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Changing from Auto to Manual transmission, worth it?

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Old May 30, 2011 | 08:33 AM
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Default Changing from Auto to Manual transmission, worth it?

I have 2005 Black AUTOMATIC 350Z, It has about 75k miles on it and I have HID's Intake and Exhaust, and Rims, I have spent about $2000 on my car. I hate automatic cars, I want to switch it to a manual. How much work and how much would it cost to change it to a manual 6 spd? Is it worth it? I love manual and drove manual all my life, I made a bad decision in getting an auto because of traffic but i changed my mind so is it worth it at this point or just get a different manual car>?
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Old May 30, 2011 | 08:53 AM
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If you can source out a cheap use manual tranny and do it yourself then maybe ,if not, sell your car and get a 6 speed.
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Old May 30, 2011 | 08:54 AM
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IMO, no...Upgrade the valve body and go NA/FI and your still less than what it would cost in most cases to do the swap. Selling your current Z and taking the difference and getting a 6MT would also make sense
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Old May 30, 2011 | 09:17 AM
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Just sell the Barbie car and buy a 6mt. You get the trans you want and you ***** back.

Swaps are not practical
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Old May 30, 2011 | 10:21 AM
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Yes its worth it. You can but a manual transmission for about $4,000. And sell the automatic transmission for $100 to a girl or sissy pants.
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Old May 30, 2011 | 10:30 AM
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I've got 56k on my 06 MT and will trade with u. I am giving this car to my gf and she prefers auto
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Old May 30, 2011 | 01:35 PM
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a friend of mine converted his 03 enthusiast AT to MT for around 5K tranny and labor.
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Old May 30, 2011 | 01:36 PM
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I got your message but it won't let me reply. Where are u located city slick?
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Old May 30, 2011 | 01:47 PM
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Average this swap seems to run depending on where parts are sourced is between $5-6K if its worth it to keep YOUR vehicle and do the swap for that dollar amount then by all means though it seems you might be able to pull your mods , sell the car then purchase a 6mt for cheaper than the swap. Guess its all whether you have sentimental value in the vehicle itself.
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Old May 30, 2011 | 03:25 PM
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Definitely not worth it. Sell it, then get a (preferably 07+) manual. Your potential savings might not outweigh the headaches involved. Remember, most projects cost more than what's expected.
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Old May 30, 2011 | 03:27 PM
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delete thread
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Old May 31, 2011 | 09:15 AM
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Minnesota
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Old May 31, 2011 | 03:04 PM
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so far everyone has spoken to the quantitave aspect of the swap which would be obviously the cost, on the other hand there is the non quantifiable aspect of this also.

i've only driven a auto z once and it was pretty lack luster in my oppinion. I far preffer the feel of a good manual car over any auto, or "semi auto" transmission I've ever driven (to include, GTR, lambo gallardo, etc.) a sports car is just not a real sports car unless it has a a clutch and manual gear selection.

this is just my oppinion so nobody get butt hurt,

me personally I would just do the swap my self but, i understand that many don't have accesses to the knowledge or equipment nessecary to do so, and that being said I agree that there may be more financially feasible solutions,

my point is this? no matter what route you choose to go it is quite worth it to go from an auto to a manual IMHO
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Old May 31, 2011 | 03:22 PM
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Originally Posted by nathanwl2004
no matter what route you choose to go it is quite worth it to go from an auto to a manual IMHO
This
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Old May 31, 2011 | 07:25 PM
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nissan should've made all Z's manual!
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Old Jun 1, 2011 | 09:31 AM
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I agree! The car has a prior salvage title due to being hit in the front however engine was not touched and had 2 mechanics look at it before I bought the car. I have invested a lot into it about $3000 rims, intake, exhaust, indash navigation, etc and has about 75k miles.

If I was to resell with prior salvage I would not get the $$ I need for a new Z.

That being said. I was going to take out a loan in order to do the swap.

I have 3 friends who are all certified mechanics who can do the job for 40% less than what it would cost.

Is it still worth it?
What parts do I need?
Clutch/Flywheel/Shiftknob/Sensors..
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Old Jun 1, 2011 | 09:37 AM
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I say no still...

Save and get another salvage title 6MT car if possible. Put the better of both in the 6MT!
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Old Jun 1, 2011 | 09:40 AM
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The only reason I bought this prior salvage was because the only thing wrong with it was the Tie Rod and wheel bearing needed to be replaced, I dont like salvaged cars.. to many surprises.. IDK I hate driving my car... I went from manual to auto with this car and I hate it I love the Z but needs to be manual only reason i bought this was because good price
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Old Jun 1, 2011 | 10:17 AM
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Originally Posted by davidv
Yes its worth it. You can but a manual transmission for about $4,000. And sell the automatic transmission for $100 to a girl or sissy pants.
yeah, yeah, bring it to the airstrip.

I vote for sell the car if you want a 6MT. You don't have enough invested in it to go through the hassle of a swap. Then come to ZdayZ next year so I can whip past you in my 5AT... while drinking a soda .
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Old Jun 1, 2011 | 01:59 PM
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Get an 009 6mt tranny. They're on here for around 500 or so.
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