I'm wanting to make my auto Z28 into a Manual.
How hard and how much funds will I need to do so?

00'Z28 SLP LM Catback, Lid. (Headers at home soon to go on)

 

You ever think about just buying a new converter?

 

A stall? yeah kinda. I'm just curious on what to do. I kind of want a Stick but then again I rather launch the same every time lol

 

my swap (and most others) that used a new clutch, good hydraulics, a nice shifter, rebuilding the transmission before installing, all swap parts, etc cost $3,000

you can do it for $1500-2000 if you use pretty much everything out of a used car and/or get some really good deals

 

I love driving manuals but there are a lot of people out there that dont know what a stalled auto is all about. It really makes a totally different car out of these auto f-bodys. Just something to consider.

 

Ohkay. Thank you so much. Would probably be better to just buy a stall.

 

Strip or street? You can't have both.

 

I'd get a stall converter. So much fun to drive!

 

Mainly just gonna be a street car till I can afford a back up car.

Yeah that's what I've been told about the stall.

 

im doing the swap too i have everything but the pedals i spent 2000 from a guy coverting his camaro to auto i still need the pedals and center console but it aint to bad i love driving manual and i hardly go to the track

 

I cant tell you how many times Ive explained this to people, when i get the "Ah, its just an auto!" or "Why would you want an automatic? Its all about 6 speeds!"

A stalled auto, especially one with a built trans (or atleast a shift kit) and gears is a COMPLETELY different animal, like 02 said. There is no comparison at all between a stocker and for example, a3600-4000 stall. Ive had an Edge 4k, Performabuilt 4k, and Im currently running an SS3600 from Yank, but sooner or later ill go back to a 4k+.

Driving around on the street isnt a big deal with a bigger stall, and once its locked up, its no different than the stocker locked up. But once you mash the loud pedal, it gets really fun! I also like the ability to just drop the hammer, and not have to worry about downshifting when I have to pass someone, or someone tries to get stupid with me.

Try to find some one local to you, with a stalled car, and see if you can go for a ride if you want to know whats it like before you buy one.

 

I looked into converters for a while but I looked at it this way:

It's my 100k+ mile daily driver...
-If I'm going to put in a converter, I'm going to rebuild or replace the automatic transmission while I'm in there, since it's a daily driver and needs to be reliable
-I wouldn't mind getting better gas mileage
-I like twisties more than driving in a straight line
-I don't drag race ever, and if I do get on it it's usually from a roll

and then I did the 6 speed swap, which for me was the right move

 

If it's a street car, go with the manual conversion. Strip, keep the auto and get a new stall. If you realyl want all out performance on the street keep the auto. Most people I know, myself included, prefer manual for a more street oriented car. Manual is easily 10x more fun, especially out on the street. Your preference, but like I said if your intentions are performance, keep the auto.

 

Its all about what you like. My corvette is a stick. I wouldn't have it any other way. But some mornings I go to get in it and I just don't feel like shifting gears. I just want to sit on my *** and steer so I drive my truck. I can understand both arguments. Autos are quicker in the 1/4 but sticks are more dramatic and fun IMHO.

If you want to do a manual conversion here is a list for you.

Transmission: (98-02 Z28,SS,Trans Am, Formula. An 04-06 GTO will work in a pinch but has lower 1st,2nd and 3rd gear ratios and will require changing the shifter offset lever to use an f-body shifter. The steeper ratios aren't all bad tho, if you have 3.23 rear gears and don't want to swap them out)

Bell housing: 98-02 f-body or 04-06 GTO

Slave cylinder: Buy a new slave for a 2002 Z28 or Trans Am, don't use a used slave

Pilot bearing: Buy a new GM polit bearing. No matter what ANYONE tells you DO NOT use a bronze bushing. The transmission will shift like trash.

Crossmember: You will need a manual trans crossmember from a 98-02 F-body 93-97 are different.

Shifter: Any 93-02 stock or aftermarket f-body T56 shifter will work.

Flywheel/clutch/pressure plate: I would highly recommend buying a new clutch/flywheel assembly while you are doing the swap. My first T56 conversion I did in my 94 B4C Camaro I used a used clutch and after 3 weeks I was regretting it.

Lower shifter boot: You will need a lower shifter boot from a 93-02 6 speed f-body.

Upper console: You will also need the upper console from a manual trans car. The upper console is the same physically from 97-02 but 97-99 is charcoal in color and 00-02 is Ebony.

Torque arm mount: You will need the torque arm mount from an M6 car as well. They are different than the auto mount.

Wiring: You will need to get pig tails for the reverse light switch, speed sensor and reverse lock-out. I wire the reverse lockout to the brake light switch. Also the neutral safety switch wires from the shifter connector will need to be connected to the clutch safety switch.

Tuning: The car will need to be retuned as a manual transmission to correct the speedo because the reluctor wheel has a different tooth count auto vs. manual.

Driveshaft: You can reuse your stock driveshaft.

Pedal assembly: You will need a 93-02 manual transmission pedal assembly.

Automatic Park Lock Cable: You will need to remove the automatic part lock cable from your ignition switch on the steering column (Not the key switch).

I believe this is everything. Someone chime in if I have over looked something.

 

Thank you everyone! You guys were a bunch of help.

 

Do you have to cut the floor for the shifter?

 

Yes, you do.

 

how much does it cost for someone to do the work for u