Should I have a GM dealership do the labor on a A4 to M6 swap?
08-06-2002, 08:01 PM
#1
Should I have a GM dealership do the labor on a A4 to M6 swap? I want to change to an M6 trans. I know a place that will sell me everything I need, but I need a shop to do the work. I live in mustang country, and don't know a place I can trust to do it right. I think my best bet would be to go to a GM dealership around here, since they work on f-bodies all the time . What do yall suggest?
08-06-2002, 09:08 PM
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Re: Should I have a GM dealership do the labor on a A4 to M6 swap? I would try to find a reputable shop to do the labor for you. I doubt if a dealership would even want to touch something like that. Or, try to find some local F-body enthusiasts and do it yourself and save the $$$ in labor.
08-07-2002, 06:43 PM
#3
Re: Should I have a GM dealership do the labor on a A4 to M6 swap? If one of these two suggestions was an option for me, that would be great. I know my best bet would be to take a road trip to one of the sponsors. I know LS1Speed can do it. But then I would have to get a hotel, and hope there wasn't any major problems that would cause me to be stranded far from home. I do plan to go back home to Dallas for a couple of weeks this November, maybe I can find someone there. Can't wait till I retire in 4 years and move back home. Texas is LS1 heaven it seems <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" /> Sure ain't here.
08-07-2002, 10:24 PM
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Re: Should I have a GM dealership do the labor on a A4 to M6 swap? In my neck of the woods it definitely would be cheaper to sell the car & buy a M6 used LS-1. Especiall using a GM dealer! My opinion only--best of luck.... WJ. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />
08-08-2002, 05:43 AM
#5
Re: Should I have a GM dealership do the labor on a A4 to M6 swap? ??? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" /> $$$$ <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" /> ??? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" /> $$$$ <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" />
08-09-2002, 12:10 AM
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Re: Should I have a GM dealership do the labor on a A4 to M6 swap? </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by 11 Bravo:
<strong>If one of these two suggestions was an option for me, that would be great. I know my best bet would be to take a road trip to one of the sponsors. I know LS1Speed can do it. But then I would have to get a hotel, and hope there wasn't any major problems that would cause me to be stranded far from home. I do plan to go back home to Dallas for a couple of weeks this November, maybe I can find someone there. Can't wait till I retire in 4 years and move back home. Texas is LS1 heaven it seems <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" /> Sure ain't here.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Having a dealership do the swap would be WAY too expensive. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" /> Anyways, are you sure LS1speed can do it? Because back in the Spring, Tom Izzo wanted no part of it with my old Z(I live 10 minutes away from his shop). If you really want the M6 that bad, I'd highly recommend starting over with another car(new or used) depending upon what you can afford. If not, it is a risky swap.
Mike
<strong>If one of these two suggestions was an option for me, that would be great. I know my best bet would be to take a road trip to one of the sponsors. I know LS1Speed can do it. But then I would have to get a hotel, and hope there wasn't any major problems that would cause me to be stranded far from home. I do plan to go back home to Dallas for a couple of weeks this November, maybe I can find someone there. Can't wait till I retire in 4 years and move back home. Texas is LS1 heaven it seems <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" /> Sure ain't here.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Having a dealership do the swap would be WAY too expensive. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" /> Anyways, are you sure LS1speed can do it? Because back in the Spring, Tom Izzo wanted no part of it with my old Z(I live 10 minutes away from his shop). If you really want the M6 that bad, I'd highly recommend starting over with another car(new or used) depending upon what you can afford. If not, it is a risky swap.
Mike
08-09-2002, 11:22 AM
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Re: Should I have a GM dealership do the labor on a A4 to M6 swap? You say youre in SC now, how about MORE Peformance in Charlotte? Not sure if they can do it but at least they are closer and worth a try. BTW, SC is not so bad!!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
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08-09-2002, 06:25 PM
#8
Re: Should I have a GM dealership do the labor on a A4 to M6 swap? </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Stick only:
<strong>You say youre in SC now, how about MORE Peformance in Charlotte? Not sure if they can do it but at least they are closer and worth a try. BTW, SC is not so bad!!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I e-mailed MORE about it 2 times, no reply. I called another time, the guy I talked to didn't sound too excited and told me to call back. And, they said they wouldn't even install my TransGo shift kit (had for 9 months now in my closet). Screw 'em.
