Re: SD> Automatic to Manual swap or NOT!

2007-05-01 Thread Rich Bryant
What are your goals?  If you want a drag car then the auto is the way to 
go.  If you drive in rush hour the auto is the way to go.


Otherwise the  speed is more fun IMO.  You can change the gearing to 
pretty much whatever you want with the 5 speed for less than $1500.


One goot option for a 5 speed with higher gearing is to get a 91+ 523 and 
an older 523 and use the 3.77 gears ont eh 3.50 mainshaft.  It is cheaper 
and a bit lower gearign than the 523/568 hybrid.


Of course it sounds like you want a 520/555 in order to keep your current 
shifter so the 555/520 hybrid might be your best option.


Even cheaper yet just put on taller tires!

-Rich




On Tue, 1 May 2007, Chris VanKauwenberg wrote:


Date: Tue, 1 May 2007 11:04:52 -0700 (PDT)
From: Chris VanKauwenberg <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: Shelby Dodge <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: SD> Automatic to Manual swap or NOT!

I have an 86' Laser XT that is in excellent,untouched condition (cosmetically). 
 I've installed a few mods and now I'm left with a difficult choice.  The 3 
speed auto kills my performance.  I know Cindy and others sell a good 3 speed 
for around $1,500 (which I'm not afraid to pay).  On the otherhand, my only 
hesitation to swapping out the tranny for a manual is the condition of the 
vehicle.  as the console and everything else is in excellent condition.  
Are the automatic consoles in these cars the same as a manual console?  Can a 
shifter boot be installed where the gear selection indicator is located or do I 
have to swap out the whole console?  I don't know if I'll ever find a manual 
console with the same features in this kind of condition (not worth it to me if 
this is how it is).  I'm picky like that : )

 Any opinions on the above is appreciated...manual vs. automatic...and/or 
console tips.  Driving the car would definitely be more enjoyable with a 
manual, and it would be nice not to hear my engine screaming at 3300-3500 rpm 
at around 70mph.

 Thanks,
 Chris [EMAIL PROTECTED]



-
Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell?
Check outnew cars at Yahoo! Autos.

---REMOVE-FOOTER-WHEN-REPLYING
Questions? Visit http://www.sdml.org/

To be removed, visit http://www.sdml.org/pages/leave.html


---REMOVE-FOOTER-WHEN-REPLYING
Questions? Visit http://www.sdml.org/

To be removed, visit http://www.sdml.org/pages/leave.html


Re: SD> Automatic to Manual swap or NOT!

2007-05-01 Thread swedeis
I'm about to do the same on my 87 Sundance.  Mostly because I just detest the 
3-speed so much (not to say it can't be made better it just doesn't fit my 
driving style or how the car has been configured)  So I've got a flywheel ready 
to go and I'm hoping to pick up an OBX diferential soon to go into the 520/555 
hybrid that I'm thinking of building.

Anyway, the consoles are the same between auto/manual, the auto gate just 
screws or snaps into place.  So just pop it out and put in a factory boot from 
another Daytona/Lebaron or a boot of your choice.  Make sure you fool the 
neutral safety switch or the car won't start after the swap.  If you can't find 
a boot locally, let me know and I'll check my parts stash.

The shifter bases and cables are vehicle specific, so you'll get to hunt down 
those parts for your Daytona.  I might have one for the older transaxles, not 
the newer ones.

Another issue you'll have to watch for is the K-frame mount for the extra 
transaxle mount the 5-speed cars used.  Not hard to add with a welder or you 
can swpa K-members with a 5-speed car (you'll need to canabalize one to get the 
pedal assembly, clutch cbale brackets, etc.  

If you need to replace the suspension bushings or you want to upgrade to the 
newer style K-member and control arms (I would recommend this for the older 
cars, just grab one from the same body style and match the uprights with the 
K-member), 10 bolts and the K-frame is out and on the ground.  I think 
Polybushings.com sold a tab to weld onto the K-frames at one point.

