I'm sure there was a thread on here about converting auto to manual, it's only in my "maybe" head that i'd do it but i'd be interested to read through what's involved and needed and how easy it would be incase i ever get the chance to start collecting the required parts. Anyone got any links or experience on this matter? it just seems that engine conversions are always based on manual boxes and "if" i do ever go that route i may be best doing box as well.
Thought about this myself, bit of a just in case scenario if you like? I've been looking at parts for complete linkage and a gearbox, pedal assembly but not sure if you need other mountings underneath for the linkage?
hopefully we can pool info then mate, don't get me wrong i love my auto but manuals seem to have the best conversion options.
nah dave, as i say i love the auto but the fuel use is annoying plus i'm starting to get niggly issues on box/engine so when i do have to do major work i'd like options.
not if that was all it was about, but look at my senario, (sp?) my auto box is a bit clonky, the engine it a tad rattly and has stud issues and oil leaks etc, both items need rebuild/replacement in the future, so if i go there that would be the time to convert to manual and diesel or scooby etc.
I'm going to be helping a mate of mine with a auto to manual conversion... Things I have noted so far are: Clutch pedal mech Clutch cable bowden tube Move accelerator bowden tube Selector rod Gear stick Gearbox Clutch Clutch cable Flywheel That's all I can think of at the mo
thanks paul and joker for the pm, i'm really just not sure what to do here's my thinking for the van itself. as you all know i really want a 68 van so this may change and be pointless (ideal world keep mine for camping get a 68 for fun) and wake up....... anyway outline info 2 litre fuel injected engine has oil leaks and studs stripped in various heads plus it's a tad noisy and seems very gutless mileage is 86k but speedo cable was broken when i got it and looked as if it had been for ages - cable was very rusty, mpg is poor which leads me to think worn engine, bad compression? who knows, auto box needs a good look at as it's noisy, certainly soon one of the 2 items are gonna let go i'd imagine...... fuel injection - good when works but a ball ache if it doesn't... i'm just talking out loud to myself really and wondering if when my loan is paid or it does fail to go the whole hog and convert to manual diesel or scooby etc - do it once and do it right type of thing, or just keep as is and get it right, thing is even in top fettle i'm only gonna get 25? mpg out of a westy with all that weight and an auto box? with a diesel or modern petrol 30 easy i'd guess....... i'm happy to discuss any option but it's not something i want to do this minute, to be fair i'm hoping the thing keeps going until my loan ends rather than forcing my hand while i'm paying out every month.
you wont get anywhere near 25 mpg with your van, factory numbers are near to 16mpg, for a microbus so I would be amazed if any of them get 10mpg above that number. For me mileage is pretty much irrelevant on an old vehicle, there's no way of knowing whether its genuine or not and how well its been serviced( unless you get a one owner 40k one ) the engine and gearbox are what they are , if they run fine etc then they are fine, if it breaks fix it if it doesn't break then leave it alone, a good modern tdi engine should get 40plus in a bay no problem
You could always get a compression tester and see what it says? For about £20 you'll get a very good indicator of engine wear. Can't advise about the gearbox swap but I should think it'd be fairly easy to do. However most types of auto boxes tend to be pretty bomb proof, if they're the old fashioned hydraulic type rather than the electronic controlled jobbies. I had a Volvo which started clunking and flaring between changes and it ran for another 80k before I sold it. So also factor in how many miles you do in a year as even with an issue you might get 10 years of camping trips!
I was thinking on these lines until my auto broke. I didn't want to have it laid up for months doing the conversion so I got if fixed. Arm and a leg but the box came back like new after only a week. The thing was until I started asking I had no idea that anybody would be able to fix it. I get just over 23 mpg - that's terrible I know, but my previous camper, same 2 litre engine but manual box, was no different, and that's not just over a selective nice steady run, but over 1000's of miles including some serious mountains. So there's one option to consider - find out who your nearest auto transmission specialist is.
I was always told that I should buy a scrappy with all the manual gear to swap over, that way you have everything at once, can see where it all goes. I believe you also need to drill some holes, all what I've been told so no idea how true. I decided just get my box fixed/serviced and glad I did as the auto is so easy to drive.
Is it both or just one? As I was lead to believe that one is shorter than the other, which was std length...
