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Automatic to Manual Transmission Conversion

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Old 02-27-2011 | 03:05 PM
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Default Automatic to Manual Transmission Conversion

Greetings Community,

I was born in Germany and have come accustomed to the use of a Standard Transmission vehicle. Over a year ago, I bought my first Audi, a 2001 A4 1.8T. I got this car at a great price, but sadly it was automatic.

Now I'm wondering: Is it possible to put replace the automatic transmission with a manual transmission, install a clutch and replace the automatic shifter with a manual shifter? If so, what would you estimate the price to be? And how long would the labor take?

I would be doing all the work myself, since I have experience as a mechanic and a friend to help me out who is a professional mechanic.


Thank you,
Nick
Old 02-27-2011 | 03:46 PM
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Default Re: Automatic to Manual Transmission Conversion

I can recall someone else posting up a similar thread. I believe the answer was that there is far too much involved and it would be better to find a standard car instead
Old 02-27-2011 | 07:33 PM
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Default Re: Automatic to Manual Transmission Conversion

Thanks Mike. I'll just stick with the Tip-tronic for now.
Old 02-28-2011 | 12:22 AM
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Default Re: Automatic to Manual Transmission Conversion

Nothing77 did it to his A6
Old 02-28-2011 | 12:48 AM
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Default Re: Automatic to Manual Transmission Conversion

Thanks 1move. Just sent him a message asking him if he could quickly summarize the process.
Old 02-28-2011 | 11:53 AM
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Default Re: Automatic to Manual Transmission Conversion

It's a lot of work, but whether or not it's 'worth' it depends entirely on you. For the B5 A4, you'll need at least the tranny, clutch/fw, pedal assembly and linkage, manual ECU, transmission mounts, manual wiring harness (unless you want to start splicing and running your own wires), and a pilot bearing for the manual transmission shaft to mate to your automatic crankshaft. The rear differential is different as well, but will only affect your top speed capability so most people won't care to bother swapping it.
Old 07-30-2012 | 07:10 PM
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Default Re: Automatic to Manual Transmission Conversion

Hey Community, it has been a while!

Digging up this old post again. Can't stand not being able to shift properly whilst driving anymore.

Found an older A4 in the area that was involved in a rear fender bender. It's a 1999 A4 V6 with a manual tranny... The only thing that might be damaged is the rear differential since it's nearest to the damage, unless there is more wiring hidden back there...

Here's the link

Any ideas if this would work?

Thanks,
Nick
Old 07-31-2012 | 03:11 PM
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Default Re: Automatic to Manual Transmission Conversion

I just did my TIP to 6 Speed conversion.
Old 07-31-2012 | 03:47 PM
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Default Re: Automatic to Manual Transmission Conversion

Difficult?

Did you get the parts out of a salvaged vehicle, or did you purchase them new?

Any information and documentation you have from doing this would be greatly appreciated. Not sure if I want to do it, but definately looking for a project to take up soon.


Nick
Old 08-01-2012 | 02:47 PM
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Default Re: Automatic to Manual Transmission Conversion

i bought 90% of the parts from audi4parts other stuff came from JHM

I had to change tranny, pedals, main shaft, front drive shafts, rear end, shifter etc

Difficulty wasn't hard I mean everything was really there was a basic bolt on.

Wiring was basic like clutch switch, cruise control, reverse lights.

The hardest part will be the ECU. I had JHM make a custom file for me cause none was ever done on this year.

I think for your setup it will be much easier. Mine never came with 6 speed as an option. My only advice would be is to find a nice write up for your model which I can almost gaurantee there is one, source all the parts first cost wise and see if it's really worth it. I think you can find a car already manual and save a bit there.

Last edited by Audimuscle; 08-01-2012 at 09:26 PM.


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