<strong>You say youre in SC now, how about MORE Peformance in Charlotte? Not sure if they can do it but at least they are closer and worth a try. BTW, SC is not so bad!!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I e-mailed MORE about it 2 times, no reply. I called another time, the guy I talked to didn't sound too excited and told me to call back. And, they said they wouldn't even install my TransGo shift kit (had for 9 months now in my closet). Screw 'em.
08-09-2002, 08:11 PM
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Re: Should I have a GM dealership do the labor on a A4 to M6 swap? I think you should go and talk to the dealership and see what they would charge. then when they are done insulting you, talk with a salesman about trading your car in for one with an M6.
You might also call a few tranny shops in your area. hell, yer right in the heart of NASCAR country. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
You might also call a few tranny shops in your area. hell, yer right in the heart of NASCAR country. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
08-13-2002, 10:12 PM
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Re: Should I have a GM dealership do the labor on a A4 to M6 swap? I'm interested to hear the labor costs you come up with, for a different reason: I was thinking of swapping my M6 for a built-up A4. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" />
08-13-2002, 10:13 PM
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Re: Should I have a GM dealership do the labor on a A4 to M6 swap? I'm interested to hear the labor costs you come up with, for a different reason: I was thinking of swapping my M6 for a built-up A4. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" />
08-14-2002, 08:18 PM
#13
Re: Should I have a GM dealership do the labor on a A4 to M6 swap? </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by SSPORT:
<strong>I'm interested to hear the labor costs you come up with, for a different reason: I was thinking of swapping my M6 for a built-up A4. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Well why don't we save some money and meet up at a shop and trade trannys lol. I know Speed Inc. does swaps for like $500 apeice. Don't know about other places.
<strong>I'm interested to hear the labor costs you come up with, for a different reason: I was thinking of swapping my M6 for a built-up A4. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Well why don't we save some money and meet up at a shop and trade trannys lol. I know Speed Inc. does swaps for like $500 apeice. Don't know about other places.
08-19-2002, 04:43 PM
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Re: Should I have a GM dealership do the labor on a A4 to M6 swap? If you guys are serious about meeting and swapping, Strope Speed Shop is in PA...and will do the work. They did my M6 to A4 swap--which means they're actually familiar with this kind of work. The job looks completely stock.
Swapping is going to be the cheapest way to accomplish this task. Assuming both cars are in good working condition, the only thing you'll have to pay for is labor, various fasteners, a small amount of welding, clutch/TC (I doubt you want to put a stock version in), and I would recommend a tranny rebuild for both parties. Trying to accomplish the same without the swap will mean buying new parts for everything (dealerships probably won't support using used parts, and most frown upon aftermarket parts--not to mention the fact that they usually screw up the install anyway). A new T-56 will set you back a couple grand...so will a new 4L60E (I'd get a built version). My recommendation would be to find a reputable speed shop relatively close, find an F-body owner that wants to go the other way, and drop your cars off for a week or two. A 1-way rental car isn't all that expensive, (I got a friend to drive me out to Strope's ~4hrs for a case a beer and the cost of gas).
As a side note: I don't want to rain on your parade, (I don't know if you were actually considering the option anyway), but trading your car in is much more expensive than it seems. You not only have the the difference in price from car to car, you also have the taxes on the purchase price of the new car. Assuming ~20k purchase price, you're looking at ~$1k in taxes. Factor that in when deciding what you're going to do.
Swapping is going to be the cheapest way to accomplish this task. Assuming both cars are in good working condition, the only thing you'll have to pay for is labor, various fasteners, a small amount of welding, clutch/TC (I doubt you want to put a stock version in), and I would recommend a tranny rebuild for both parties. Trying to accomplish the same without the swap will mean buying new parts for everything (dealerships probably won't support using used parts, and most frown upon aftermarket parts--not to mention the fact that they usually screw up the install anyway). A new T-56 will set you back a couple grand...so will a new 4L60E (I'd get a built version). My recommendation would be to find a reputable speed shop relatively close, find an F-body owner that wants to go the other way, and drop your cars off for a week or two. A 1-way rental car isn't all that expensive, (I got a friend to drive me out to Strope's ~4hrs for a case a beer and the cost of gas).
As a side note: I don't want to rain on your parade, (I don't know if you were actually considering the option anyway), but trading your car in is much more expensive than it seems. You not only have the the difference in price from car to car, you also have the taxes on the purchase price of the new car. Assuming ~20k purchase price, you're looking at ~$1k in taxes. Factor that in when deciding what you're going to do.
