Possible to convert Automatic to Manual transmission?

[Albeniz]

Many modern cars in Singapore only come with automatic transmission (e.g. BMW, Mercedes, Cefiro, Nissan March 1.4 (K12)). I am wondering if it is possible to convert the transmission from automatic to manual.

 

Will such conversion be approved by LTA, is it a diffcult process and how much would it typically cost to do so?

 

 

 

[1fast1]

Possible, but extremely difficult (technically) to do so reliably, and will cost lots of $$$ (sorry, can't be precise). Then there's the matter of getting it passed by LTA. I'm sure the warranty will also go bye-bye.

 

You're much better off trying to parallel import the manual version if the AD doesn't bring it in. I'm pretty sure a few guys have PI-d in manual BMWs. Not sure about the other makes.

Edited July 9, 2011 by Turboflat4

[5936]

Technically very challenging.

 

and can be done legally.

 

But you may have trouble getting competent workshop to do for you,

and not work the money.

 

 

[Donut]

I don't think our local WS can do it. Part of the engine need to be modified, which is impossible for local WS to do it.

 

U got to send the car back to factory for modification.

 

Last time, a friend of mine changed his BMW to manual. But he did it when he was buying a new one. He told performance motors that he wants manual. PM say can, but got to specially order from BMW factory. Waiting time 6 months. And of coz with additional $$.....

 

So it's possible, but not with our ah dee or ah seng WS in SG

[Mllcg]

I don't think our local WS can do it. Part of the engine need to be modified, which is impossible for local WS to do it.

 

U got to send the car back to factory for modification.

 

Last time, a friend of mine changed his BMW to manual. But he did it when he was buying a new one. He told performance motors that he wants manual. PM say can, but got to specially order from BMW factory. Waiting time 6 months. And of coz with additional $$.....

 

So it's possible, but not with our ah dee or ah seng WS in SG

 

AD cannot do?

[Relagsingh]

I don't think our local WS can do it. Part of the engine need to be modified, which is impossible for local WS to do it.

 

U got to send the car back to factory for modification.

 

Last time, a friend of mine changed his BMW to manual. But he did it when he was buying a new one. He told performance motors that he wants manual. PM say can, but got to specially order from BMW factory. Waiting time 6 months. And of coz with additional $$.....

 

So it's possible, but not with our ah dee or ah seng WS in SG

 

Dear mr ah dee/seng ,

 

It depends what car we're talking about. While I agree it can be quite a challenge for certain make/model, for eg. BMW, or those that are more current, there are some successful and legalised mods done from some ah dee/seng WS. Approval must be sought after from the local AD if the car is bought from them in the 1st place so can get the a-- covered if things go pear shaped.

 

There's a lot of work, time and parts involved not to mention the paperwork. But if one think its worth it, it'll always be.

[Sky61]

Transmissions or Gearboxes

LTA allows the transmissions to be changed from manual to auto and vice versa. LTA requires the following to be submitted for approval evaluation:

a) Invoice of the proposed transmission from the supplier.

b) Certification from the manufacturer stating that the transmission is suitable for the vehicle

 

taken from LTA website. its possible to convert, just that its time and labour intensive. many parts required, but there are competent workshops able to do so. it all depends on what model of cars u are talking about and if there is a manual/auto version of ur car.

[Donut]

AD cannot do?

 

Performance motors is the AD for BMW lor.....

[Bystander50]

AD cannot do?

 

Do you think ADs have all the qualified mechanics who are at expert levels?

Do a check on the AD mechanics and see how many can strip, overhaul and put back the engine in working condition.

AD mechanics are more proficient in standard servicing, some actually send to other workshops for more complicated tasks.

 

 

[khinwai]

Hi sorry to dig up old thread.. Been wanting to do conversion.. Frm auto to manual but couldnt find any workshop doing it..

 

Can any bro here that have done this to share with me when n how they did it ?

 

Trust me ive google/yahoo/bing n found nth much in singapore..

[Leeke1]

wat car u wan to change to manual? I wan to do the reverse. we swap car can already. no need to do any mod.

[Watwheels]

Hi sorry to dig up old thread.. Been wanting to do conversion.. Frm auto to manual but couldnt find any workshop doing it..

 

Can any bro here that have done this to share with me when n how they did it ?

 

Trust me ive google/yahoo/bing n found nth much in singapore..

 

 

You search in the wrong places. Go to sgcarmart.com search for gearbox or transmission. It will show you a list of workshops that does repairs or recondition or whatever. Call up and ask them. Usually they have to order the manual parts from the maker or local distributor, get the relevant documents(to make sure the parts are for the make & model of your car) to submit to LTA for approval. Approved, the workshop will proceed to do the swap. Once done the car will go for inspection.

 

Be prepared to pay for parts, labour cost and LTA fees. And be prepared to wait & wait. It's very tedious and not worth doing it. Is it a VW?

 

[Kangadrool]

Not worth it here.

 

Sell you car. Buy or self-import a manual is far easier.

 

Hi sorry to dig up old thread.. Been wanting to do conversion.. Frm auto to manual but couldnt find any workshop doing it..

Can any bro here that have done this to share with me when n how they did it ?

Trust me ive google/yahoo/bing n found nth much in singapore..

 

[1fast1]

Seriously, I can see someone attempting this themselves if they're very handy and just want the challenge and satisfaction of DIY-ing it. Other than that, the point is missing to me. Just order the manual equivalent (grey it in yourself or via a PI if necessary) or if none exists, look at another model.

[ChickenMob]

Seriously, I can see someone attempting this themselves if they're very handy and just want the challenge and satisfaction of DIY-ing it. Other than that, the point is missing to me. Just order the manual equivalent (grey it in yourself or via a PI if necessary) or if none exists, look at another model.

 

diy meh?? last time when reservist they sent me on a motor vehicle repair course , dismantle the gear box in awhile.

 

but until the course ended, i still had not put back the gearbox yet...lol..

better check for those proven workshops but as some bros here had said not really worth it to do conversion time and money taken not

worth it ....

[Myxilplix]

Workshop? Go to workshops that specialise in that particular brand or model, not general gearbox workshops. The pro shops might have experience with prior swaps or at least attempts.

 

I was considering a manual swap but it's been tried on my model before with a lot of problems and troubleshooting relating to the ECU (can't just plug in a manual car ECU), this is from two separate sources. The general consensus is it's not worth it because of all the little niggles that pop up but I guess that's the price we pay for having cars with so much computing power nowadays.

[Ahgong]

yeah... i was thinking the same thing.

unless the car is a vintage one that is bought for collection purpose. and only driven for that once-in-a-blue-moon allowed period.

otherwise, why would anyone want to waste good money on mods only to have it scraped less than a decade later?

buying the manual version will be a better option.

 

Seriously, I can see someone attempting this themselves if they're very handy and just want the challenge and satisfaction of DIY-ing it. Other than that, the point is missing to me. Just order the manual equivalent (grey it in yourself or via a PI if necessary) or if none exists, look at another model.

 

[Watwheels]

Seriously, I can see someone attempting this themselves if they're very handy and just want the challenge and satisfaction of DIY-ing it. Other than that, the point is missing to me. Just order the manual equivalent (grey it in yourself or via a PI if necessary) or if none exists, look at another model.

 

LoL...provided the car owner have a workshop or a garage of his own with the proper tools and equipment.