Wanting to convert to a 5 speed manual
 

I really want to convert my 1980 to the 5 speed manual ( the automatic in it works great), but I just can't get over the thrill of driving a stick shift. Does anyone know where to get everything needed for a reasonable price, or have a junk car sitting around. Thanks

The guy I sold the Jalapeno ('80 Euro 300hp 5 sp) to has contacted me and wants/needs to sell it. It was mechanically sound when I sold it, but he's had it a few years now. I did help him emergency replace the water pump in my drive way a year and a half ago, so I know that's new. The car only had 47K actual miles on it when I sold it. The synchros were all good and it is extremely fast. I believe he uses it as a daily driver. I have no affiliation other than as a previous owner.

PM me if you want to talk to him

My contention is: everybody should have more than one 928

Just buy a manual - its too much work.

Alan

Sell the auto and buy a manual it will cost less and be less aggravating. I'm not even sure if the autos have a hole in the firewall for the clutch master.

I don't think selling the auto is an option because I would lose way too much money. Restored it with the hope to keep it. Would be interested in buying a manual if the price is right. Which ones are known to be more expensive, manuals or automatics ?

IMHO I would rather have a auto,
my 5 speed is a PITA in stop and go traffic ,
now if it was driven on the freeway everyday it might be a different story

My daily drive consists of 65-70-100 mph highway. (The speed limit is actually 60).

The manuals are definitely more rare, especially the newer the model. If they have the same demand as the auto they should be more expensive.
You'd lose too much money? price out the parts and time involved in the swap, I think you'll rethink that .
I'm only 45, I'm not old enough to consider an auto yet. Maybe when I have gray hair and hip problems I'll look for one :D

I like the idea of doing the conversion with a Corvette 6-speed...someone (928Motorsports I think) has a kit now to facilitate it. However, while the Corvette transmission may well be cheaper than a Porsche 5-speed, the kit to convert it costs over $5K. It would in most cases be cheaper to just get another car and have two. Crazy...

I too am considering this conversion - first I actually have to get this on the road - I want to drive it as an auto before I decide but truthfully I've only ever driven manuals - in my late 50's now and still love shifting - I had parted out a wrecked 79 manual so I have the pedals, the tranny, the torque tube, master and slave - just don't have the firewall mount for the clutch slave - stupidly I thought the mount would be on all cars and just not used on autos so I didn't take it off the wreck - like you i'm making this car too nice to sell and buy a manual which i'll probably have to rebuild to make it as nice as this one - so if you want to do the conversion I would think the least expensive way would be to buy a complete wrecked car - they show up every now and then and can be had reasonably cheap - I bought the 79 for $900 and it was only missing the fenders

Depending on how well you want the conversion done figure between $5k and $12k with the end result a frankencar worth about what you started with stock. More than just parts, all of the expensive stuff should be GOOD parts, which means mostly new for the clutch and rebuilding the transmission etc. Some things will be cosmetic, replacing the cluster instruments with manual versions.

Depending on model year and condition the manual sells at $2k to $5k or more premium, AND isn't the rock solid system of the automatic, most will need clutch and transmission rebuild on a miles and abuse schedule.

That said I have no real interest in owning another 928 automatic, too boring, except for repair issues. If I am going to drive an automatic, might as well make it a cheaper to own modern reliable car, maybe a station wagon.

I totally agree! Besides when done all you have is a butchered up car.

I might be interested in the euro, if the price is right. Any idea of the asking price?
-Kerry

Same here.

I really don't have any idea. It needed paint when I sold it to him, and he had it painted. Guy did a good job. I will PM each of you the name and contact information