Auto to Manual, is it worth it?

[2G_RFF_GST]

I just bought my car not too long ago. The only thing i don't like about it is that it's an auto. So my question is, is it worth it to make it into a manual? What are the benifits and drawbacks? I know driving a manual is more fun, but are there any other reasons to do the swap? I've heard that manual trannys put more HP to the ground. Is that true?

 

[numlock666]

nothing really wrong with auto's, Translab shift kit, LSD, high stall converter. You'll be having fun. Brake boosting is one advantage auto's have. But if you are still up for the swap, there's a write up on vfaq for the 1G but its very similar in the 2Gb's

 

[sumenlo]

In my opinion, manual is the way to go, no matter what. It's just way too much fun to do the shifting yourself. I feel like I'm more a part of the car when I'm driving a stick. The other thing I like, is the skill involved in being good at driving a manual. Any Joe Schmo can mash his foot onto the gas petal and make the car go foward. It takes a little more skill to master AWD launches and quick shifting. Sure, manual transmissions can be a pain in the ass when you get stuck in traffic, but who really cares that much. The whole point of an automatic transmission, was originally for luxury. That's why when you buy a car at a dealership, the auto tranny's are more expensive than the ones with a manual. It's cosidered a convenience to not have to shift. Then again, there's upgrades out there that can make an auto tranny shift way faster than any human could ever hope to. It's all a matter of what you like to drive more.

The other thing you have to take into consideration is the cost factor. If you really want a maunal, then sell your car and buy one that is a 5 speed. You'll save a bunch of money that way. The other thing is the cost of auto tranny's and upgrades. Especially if you break something in an auto tranny. You'll be looking at a couple grand to get it fixed. They are such complicated pieces of equipment and way expensive to repair.

In my opinion, the less complicated moving parts, the better. A gearbox, flywheel, and clutch is all I need. Screw that torque converter crap.

 

[Shane2GSX]

I had the same problem. I used to have an AT 97 GST and got tired of it, so I bought a MT GSX and have not regretted it.

 

[2G_RFF_GST]

I originally wanted a WRX, then a GSX, but i couldn't find either that had under 70,000miles. So after a year of looking, i just settled for a GST.

 

[2G_RFF_GST]

Oh, and i wanted to buy one locally, so i didn't have to drive half way accross the country to pick one up.

 

[airmail96]

Hahaha, for a DSM you'll find yourself doing things you never wanted to do. In one day I drove 5 hours to Kentucky, then 3 hours to middle Ohio, and another 3 hrs home haha it was a blast. But, stick vrs auto I'd really have to say it depends on what you are wanting to do. If your looking for a high horspower straight line track car you can build one hell of an automatic dragster, but if your looknig for the back roading and auto crossing type car; stick all the way, there is nothing like the feeling of going through the gears and having to adjust your feet just right for that perfect heel toe blip or making the most beautiful downshift into turn 3 keeping your rpms just where you need them so you can accelerate balls to the wall on the way out.......mmmmmm gives me chills.

 

[hegong]

Well, I am currently on my second auto to manual conversion and they are well worth it. I did a conversion on my 95 talon tsi. It ran ok auto but ran like a beast with the manual swap. I found the parts for cheap my mechanic helped me do the swap. It went pretty smooth. Now I am doing my 1g awd eclipse. I blew the auto tranny so i decided to do the swap. You do need a bit more parts though for the awd such as the differential and ecu and injectors if you wanted to run 450 injectors. Like I said, The headache is just finding the parts litttle by little. The swap itself is easy as long as you have all the parts. In the long run, yes its worth it, especiall if you have already done upgrades on the car and if it is in great condition. Hope that helped. Good Luck!!!!!!!!!1

 

[Shane2GSX]

Hahaha, for a DSM you'll find yourself doing things you never wanted to do. In one day I drove 5 hours to Kentucky, then 3 hours to middle Ohio, and another 3 hrs home haha it was a blast. But, stick vrs auto I'd really have to say it depends on what you are wanting to do. If your looking for a high horspower straight line track car you can build one hell of an automatic dragster, but if your looknig for the back roading and auto crossing type car; stick all the way, there is nothing like the feeling of going through the gears and having to adjust your feet just right for that perfect heel toe blip or making the most beautiful downshift into turn 3 keeping your rpms just where you need them so you can accelerate balls to the wall on the way out.......mmmmmm gives me chills.

Yeah, when I was searching for my MT GSX I drove (from Kentucky) to Ohio twice, Chicago, and finally drove 7 hours (one way) to North Carolina to pick up my 99 GSX with 56,000 original miles, completely unmodded, black leather, and brand new paint job. I got what I wanted, but paid a little much for it. But it was worth it.

 

[airmail96]

Haha my point exactly

 

[99gst_racer]

Kyle - If you're seriously interested in the swap, try contacting "boom boom" on our local forum board. His real name is Zach and he did the swap last year on his 1G Laser.