944 auto to manual conversion..?
 

Has anyone done it? how hard/costly do you guys think it would be..?

Thanks,
Paul

It's possible, but difficult.

If you have all the parts necessary, and can do the work yourself, I'd say give it a try. If you need to acquire the parts, you need far more than just the tranny, and it would be difficult to not sink too much money into a car that is now probably worth less, as unless it is done to factory standards, it's now a frankenporsche with little resale value.

Not worth it
 

Too much hassle. Better off to get a standard transmission 944. Then you can have one of each! Honestly though, keep it stock. Autos are fine and have less transmission difficulties.

No enthusiasm so far... but I like the idea, I think they all should be converted manual! After all, having an automatic sports car is like dating a supermodel with no v****a.. it's super lame!

There's a lot of hydraulic stuff to do.. and drilling, and retrofitting, but anything is possible with enough patience.. I bet you can get the parts cheap, maybe use 924 parts?

Thants so funny! I just P!ssed myself laughing.......

I've been trying to figure out what to compare an automatic Porsche to. Supermodel without a v****a sounds about right.

Converting over to the Manual shift Transaxle is to much trouble - to include the main ECU/Dme as the auto trans is controlled by it and will not work with a standard transaxle, shift rods and tube, clutch slave and master hydraulics, shifter mechanism complete, pedal assembly, etc.

It has been done before but it is costly and time consuming job...

Sorry to disagree with the above, but this is not true.

The DME for the automatic and the manual trans cars are the same for the same year.

Here is a quick solution:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1266671972.jpg

HAHAHA thats gold

Ill be undertaking this first of the year. I have 2 complete cars

Sounds like a PITA, but I just can't imagine driving a 944 with a nasty 1980's 3 speed Audi slushbox.

I wonder how driving an auto 944 is... I'm not holding my breath

If one were to buy a 5 speed parts car with a busted engine....... it would be as easy as as transferring your good engine to the manual car.

It can easily be done in two simple step
1). Sell Automatic 944
2). Buy Manual 944

HAHAHA so true, these cars are not all that expensive (all things considered) the bigger question here is why do you own an auto 944.

Regards
Dave

I'd say go for it, especially with both cars. People make auto to manual conversions out to be a big deal when they really aren't.

The biggest question is why did Porsche make the auto :)

I'll translate that...America sucks when it comes to cars and driving...and it's only gotten worse lately. They're lazy, uneducated, and expect their car to be as convenient and push button as their toaster and dishwasher. They sure can talk about how great the iphone 4S is over the 4, but just don't understand when I look at them funny and then ask them how someone could possibly be so content driving a Toyota Yaris. It's still rock and roll to me... :cool:

If you're going to survive, you have to sell what they want, unfortunately.

Good point. Although I very much appreciate my iPhones as well :)

I'm 80% done with my conversion. I even tore down my engine and sent the parts to the machine shop. I have the torque tube, transaxle and axles all swapped out. I have the shift linkage in and ready for me to bolt in the shifter. (I'm saving the interior work for "clean hands day." I noticed I need to wire up the reverse lights as there is no separate wires on the automatic body. The reverse lights must have been triggered by the automatic shifter.
Have any of you ever completed this conversion? Was there any other electrical issues you had to overcome?

Unfortunately, in Alaska we have very few of these cars. Found an auto for $600 and had to pull engine to fix no oil pressure. But it is a nice little treat to drive to and from until I get the manual up and running. That one has the sport seats that are "just right"! Thought about the conversion as the auto is in really nice shape, but think I'll just keep and enjoy both until I can find a 951. Might have to shop lower 48...

Not a hard change over we've done quiet a few over the years , Pm me if you need any info.

I swapped mine- like the posts above say- Who wants a Porsche with an auto trans? I bought 89 with a bad trans for 600.00 and I bought an entire parts car for 500 and swapped the manual in. The DME did not need to be changed. i worked on it on/off for a week. I would suggest changing the bushings in the shifter and the pedal assembly when you do it.
I have had more trouble out of the electrical system than the transaxle.