UPDATE: If you're new to this thread, welcome. You'll find lots of good info here. I did post an update and conclusion with the list of parts needed in this post on p 5.
Hello,
Lately I've been debating: should I swap my auto trans for manual, or not?
Car is 99 Camry LE, 2.2L (4cyl.), auto A140E trans. 106k miles. The car is mechanically great, but paint has seen better days. Also, it's been in a few accidents, so there are some minor bodywork issues.
The big question: is it worth it to undertake the project, or should I give up the idea and purchase a different car in a few months?
Here's my situation:
- I want a stick shift.
- It's a lot of work to convert. I don't have a garage, just a small driveway.
- Paying a mechanic is not worth it for me, and I don't trust mechanics anyway. Besides, doing the work is half the fun.
- I already have parts: stick shift with cables, pedals, master cylinder, speedo. I can pull a manual tranny w/ clutch & flyweel off a car in junkyard not too far away for $80 + $60 to drive there and back. ("donor" transmission has 190k mi).
- I commute to work, and can live without the car for a week or two if I had to.
- I have a full-time job. Evenings and weekends are free.
- Lastly, I like the car. I've put in a lot of work into it already.
Ideas and suggestions welcome. :dunno:
Hello,
Lately I've been debating: should I swap my auto trans for manual, or not?
Car is 99 Camry LE, 2.2L (4cyl.), auto A140E trans. 106k miles. The car is mechanically great, but paint has seen better days. Also, it's been in a few accidents, so there are some minor bodywork issues.
The big question: is it worth it to undertake the project, or should I give up the idea and purchase a different car in a few months?
Here's my situation:
- I want a stick shift.
- It's a lot of work to convert. I don't have a garage, just a small driveway.
- Paying a mechanic is not worth it for me, and I don't trust mechanics anyway. Besides, doing the work is half the fun.
- I already have parts: stick shift with cables, pedals, master cylinder, speedo. I can pull a manual tranny w/ clutch & flyweel off a car in junkyard not too far away for $80 + $60 to drive there and back. ("donor" transmission has 190k mi).
- I commute to work, and can live without the car for a week or two if I had to.
- I have a full-time job. Evenings and weekends are free.
- Lastly, I like the car. I've put in a lot of work into it already.
Ideas and suggestions welcome. :dunno: