9 replies to this topic

[ralphbrown15]

I have currently got a 1985 Austin Mini Mayfair, I would like to convert it from an automatic to a manual gearbox.

How difficult a job is this? How much will it cost? And what will i need to do it?

Any help would be appreciated

[Cooperman]

You will need the following parts as a minimum. I'm sure to miss out a couple of things, but here goes:

A manual gearbox with the desired final drive ratio and with the auto output-shafts installed if different from manual ones. Some autos had hardy-spicer couplings.
A rod change gear linkage with all attachments.
A new pedal box with clutch pedal and clevis pin.
Clutch master cylinder
Clutch slave cylinder
Clutch hydraulic hose and clutch hydraulic pipe
Engine/gearbox transfer gear case with all gaskets and seals to match the replacement gearbox input gear
Engine primary gear and transfer gear c/w thrust pads for both and primary gear 'C' washer to match gearbox input gear
Clutch operating arm c/w clevis pins
Clutch plunger and release bearing c/w over-throw stops
Clutch assembly (diaphragm and driven plate)
Flywheel c/w starter ring to suit starter motor
Flywheel back plate
LH engine mounting and mounting bracket
Bolts as appropriate - UNF and UNC

You might be best sourcing a complete manual engine and 'box to avoid transfer gear case, gear issues and clutch/flywheel issues.
Now, a thought, did the auto have a different end to the flywheel? I am not sure, but if it did you'll need a crankshaft and new bearings as well.

[dhende84]

I did it about 7ish years ago. I picked up a £150 "old knacker" with a 1330 in it and disc brakes. Unbolted all the auto stuff from one, the manual from the other and rolled the new subframe in place. Much, much better than the tired 23yr old 998 auto that was there before!!

[Dan]

Now, a thought, did the auto have a different end to the flywheel?

No, but since it uses a different cylinder block that's of little consequence. It is possible to convert the block, but not worth the effort unless you live somewhere where blocks are hard to come by.

The best option is to sell the car and buy a manual one of course, auto Minis are getting quite rare.

[Cooperman]

Now, a thought, did the auto have a different end to the flywheel?

No, but since it uses a different cylinder block that's of little consequence. It is possible to convert the block, but not worth the effort unless you live somewhere where blocks are hard to come by.

The best option is to sell the car and buy a manual one of course, auto Minis are getting quite rare.

Of course, I'd forgotten, it's the block which is different. So in addition to my list, a new block is needed as well. What an expensive job that would be to do a full conversion.

[ShoutforJoy]

There is quite a good guide to auto-manual conversions on this thread: http://www.theminifo...howtopic=170410

As Dan says older automatics are getting quite rare, if the autobox is working fine then you might consider selling it and buying a manual. Auto's do sell a but cheaper than manuals but it could still be more cost effective to sell it and buy a new one than to source a new engine/box and the other bits needed.

[ralphbrown15]

Sounds like an expensive job, the automatic gearbox thats in it just now doesnt work so I have to replace that anyway

[reallybig]

http://www.theminifo...howtopic=170410

did it with my friend read that thread tells you how

edit: just seen shoutforjoy's post tis same thread

Edited by reallybig, 13 December 2010 - 11:47 PM.

[hainzie]

hiya, i recently had mine changed from auto to manual, it ran fien as a auto soon as i got it was changed to manual it was a bag of ******* and still runs ******* now, and i am finding parts missins each day, and stuff i didnt notice when i first got it back,

the man who i took it to said he new alot about minis so he will have it done inless then a week for £100, (got it back a month later)

my advice is if someone offers to do it cheap, dont say yes! save up and take it to a good garage

[hainzie]

hiya, i recently had mine changed from auto to manual, it ran fien as a auto soon as i got it was changed to manual it was a bag of ******* and still runs ******* now, and i am finding parts missins each day, and stuff i didnt notice when i first got it back,

the man who i took it to said he new alot about minis so he will have it done inless then a week for £100, (got it back a month later)

my advice is if someone offers to do it cheap, dont say yes! save up and take it to a good garage.

by time you found a good manual engine and paid for all the parts and labour charges you could of brought a manaul mini

so worth thinking about buying a manual and sellign the auto

Edited by hainzie, 15 December 2010 - 03:00 PM.