Converting a manual to an automatic
- Thread starter grampi
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Probably not worth it. Plenty of autos out there.
I went from an auto to manual for my 1985 Volvo 245Ti, because the manuals are pretty rare and the car was worth it.
But with a '99, probably lots of controlling hardware as well.
I went from an auto to manual for my 1985 Volvo 245Ti, because the manuals are pretty rare and the car was worth it.
But with a '99, probably lots of controlling hardware as well.
You could do it, but for it to look alright, you'd probably need to buy a new center console so the shifter would be aligned correctly. Plus, you'd have to change the computer for one that controls the transmission. In addition, you'd have to add a flexplate to the crankshaft instead of the flywheel so you could bolt the converter up. It would be an expensive proposition.
No problem, just follow these simple steps:
1. Sell car with manual transmission.
2. Buy car with automatic transmission.
3. There is no step 3.
It's certainly not worth it to convert a car like a Corolla to an automatic when there are a million of them out there. Heck, you could probably find someone with an automatic that is willing to just straight up trade.
1. Sell car with manual transmission.
2. Buy car with automatic transmission.
3. There is no step 3.
It's certainly not worth it to convert a car like a Corolla to an automatic when there are a million of them out there. Heck, you could probably find someone with an automatic that is willing to just straight up trade.
As previously stated you would need all the accompanying computer, wiring harness, and sensors that come with the auto trans. You may also need a front subframe that has the correct trans mount/roll restrictors, and last but not least you may also need to replace the radiator to an auto trans specific model with an integrated trans cooler and the lines for the cooler. In some rare instances manufacturers don't use the same bell housing pattern for the manual and auto transmissions, if this was the case for your corolla you would basically need the entire front clip off of a 99 auto corolla (in any event this is probably your best bet).
I can only see this being a useful thing to do if someone had two cars. The first being a manual transmision car with massive power and drivtrain issues, and the second being an auto trans car that was rear-ended by something very large going very fast.
I can only see this being a useful thing to do if someone had two cars. The first being a manual transmision car with massive power and drivtrain issues, and the second being an auto trans car that was rear-ended by something very large going very fast.
Too much to change... Computers, sometimes Cam-shafts inside the engine because Standard cars generally keep the valves open longer. Idle control motors...
Not worth it in my opinion...
Not worth it in my opinion...
Probably easier to sell your car and buy an automatic.
Actually the 3-speed automatic on the corolla is all mechanical except for TCC lockup. The computer won't be that confused but a new computer off ebay would set it 100%.
However it's the kind of job really only feasible when done oneself with a parts donor car (for all the stupid little bits), as mechanics will laugh you out of the garage or bill you incredibly.
If you have never done, say, a clutch, this job is waaaaay over your head.
However it's the kind of job really only feasible when done oneself with a parts donor car (for all the stupid little bits), as mechanics will laugh you out of the garage or bill you incredibly.
If you have never done, say, a clutch, this job is waaaaay over your head.
Axle assemblies will most likely be different .
You will need a different radiator, with the internal cooler .
Probably a computer.
Mounts will be different.
The shifter mechanism and where it mounts is a big problem.
Are you discouraged yet?
I hope so.
You will need a different radiator, with the internal cooler .
Probably a computer.
Mounts will be different.
The shifter mechanism and where it mounts is a big problem.
Are you discouraged yet?
I hope so.
Originally Posted By: grampi
Would it be too expensive to even consider doing? The car BTW is a '99 Corolla.
Yes. Cheaper and less-problematic down the road to just sell this one and buy an automatic one.
Would it be too expensive to even consider doing? The car BTW is a '99 Corolla.
Yes. Cheaper and less-problematic down the road to just sell this one and buy an automatic one.
The market is flooeded with automatic Corollas, why bother with the all the trouble ?
Strange post. I'm a member of multiple BMW or high performance car forums worldwide and every one has people who have changed from auto to manual, in the process of doing it, or are collecting the parts required. Never one going from manual to auto. Who would?
For those of us unfortunate enough to drive in bumper to bumper traffic ever day, an automatic is justified.
The one good thing you won't have to contend with is adding a clutch pedal, you could abandon it in place. To be a perfectionist the automatic brake pedal is wider though the skinny one would work fine.
Often it boils down to some obsessive ego that thinks noone else could possibly maintain a car as well as the owner considering the change, "it's been a good car"... etc. One is set for disappointment though as dismantling a 10 year old plastic interior to refit all this stuff will lead to rattles etc.
If it were to come down to doing it a simple corolla would be a good candidate with its floor mounted shifter... easier to mod the console. Some consoles even have the same rectangular cutout. Do not take these musings as encouragement though!!
Often it boils down to some obsessive ego that thinks noone else could possibly maintain a car as well as the owner considering the change, "it's been a good car"... etc. One is set for disappointment though as dismantling a 10 year old plastic interior to refit all this stuff will lead to rattles etc.
If it were to come down to doing it a simple corolla would be a good candidate with its floor mounted shifter... easier to mod the console. Some consoles even have the same rectangular cutout. Do not take these musings as encouragement though!!
Teach the drivers how to shift the manual trans.
There are many people on the ricer forums that wanted to do the opposite (auto to manual conversion) and for an Integra, the parts are about $1k and labor extra.
I'd say just look around and sell it for an automatic, or find someone who wants to do the opposite and do a trade.
I'd say just look around and sell it for an automatic, or find someone who wants to do the opposite and do a trade.
One BMW guy spent US$6,000 to go from auto to manual. IT's a hugely complicated job on a BM, I wouldn't attempt it.
My Fiero had undergone just such a manual-to-automatic conversion some years before I bought it. I'm not sure why; my guess is a previous owner picked it up cheap with a blown engine or broken tranny and swapped the whole drivetrain from a parts car (automatic) into it. The swap is pretty much stock looking, he even swapped the steering columns to eliminate the key-release lever that the stick-shift cars had. I'm not a big fan of the home-bent tranny cooler lines (which on a Fiero, are about 8 feet long) which are zip-tied together and not mounted to the underbody in the same way the factory automatics are. Also, he apparently used the front sway bar as a bending jig where the tranny cooler lines turn and head up towards the radiator. There's also the disconnected remnants of the clutch fluid line under the front hood where the clutch cylinder was removed.
I really should swap this car back to a 5-speed!
I really should swap this car back to a 5-speed!
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