87 Supra 7MGE manual 5 speed to auto swap?

[dakmor]

Anyone ever heard of swapping from manual to auto?

I found a nice 87 Supra, price is right and condition is acceptable.

Only thing is it is manual, I can't drive manual, so an automatic swap is my only choice right now. I figure if I sell the manual tranny, I could have a good bit of money for the auto.

Any help here?

[Mr E]

.. learn to drive manual, end up breaking your current transmission.

Buy a new-used manual tranny and live forever.

Just cause you don't know how to drive stick, doesnt mean you shouldnt learn.

It's not hard, just takes practice.

[dakmor]

Just because I could learn, doesn't mean I want to.

Plus I like to keep my mind focused on the road, now what gear I'm in or rpm.

[bgrieger]

you could do the swap, but it's far more work than it's worth. I'd just pick up an auto from the start...they are a little cheaper too as most people will pay more for the 5spd. Remember though, if you plan to build the power up, be prepared to dump a boat load of cash in the autobox...they dont' take well to upgraded power levels without upgraded internals.

If you do consider this one, I'll say that once you get used to a manual, you really dont think about the gear or anything else but the road unless you want to. if you're familiar with the car, you know how high the rpms are by ear, and while grocery getting, shifting is for the most part a subconcious act. Stop and go traffic will quickly remind you that there is more work to do as you sit slipping the clutch in and out a 5 mph...

[dakmor]

Well, I doubt I'll find another one for this price in this condition. It's like one of those once in a life time deals.

[bgrieger]

ok, just know that you WILL need a parts car to do an auto swap. Those swapping to manual can and do keep many parts that work when you go to a manual for cost reasons, but those with manuals absolutely must have those same parts to go the other way (main engine wiring harness, dash sub harness, neutral safety switch, main computer, throttle body brackets for the kick down cable and a lot I can't think of quite so quickly). You will be able to get the shifter assembly, the pedals the tranny and the automatic trans control computer, but they keep everything else.

[Jeeves]

For the cost of converting, I'd personally tell ya to suck it up unless you live in San Fran or something.

[midnightmach]

I will never understand people that want to drive automatic sports cars... It saddens me... and FYI only a beginner is thinking about rpm and gears, once your experienced it becomes an automatic transmission... Buy the car and learn how to drive it.

[shaeff]

^ because the supra isn't a sports car. it's a GT car.

but i agree with you. i've never owned an automagic.

[bgrieger]

I'd take an automatic if it was available and I had to start from scratch again...of course, it must get the suprastick transmission controller and a serious upgrade of the trans/high stall torque converter so I could set up a flappy paddle shifter/semi manual style setup.

[Jeeves]

I own an automatic for a daily driver, and a 5speed for my 'sports' car.

For general driving it's nice to not worry about shifting/clutch failures. But in my fast car, I want control and an automatic doesn't do that for me. If I had a trans brake and was going for braket racing... maybe.

[LFAsr5]

Well, you know what.
I'm looking a a 1986 auto right now, and i'd much rather have a standard. So, if i get this car, i'll trade you all my auto bits for your manual stuff.

[Jeeves]

Originally Posted by LFAsr5

i'll trade you all my auto bits for your manual stuff.

For the record, that line doesn't work with the ladies. Lemme tell ya.

[dakmor]

lol..

I found an 88 auto closer to me. 181,000miles according to the odometer.
I may get this one instead because it has been used as a reliable transportation, is automatic, and can probably pick it up and pay all taxes and slight tune-up for about $3000.

[91_ToYoTa_CaMrY]

sucks u dont wanna drive a nice 5speed supra