Converting to Manual Transmission 280i auto

[hk350i]

I have damaged the gearbox on my 1987 280i auto and rather than repairing it would rather convert to manual transmission. Has any body performed this conversion in the past? Can any one answer the following questions?

1. Will a manual flywheel bolt directly to the crankshaft of an automatic car?

2. Does the automatic car have a different diff ratio?

3. Will a manual propshaft be a direct fit between the gearbox and current differential?

4. Apart from gearbox, clutch, flywheel, pedal box for clutch and brake, propshaft, speedometer cable, what other parts are likely to be required for the conversion?

5. Will the speedometer require replacement?

If anybody has any of the necessary parts available for sale please respond via the message board.

[tvr500i]

Don't have an answer to your question, but along the same lines I have another question. Does anybody know if it's possible to swap the T4 transmission in my 280i for a T5 without too much difficulty, or do they different lenghts, mounting points, and/or different shaft. My T4 is very cranky at times and hates to be shifted fast. I hear the T5 is a lot better.

[Wedg1e]

1. Will a manual flywheel bolt directly to the crankshaft of an automatic car?
A: Probably. I recall a friend of my father doing a similar conversion on a Granada without too much grief. You may find that the spigot bearing in the rear end of the crank will need changing though.

2. Does the automatic car have a different diff ratio?
A: Not according to any literature I have to hand. Auto and manual are both quoted as 22.2MPH/ 1000RPM.

3. Will a manual propshaft be a direct fit between the gearbox and current differential?
A: Since the propshafts were TVR specials (i.e. not standard Ford/ Jag items), you'd struggle to find a 'manual' version anway! Best to assume that you'd need the front end of the Ford manual prop, and have it mated to your existing Jag rear coupling. But you may get lucky and find both boxes are the same length and have the same output splines.

4. Apart from gearbox, clutch, flywheel, pedal box for clutch and brake, propshaft, speedometer cable, what other parts are likely to be required for the conversion?
A: You'll have fun with the clutch; TVR did. The 3 options I've seen were: concentric release slave cylinder inside the bellhousing; modified Ford arm with cable; modified Ford arm with slave cyl outside the bellhousing. I don't think the standard clutch release arm had enough room. Apart from that: don't foget to link out the starter inhibit switch wires, otherwise it'll never start! Also, there may be a vacuum takeoff from the inlet manifold that'll need plugging.

5. Will the speedometer require replacement?
A: Doubt it. I don't think the damn things tell the truth anyway in a TVR! ;-)


Have fun!
W.