5-speeds are all over the place but I suggest going for the newest one possible 
(meaning the A-523/A568) as they have better shifters and tend be less abused.  
Plus the 523/568 are essentially the same as the non-turbo neon transaxles so 
their performance parts will fit (shifters, shifter bushings and differentials) 
 Just watch the final drive gearing and the clutch spline count as 1991 was a 
change over year on the input splines.  The Spirit R/T clutch set seems to be 
the hot setup for many people with warmed up street cars.  For more serious 
people, there are ceramic  clutches, etc.

Ideally you'd find a 91 or 92 5-speed turbo Daytona to steal parts off of, that 
way you can get the better brakes, suspension and 5-speed for your ride.  

Good luck,
Stefan Mullikin
Portland, OR
PNW-SDAC Founding Member
1979 Porsche 924 (Carrera GTS Replica and GRM $2007 Challenger)
1980 Fiat X-1/9 (never ending 2.2 turbo swap)
1987 Plymouth Sundance Turbo (Daily Driver)
1987 Shelby CSX #106


 -- Original message --
From: Chris VanKauwenberg <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> I have an 86' Laser XT that is in excellent,untouched condition 
> (cosmetically).  
> I've installed a few mods and now I'm left with a difficult choice.  The 3 
> speed 
> auto kills my performance.  I know Cindy and others sell a good 3 speed for 
> around $1,500 (which I'm not afraid to pay).  On the otherhand, my only 
> hesitation to swapping out the tranny for a manual is the condition of the 
> vehicle.  as the console and everything else is in excellent condition.  
> Are 
> the automatic consoles in these cars the same as a manual console?  Can a 
> shifter boot be installed where the gear selection indicator is located or do 
> I 
> have to swap out the whole console?  I don't know if I'll ever find a manual 
> console with the same features in this kind of condition (not worth it to me 
> if 
> this is how it is).  I'm picky like that : )
>
>   Any opinions on the above is appreciated...manual vs. automatic...and/or 
> console tips.  Driving the car would definitely be more enjoyable with a 
> manual, 
> and it would be nice not to hear my engine screaming at 3300-3500 rpm at 
> around 
> 70mph.
>
>   Thanks,
>   Chris [EMAIL PROTECTED]

---REMOVE-FOOTER-WHEN-REPLYING
Questions? Visit http://www.sdml.org/

To be removed, visit http://www.sdml.org/pages/leave.html


Re: SD> Automatic to Manual swap or NOT!

2007-05-01 Thread colwell82
I'm the guy that always pops in to say "Don't forget the trans mounts are 
different!" because I swapped everything over, talked with people on the list 
who had done the swap, and talked me through everything, only to have the 
transmission mount to the body not to line up correctly. Luckily I didn't get 
rid of my parts car, I walked out to it at 11:30 at night with a flashlight, 
and saw they were set up differently.
 
Matt Colwell
86 T-Top Turbo~Z
86 Turbo~Z Project: Daytona
87 Shadow ES
02 S~10 4X4
 
 
-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Tue, 1 May 2007 2:41 PM
Subject: Re: SD> Automatic to Manual swap or NOT!


I'm about to do the same on my 87 Sundance.  Mostly because I just detest the 
3-speed so much (not to say it can't be made better it just doesn't fit my 
driving style or how the car has been configured)  So I've got a flywheel ready 
to go and I'm hoping to pick up an OBX diferential soon to go into the 520/555 
hybrid that I'm thinking of building.

Anyway, the consoles are the same between auto/manual, the auto gate just 
screws 
or snaps into place.  So just pop it out and put in a factory boot from another 
Daytona/Lebaron or a boot of your choice.  Make sure you fool the neutral 
safety 
switch or the car won't start after the swap.  If you can't find a boot 
locally, 
let me know and I'll check my parts stash.

The shifter bases and cables are vehicle specific, so you'll get to hunt down 
those parts for your Daytona.  I might have one for the older transaxles, not 
the newer ones.

Another issue you'll have to watch for is the K-frame mount for the extra 
transaxle mount the 5-speed cars used.  Not hard to add with a welder or you 
can 
swap K-members with a 5-speed car (you'll need to canabalize one to get the 
pedal assembly, clutch cbale brackets, etc.  

