Automatic to 5-speed conversion?

[babzenuda]

Hi there, I'm hot on the trail of a new (to me) E21 or E30, and I'm noticing that there are far more excellent-condition automatic cars out there than there are 5-speed manuals. My question: in general, how rough is the job of swapping one of these auto trannys out for a manual? I've done this in an old Datsun 510, and it wasn't that bad (new pedals, master cyl & line, shifter hole etc)... any tips out there for the bimmers? Is it possible to do this cleanly? Is the basic plumbing there from the factory (clutch pedal mount, master cylinder mount & plunger hole, etc)? Are there any models that are easier to pull this off on?

Any tips/warnings/horror stories would be much appreciated.

Robert.

[2.link]

I don't know about E30's but there is a good bit of chassis fab for the E36's, I am thinking there will prolly be some on that, and correct me if I'm worn but you will have to cut through the firewall and seal it back up....im guessing you have a lift....

[bddog]

I read on a forum that BMW manufactured 2.2 Million E30's.
I spent two months searching the recycler before I found my pristine 325.
There are many cars out there.Buy what you want from the get go, you will be much better off in the long run. There will be many mechanical projects to keep you busy without having to change drivetrains from the get go. Good Luck! Steve

[ehlpitel]

Originally posted by bddog@Dec 6 2003, 04:20 AM
I read on a forum that BMW manufactured 2.2 Million E30's.
I spent two months searching the recycler before I found my pristine 325.
There are many cars out there.Buy what you want from the get go, you will be much better off in the long run. There will be many mechanical projects to keep you busy without having to change drivetrains from the get go. Good Luck! Steve

good advice, converting to a manual tranny wont be too easy, saveenergy t and $$$, buy a car in stick!!!automatic is the devil, no matter what auto ride u see DONT buy it

[babzenuda]

yeah, after a little bit of a reality check, you guys are right about waiting for the right car to come around before I go ahead and buy myself a big headache. it's just depressing to see cars that are in such nice shape wasted on automatic trannys. i also think that people tend to drive standards harder than autos; maybe that's why there seem to be more out there.

ok, i'm gonna cool it until I find a groovy 5-speed.

thanks for your wise words. I'll let you all know when I find something good.

Robert.