help change auto tranny to manual

[ARKTRANS]

I have a 73 newport , the auto tranny needs replaceing. I would like to put a 4 speed on the floor manual tranny . How can I do it.? What kind should I get and where.

[dwc43]

Good luck. There's no pedal assembly or Z bar made for it so I don't see how you'll get one installed. Best thing to do is rebuild your stock tranny or upgrade to a TCI performance or race tranny at www.tciauto.com

[dave571]

There are lots of obsticals for sure.

I think you could rig something up with aftermarket stuff. Some kind of retro fitted hydrualic clutch, a flywheel balanced for the cast crank motor (assuming a 360 or 400 in a newport)

Then custom length driveshaft, welding in a hump from something to make it all work.

I saw a kid on moparts talk about doing it. I don't know if he ever got it to work. He had a rather unlimited supply of parts as he worked at a wrecking yard.

In any case, I've done the auto to 4 gear swap on a car where the factory parts were available, and it is a HUGE job. 30 hours minimum. I would think you could factor in at least 10 more with something like that.

I'm going to have to agree with DWC, and say that it's really not worth the work, but if you're up for it, then giv'er

[rr69half6bbl]

hey ark, There is 1 alternative for the manual change , but it wont be cheap, You can get a pkg. through keisler they make a 5 spd set up and they offer the pedals and the hydro. clutch kit w/ their own special bell for big and small blks. you can get the whole kit, trans, pedals, bell, drive shaft, hardware and fluid lines, last time I looked this year (early) was around 3500.00 bucks, Not bad for the kit you get but for that kinda money you can do your current auto trans w/ a set of rear gears and some major engine mods, bigger cam, intake, bigger carb,make a set of sub-frame connectors for that car it will make a big difference, if you cant weld take it to a welding shop, man thats simple stuff, a few feet of tubing and some flat stock and instant body strength. have fun doug