If you need to replace the suspension bushings or you want to upgrade to the 
newer style K-member and control arms (I would recommend this for the older 
cars, just grab one from the same body style and match the uprights with the 
K-member), 10 bolts and the K-frame is out and on the ground.  I think 
Polybushings.com sold a tab to weld onto the K-frames at one point.

5-speeds are all over the place but I suggest going for the newest one possible 
(meaning the A-523/A568) as they have better shifters and tend be less abused.  
Plus the 523/568 are essentially the same as the non-turbo neon transaxles so 
their performance parts will fit (shifters, shifter bushings and differentials) 
 
Just watch the final drive gearing and the clutch spline count as 1991 was a 
change over year on the input splines.  The Spirit R/T clutch set seems to be 
the hot setup for many people with warmed up street cars.  For more serious 
people, there are ceramic  clutches, etc.

Ideally you'd find a 91 or 92 5-speed turbo Daytona to steal parts off of, that 
way you can get the better brakes, suspension and 5-speed for your ride.  

Good luck,
Stefan Mullikin
Portland, OR
PNW-SDAC Founding Member
1979 Porsche 924 (Carrera GTS Replica and GRM $2007 Challenger)
1980 Fiat X-1/9 (never ending 2.2 turbo swap)
1987 Plymouth Sundance Turbo (Daily Driver)
1987 Shelby CSX #106


 -- Original message --
From: Chris VanKauwenberg <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> I have an 86' Laser XT that is in excellent,untouched condition 
(cosmetically).  
> I've installed a few mods and now I'm left with a difficult choice.  The 3 
speed 
> auto kills my performance.  I know Cindy and others sell a good 3 speed for 
> around $1,500 (which I'm not afraid to pay).  On the otherhand, my only 
> hesitation to swapping out the tranny for a manual is the condition of the 
> vehicle.  as the console and everything else is in excellent condition.  
Are 
> the automatic consoles in these cars the same as a manual console?  Can a 
> shifter boot be installed where the gear selection indicator is located or do 
I 
> have to swap out the whole console?  I don't know if I'll ever find a manual 
> console with the same features in this kind of condition (not worth it to me 
if 
> this is how it is).  I'm picky like that : )
>
>   Any opinions on the above is appreciated...manual vs. automatic...and/or 
> console tips.  Driving the car would definitely be more enjoyable with a 
manual, 
> and it would be nice not to hear my engine screaming at 3300-3500 rpm at 
around 
> 70mph.
>
>   Thanks,
>   Chris [EMAIL PROTECTED]

---REMOVE-FOOTER-WHEN-REPLYING
Questions? Visit http://www.sdml.org/

To be removed, visit http://www.sdml.org/pages/leave.html

---REMOVE-FOOTER-WHEN-REPLYING
Questions? Visit http://www.sdml.org/

To be removed, visit http://www.sdml.org/pages/leave.html


Re: SD> Automatic to Manual swap or NOT!

2007-05-01 Thread swedeis
Crap, you're right.  Sorry about that.  Thanks for catching that.

