tim aka "bigblackbeasst" over on the long roof forum. just put a 6 speed in his wagon (i think with the help of 200oz and a couple others) well he took a video running through the gears...make you drool! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8pao75vHRE&feature=player_embedded http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhGJSZ-gRsc&feature=player_embedded
That IS sweet. I didn't know if I would like that swap or not, but, watching the video perked me right up. Sounds great! I think it would be fun to see it take off from a light....hearing a wagon shift would cause confusion in a lot of people!
This car was stupid fun driving it for just a short time, now I've got to find some extra cash for a six speed for my wagon. Tim's trying to find a shifter knob that looks classy Buick, and not look like a hot rod. Mike
It's not exactly cheap fox, but boy is it fun. T-56 transmissions out of a '93-'97 LT1 F body are in the $800-1,000 range for a "good" used one, and as little as $400 for one that needs some attention. Obviously theres a lot more to it though than a trans., you need the F body pedals, clutch hydraulics, special adapter plate for the pedals, and hydraulics, heavier fly wheel, clutch, modified or custom trans cross member.... There's probably more, but I don't know a whole lot about it. In the end I think Tim had just under $2,000 into the swap, but Tim is a master negotiator/horse trader so it might cost you more depending on your patients and bartering abilities. Here's a link to the entire build thread. Lots of pics. http://gmlongroof.4umer.com/t5216-my-head-is-sore-from-bump Mike
Thanks a lot, Mike. I'm sure there are others here, too, that will appreciate this info. I'm pretty much aware of all the parts and labor and I think the whole deal is about what I thought it might be....maybe a little less even. Thanks again.
you might talk to "mickwagon" too, he is getting a pro to do the swap for him currently. Tim did it in his garage with two other forum memebers. then you will have a cost comparison. if you can get a totaled f body, that might be the most cost effective route. you can pull all the parts you need and sell off the other stuff that isnt damaged to help pay for your swap. i have never driven a 6 speed wagon, but i did drive bill crovo's 6 speed impala ss. I was in love instantly. it takes 1000 lbs off the car (well, it feels like it).
ok mike...(silverfox) you really gotta do this conversion. i just rode in the car my self....wow! the car was fast and felt it...now it feels STUPID FAST! it was unbelievable!
Thanks for the Kudo's Ian. It is not really that fast, but the manual makes it feel much more "torque'y", if that's a word. I changed to the tri-y headers and took off the cats this weekend. Makes it a little to raspy, but I love the added torque of the tri-y's. Hope to put the cats back to quiet her down a bit. Summer tires are back on as well. Starting to complete the package. I picked up the tranny stupid cheap, but had a full rebuild and upgrade done on it. That is where I spent the money. You would be lucky to do it without a console for $2500, less the money for your old tranny. More than likely you would spend $3500 to do it right. Thanks for the interest guys.
