Auto to manual conversion...
10-04-01, 05:09 PM
#1
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Auto to manual conversion...
I'm looking to buy an RX-7 (3rd gen), but the selection is scarce around my area. I know it's hard to believe people are reluctant to sell their sevens. :p
Basically my selection is a very short list. I'd prefer to have a manual transmission, and if I were to buy an auto, converting it would be a must. That being said, how expensive are they and how hard is it to do. I want to factor that in before I consider purchasing.
Thanks.
Basically my selection is a very short list. I'd prefer to have a manual transmission, and if I were to buy an auto, converting it would be a must. That being said, how expensive are they and how hard is it to do. I want to factor that in before I consider purchasing.
Thanks.
10-08-01, 02:01 AM
#2
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Good luck in getting a reply. I have been trying to find out about the conversion as well. Lots of people say they have done it but no one will say how it went or if it works. This worries me.
10-08-01, 04:51 PM
#3
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hmm... I'm not incredibly experienced on the matter, but I can say that there will be more to it than just pulling out the auto and replacing with manual. You're also going to need to change the computer, and the autos have a tach that redlines at 7,000 rpm as opposed to 8,000 on the 5 speeds. I'm sure there will be other logistical problems that you'll run into during the conversion.
Personally, I'd say it's not worth it.. Tempe is a rich area (well, Scottsdale is, and you're next to eachother, aren't you), I'm sure if you wait long enough, you'll find one you like with a 5spd. I know I found a couple while I was still searching (which took 5 months, by the way) out in the Phoenix area.
Personally, I'd say it's not worth it.. Tempe is a rich area (well, Scottsdale is, and you're next to eachother, aren't you), I'm sure if you wait long enough, you'll find one you like with a 5spd. I know I found a couple while I was still searching (which took 5 months, by the way) out in the Phoenix area.
10-09-01, 05:30 PM
#5
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Here's what I did when searching for my car.
Looked at Ebay.com and ThePartsTrader.com daily for the perfect RX-7. My requirments were R1 or R2 package with no mods, 5sp, and less than 30k miles. It took me about 6 months to find the car, but I finally did.
Do NOT limit your search to local area, go ahead and broaden it out to nationwide.
Once you've found the car that peaks your interest, contact the seller and get the VIN number. Call up Mazda and check what Recalls have been performed on the car. This will give you a little insight into the maintainence of the car. Also pay for a 3 month subscription to CarFax.com. This allows you to look at the title history for the car and to spot bad cars quickly. I think the service runs around $20 if I remember correctly and it saved me from buying a lemon.
Also ask the seller if he can run the car to the local Mazda dealer (look on www.mazdausa.com for the best rated dealer in the seller's area) and have them perform a routine checkup with compression test. This should run you anywhere from $75-100, but again, I was saved from buying an almost dead motor by paying this money.
Once you've gone through all these checks, if it still looks good, setup a weekend flight to the seller's city. I would do all the loan stuff before this and have your bank cut a cashier's check. Check the car out visually and test drive the car. Read the FAQ on the 3rd gen's and run through the typical test drive tests. Boost Guage very handy here!!!!
If it all looks good, get the title, give the seller the cashiers check and drive your new baby home!
I ended up buying my car in Chicago and drove it back to Dallas. One of the best weekends I've ever had. It amazes me how many FD's I see for sale in the area now, after I went to Chicago for mine :P
Anyway, goodluck!
Looked at Ebay.com and ThePartsTrader.com daily for the perfect RX-7. My requirments were R1 or R2 package with no mods, 5sp, and less than 30k miles. It took me about 6 months to find the car, but I finally did.
Do NOT limit your search to local area, go ahead and broaden it out to nationwide.
Once you've found the car that peaks your interest, contact the seller and get the VIN number. Call up Mazda and check what Recalls have been performed on the car. This will give you a little insight into the maintainence of the car. Also pay for a 3 month subscription to CarFax.com. This allows you to look at the title history for the car and to spot bad cars quickly. I think the service runs around $20 if I remember correctly and it saved me from buying a lemon.
Also ask the seller if he can run the car to the local Mazda dealer (look on www.mazdausa.com for the best rated dealer in the seller's area) and have them perform a routine checkup with compression test. This should run you anywhere from $75-100, but again, I was saved from buying an almost dead motor by paying this money.
Once you've gone through all these checks, if it still looks good, setup a weekend flight to the seller's city. I would do all the loan stuff before this and have your bank cut a cashier's check. Check the car out visually and test drive the car. Read the FAQ on the 3rd gen's and run through the typical test drive tests. Boost Guage very handy here!!!!
If it all looks good, get the title, give the seller the cashiers check and drive your new baby home!
I ended up buying my car in Chicago and drove it back to Dallas. One of the best weekends I've ever had. It amazes me how many FD's I see for sale in the area now, after I went to Chicago for mine :P
Anyway, goodluck!
10-09-01, 07:52 PM
#6
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Good God man! Listen to what you are saying. Why would you buy an auto to convert it to automatic. For the same money (after all is said and done) you can get more car for less by just getting a 5-speed. Just the truth man. I have an auto.