[thebogyman]

What is the estimate in converting a 78 z with an automatic to
a 5 speed stick. Can a person with decent mechanical ability do
it ones self (I used to do clutch replacements on my 78z some years ago when I owned one).

Is there any welding involved, or are the parts bolt on? I know the clutch is hydraulic so the linkage shouldn't be that bad im guessing.

Also, are the parts farily available?

What are the major issues, and what do you think the total conversion would cost.

I am looking at a 78 z in NY and it looks real good except for the fact it is an auto. I really want a 5 speed but cant find a nice one in my geographic area and I'm getting tired of looking!

Any help is appreciated

 

[kyle4rley]

i am doing this to my 240, i got a screamin deal on all the parts (125) tranny included so i'm not real sure on the price, however everyone i talk to says it will be pretty easy, haven't started yet but i will in about 2 weeks, and as far as i know everything is bolt on. maybe if we start our projects at the same time we can exchange input.
-kyle
72 240
AZ

 

[570-Z]

If you can change a clutch, you can do this. Remove the auto shifter, then the tranny, just like the maunal, remove the trans fluid cooler lines that go the the radiator. Remove the flex plate (thin fly wheel) from the crank.

Things you will need are a through out bearing, a fly wheel, the tranny, the shifter, a clutch pedal and smaller brake pedal, look where the pedals mount, you may need to get a new assembly but I bet you can just bolt on a smaller brake pedal and the clutch pedal, that's the way my 73 was. You will also need the clutch master and slave cylinders and associated lines. Best way to find all of this is to pull it off the same donor car. You will also need a different consol. The rest is just bolt in, same mounting points, same drive shaft. Get a good after market clutch, may I suggest a center force II. It will last a very long time. I'm sure I've forgot something but some one here will chime in and let us know. Good luck, Mark

 

[gr8vfr]

570-z is right.

The pedal mounts are already there.
BUT!!! It is very difficult to get the pivot bolt started under the dash.

You will diffenitely scrap up your hands gettin them **** bolts into place.

Everything else is pretty straight forward.

The console is the same you need the inner rubber boot.( It will keep out the noise and dirt.)
And the outer boot for looks.
Good Luck.

 

[Andrei]

What you need is a pedal assembly from a stickshift car, your year range, and all the lines. it is a drop in process, but you will have to remove a lot of stuff from under the dash to get that assembly in and do it right. it will cost you about 250 for a tranny, and another 250 or so for all the rest of the parts.

 

[bakachan]

whats wrong with the auto?

i bought a 78 parts car with a 5 speed in it for the interior parts and the 5 speed
ive used the interior parts but havent converted mine.
i thought i would hate the auto but i have grown fond of it especially in rush
hour traffic! the z auto shifts so crisp and firm its a blast to drive

i would suggest getting a parts car because there are alot of parts involved
in the swap.

 

[jeff g 78]

Don't forget a pilot bearing! Your crank will not have one with the auto. It is a simple brass bushing that goes in the end of the crankshaft to align the trans input shaft.

Also, you might have to trim the tunnel just a bit to get full range on your shifter. This can be done after everything is in. Just row it through the gears and make sure you have plenty of clearance in all gears. I think the later cars have the proper cutout though. I did have to trim my '72 slightly when I did the conversion.

Jeff