auto to manual - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

FoMoCo4eva · 03-28-2002, 03:22

I was wondering how much it would cost to change a EB auto to a 5-speed?

Im STILL looking for my first car and there are heaps of good EB S packs and even XR6's out there that are in my price range (tops 8k) and there all bloody autos.

So does anyone know how much and where can it be done?
Has anyone else done this and are there any other parts that need to be changed.

If its too expensive I think Ill give get the extra cash for a manual, but there is a nice XR6 I want but its auto.

I also have found that auto are heaps cheaper than manuals..why is this?..i thought it would have been then other way round. Is it because they are rarer?

anyways your help you be greatly appreciated.

Bass Crazy · 03-28-2002, 03:42

About 2 monts ago I installed an EB T5 into my EA.

The price of a S/H box ranges from $500-$800, including all the little things needed for the conversion, and add another $400-$500 for installation cost.

I did the conversion myself, and unless you have a good mechanical knowledge, I'd suggest against you doing it yourself.
The dash will also need to come out for the pedal box install, and the clutch sensor will need to be connected to the ECU, as well as the neutral starter circuit bypassed.

In my opinion, it is worth every dime

03-28-2002, 18:59

hello hello there..

i have no great mechanical experience, but the crucial part of the swap is getting your hands a good box.

A mechanic friend of mine did a swap over a year ago on a EF XR6, the owner of the car supplied the box, which once installed had no reverse, even though it was "tested and guaranteed" from where he had bought it from...

He went back to the place, and they didnt want to know anything about it.. so he had to go find another box.. once the new box was installed... there was something wrong with first gear.

out it came again.. and in the end it ended up costing a packet to rebuild the box using parts from both... i cant remember all up how much money the dude had to fork out... but ill get back to ya...

also, like Bass Crazy said.. you have to change something in the computer.. which in this case involved getting a different power chip from the auto to manual.

laminge · 03-28-2002, 19:04

Welcome cazzi_miei

Straight into the garage good to see!

Have fun!

BLWNEB · 03-28-2002, 21:03

Stay auto, put 3.9s and do some auto work.

laminge · 03-28-2002, 21:20

So whats a good place in melb to do some auto work???

FoMoCo4eva · 03-28-2002, 22:47

Quote:

Originally posted by SUPERCHARGEDEB
Stay auto, put 3.9s and do some auto work.

nah im 99% sure I want a manual..its seems to me its too much trouble to do the conversion..i would be willing to pay 1500 all up, but if you have to bugger around with the computer and all the rest im not sure its worth it..

as for the 3.9..ive been told to steer clear!

i thought the 4.0 with a manual would be better that the 3.9 anyway.

BLWNEB · 03-29-2002, 00:07

Theres a place in thomo, that does crazy auto, the AUXR6 turbo in ford performance magazine, got his auto done there.

Bass Crazy · 03-29-2002, 23:26

I think the "3.9" suggested was meant to be a differential gear ratio, not the engine type, even though there is minimal difference between the 3.9L and 4.0L.

I made a comment about hooking the clutch up to the ECU. This does not require the changing of your ECU from an auto to a manual. The auto ECU will run the manual gearbox, but not vice versa.

If you have a peek under your dash, you will find a gray plug (female connector). This connects the clutch sensor directly to your ecu, giving it the ability to change between acceleration and deceleration modes. However, the car will stil run even without this hooked up.

I picked up a perfect condition box S/H, with a brand new clutch etc and I have had not an ounce of trouble, guess its just the luck of the draw hey.
You might want to check out reco prices if ur concerned.

In my opinion, if you are after a good performing EA-ED 6cyl, without forced induction, you will be shooting yourself in the foot by keeping it auto.

I did a few mods to my car when it was auto and still had a hard time beating V6 commos. Since the manual, beating a V6 commo is an easy task..

Just my 2c on the topic.

XR_Strider_GuY · 03-30-2002, 01:10

Quote:

Originally posted by Bass Crazy
In my opinion, if you are after a good performing EA-ED 6cyl, without forced induction, you will be shooting yourself in the foot by keeping it auto.

Couldn't agree more, and i have to say although EF-EL in auto are quick enough to out gun commodores having them in a manual makes a difference.
Also makes em a good sleeper at the lights. :s6: :s6:
BassCrazy,
Gotta say you've done top job converting an auto to a manual, i definitly couldn't do that sort of thing.