Stefan

 -- Original message --
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> I'm the guy that always pops in to say "Don't forget the trans mounts are 
> different!" because I swapped everything over, talked with people on the list 
> who had done the swap, and talked me through everything, only to have the 
> transmission mount to the body not to line up correctly. Luckily I didn't get 
> rid of my parts car, I walked out to it at 11:30 at night with a flashlight, 
> and 
> saw they were set up differently.
>  
> Matt Colwell
> 86 T-Top Turbo~Z
> 86 Turbo~Z Project: Daytona
> 87 Shadow ES
> 02 S~10 4X4
>  
>  
> -Original Message-
> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Sent: Tue, 1 May 2007 2:41 PM
> Subject: Re: SD> Automatic to Manual swap or NOT!
> 
> 
> I'm about to do the same on my 87 Sundance.  Mostly because I just detest the 
> 3-speed so much (not to say it can't be made better it just doesn't fit my 
> driving style or how the car has been configured)  So I've got a flywheel 
> ready 
> to go and I'm hoping to pick up an OBX diferential soon to go into the 
> 520/555 
> hybrid that I'm thinking of building.
> 
> Anyway, the consoles are the same between auto/manual, the auto gate just 
> screws 
> or snaps into place.  So just pop it out and put in a factory boot from 
> another 
> Daytona/Lebaron or a boot of your choice.  Make sure you fool the neutral 
> safety 
> switch or the car won't start after the swap.  If you can't find a boot 
> locally, 
> let me know and I'll check my parts stash.
> 
> The shifter bases and cables are vehicle specific, so you'll get to hunt down 
> those parts for your Daytona.  I might have one for the older transaxles, not 
> the newer ones.
> 
> Another issue you'll have to watch for is the K-frame mount for the extra 
> transaxle mount the 5-speed cars used.  Not hard to add with a welder or you 
> can 
> swap K-members with a 5-speed car (you'll need to canabalize one to get the 
> pedal assembly, clutch cbale brackets, etc.  
> 
> If you need to replace the suspension bushings or you want to upgrade to the 
> newer style K-member and control arms (I would recommend this for the older 
> cars, just grab one from the same body style and match the uprights with the 
> K-member), 10 bolts and the K-frame is out and on the ground.  I think 
> Polybushings.com sold a tab to weld onto the K-frames at one point.
> 
> 5-speeds are all over the place but I suggest going for the newest one 
> possible 
> (meaning the A-523/A568) as they have better shifters and tend be less 
> abused.  
> Plus the 523/568 are essentially the same as the non-turbo neon transaxles so 
> their performance parts will fit (shifters, shifter bushings and 
> differentials)  
> Just watch the final drive gearing and the clutch spline count as 1991 was a 
> change over year on the input splines.  The Spirit R/T clutch set seems to be 
> the hot setup for many people with warmed up street cars.  For more serious 
> people, there are ceramic  clutches, etc.
> 
> Ideally you'd find a 91 or 92 5-speed turbo Daytona to steal parts off of, 
> that 
> way you can get the better brakes, suspension and 5-speed for your ride.  
> 
> Good luck,
> Stefan Mullikin
> Portland, OR
> PNW-SDAC Founding Member
> 1979 Porsche 924 (Carrera GTS Replica and GRM $2007 Challenger)
> 1980 Fiat X-1/9 (never ending 2.2 turbo swap)
> 1987 Plymouth Sundance Turbo (Daily Driver)
> 1987 Shelby CSX #106
> 
> 
>  -- Original message --
> From: Chris VanKauwenberg <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> > I have an 86' Laser XT that is in excellent,untouched condition 
> (cosmetically).  
> > I've installed a few mods and now I'm left with a difficult choice.  The 3 
> speed 
> > auto kills my performance.  I know Cindy and others sell a good 3 speed for 
> > around $1,500 (which I'm not afraid to pay).  On the otherhand, my only 
> > hesitation to swapping out the tranny for a manual is the condition of the 
> > vehicle.  as the console and everything else is in excellent condition. 
> >  
> Are 
> > the automatic consoles in these cars the same as a manual console?  Can a 
> > shifter boot be installed where the gear selection indicator is located or 
> > do 
> I 
> > have to swap out the whole console?  I don't know if I'll ever find a 
> > manual 
> > console with the same features in this kind o

Re: SD> Automatic to Manual swap or NOT!

2007-05-01 Thread MOPARTEK
Chris,
It's not a bad swap. You'll need pedals and the bracket from a Daytona or  
Laser, the transmission of your choice either a 520, 555, 523, 568 or maybe a  
hybrid transmission, shifter and cables to go with your setup, K frame with  
the bobble strut bracket on it, stick transmission mount, clutch cable and  
brackets from the strut tower and a set of later, large spline axles and 
finally  
the flywheel & clutch package.
 
As for the console, they are the same and the small bezel with the stick  
boot is different. 
 
I have an '86 Daytona that I will be parting out soon and it's a stick car  
so I can supply you with everything you need including a rebuilt transmission 
of  your choice and everything needed to make the swap into your car.
 
Drop me an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] (mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED])   if your 
interested and want more details. Where are you located?
 
