hours of labor so all in all if you go to the right places it would cost you maybe under $1000. good luck :)
2006-12-21 04:33:57 · answer #1 · answered by Morv 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It reallly would be EASIER and CHEAPER to just buy another car. I've seen it run a few thousand to have done although can be less if you do it.
Your garage may not work at all since you will need a lift to get the car up off all four wheels. Also transmissions...especially taking out the automatic ones...are VERY heavy...even for a little Miata!
Good news is though, if you still want to do it, Miata's already have the hardware and holes (through the firewall) in place from the factory.
2006-12-20 14:27:36 · answer #2 · answered by Zliz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not worth doing. This isn't a simple or common conversion. It's very specialized, and in most cases, completely unnecessary. Why would you switch? Just to shift? In all honesty, I understand that a manual is more fun than an automatic, but automatics are faster-shifting today anyway.
The conversion would require a lot of work, including fabrication and at least two holes into your car's interior (shifter and clutch pedal). This is DEFINTELY not a garage job for a weekend warrior...I don't even know any old-salt mechanics who would do this. It's just not worth it. I would be absolutely AMAZED if this conversion, if you did it from start to finish, after all of the parts and labor were added up equalled LESS than $10,000.
2006-12-20 15:11:53 · answer #3 · answered by jdm 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Obviously, the responders to your question are universally advising against this project. They are correct. In addition to the obvious multitude of mechanical changes necessary, you would have to use the entire engine wiring harness and computers from a manual transmission donor car to make your conversion street legal. Computerized engine management systems are not just specific to engine size and model year but also to transmission, among many other parameters.
If you do buy a manual transmission car, the more speeds the better. More gears generally allow good performance and good economy and smooth driving in all situations.
2006-12-20 17:57:37 · answer #4 · answered by db79300 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it will be cheaper to just trade it in for the car you want rather than spending the money on the transmission plus the labor and whatever else you'll need.
I know a couple of people who have done it and spent so much money that they've said next time they'll just buy a new car.
2006-12-20 14:21:21 · answer #5 · answered by cat 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are probably asking this because your auto is knackered. If you are able to buy a wrecked car the same model as you have, and you do all the work yourself well it could be worth it, but it is a lot of work .
2006-12-20 14:32:56 · answer #6 · answered by nelson 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is a lot of work.
Start test driving for a new one.
2006-12-20 14:10:13 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you will be way ahead to sell it and buy the one you want :(
2006-12-20 14:05:34 · answer #8 · answered by FordMan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