 
Cliff  Ramsdell
'86 GLHS 210 Shelby Roll cage and Posi unit.
_http://www.members.aol.com/mopartek/home.html_ 
(http://www.members.aol.com/mopartek/home.html) 
www.Mopartek.com

 
In a message dated 5/1/2007 2:05:39 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:

I have  an 86' Laser XT that is in excellent,untouched condition 
(cosmetically).   I've installed a few mods and now I'm left with a difficult 
choice.  The 
 3 speed auto kills my performance.  I know Cindy and others sell a good 3  
speed for around $1,500 (which I'm not afraid to pay).  On the otherhand,  my 
only hesitation to swapping out the tranny for a manual is the condition of  
the vehicle.  as the console and everything else is in excellent  
condition. 
 Are the automatic consoles in these cars the same as a manual  console?  Can 
a shifter boot be installed where the gear selection  indicator is located or 
do I have to swap out the whole console?  I don't  know if I'll ever find a 
manual console with the same features in this kind of  condition (not worth it 
to me if this is how it is).  I'm picky like that  : )

Any opinions on the above is  appreciated...manual vs. automatic...and/or 
console tips.  Driving the  car would definitely be more enjoyable with a 
manual, 
and it would be nice not  to hear my engine screaming at 3300-3500 rpm at 
around 70mph.

Thanks,
Chris [EMAIL PROTECTED]







\



** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.

---REMOVE-FOOTER-WHEN-REPLYING
Questions? Visit http://www.sdml.org/

To be removed, visit http://www.sdml.org/pages/leave.html


RE: SD> Automatic to Manual swap or NOT!

2007-05-02 Thread Dennis D'Spain

Chris,
The swap wouldn't be all that difficult and the console is the same. I think 
it all depends
on what your goals are. The high rpm's @ 70 mph. that you mentioned can be 
handled
by changing your final drive gearing. I am just getting ready to put a new 
2.2 T-ll in my
88 Shelby Z and am keeping the automatic w/ some mod's for a daily driver. I 
plan to
build my 85 Laser for road racing using a 555. If you decide to go with a 
5spd. I think
I have a shift boot and pedals and maybe a flywheel if you need em. lmk. 
good luck,

Dennis D'Spain



From: Chris VanKauwenberg <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: Shelby Dodge <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: SD> Automatic to Manual swap or NOT!
Date: Tue, 1 May 2007 11:04:52 -0700 (PDT)

I have an 86' Laser XT that is in excellent,untouched condition 
(cosmetically).  I've installed a few mods and now I'm left with a 
difficult choice.  The 3 speed auto kills my performance.  I know Cindy and 
others sell a good 3 speed for around $1,500 (which I'm not afraid to pay). 
 On the otherhand, my only hesitation to swapping out the tranny for a 
manual is the condition of the vehicle.  as the console and everything 
else is in excellent condition.  Are the automatic consoles in these cars 
the same as a manual console?  Can a shifter boot be installed where the 
gear selection indicator is located or do I have to swap out the whole 
console?  I don't know if I'll ever find a manual console with the same 
features in this kind of condition (not worth it to me if this is how it 
is).  I'm picky like that : )


  Any opinions on the above is appreciated...manual vs. automatic...and/or 
console tips.  Driving the car would definitely be more enjoyable with a 
manual, and it would be nice not to hear my engine screaming at 3300-3500 
rpm at around 70mph.


  Thanks,
  Chris [EMAIL PROTECTED]



-
Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell?
 Check outnew cars at Yahoo! Autos.

---REMOVE-FOOTER-WHEN-REPLYING
Questions? Visit http://www.sdml.org/

To be removed, visit http://www.sdml.org/pages/leave.html


_
Need a break? Find your escape route with Live Search Maps. 
http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?ss=Restaurants~Hotels~Amusement%20Park&cp=33.832922~-117.915659&style=r&lvl=13&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=1118863&encType=1&FORM=MGAC01


---REMOVE-FOOTER-WHEN-REPLYING
Questions? Visit http://www.sdml.org/

To be removed, visit http://www.sdml.org/pages/leave.html