Swaping an Auto trany into a manual body

Jay C

New Member
Sep 30, 2010
283
0
0
Omaha, NE
Hey guys i posted this in the Transmission section but didn't get any replies so i moved it here as this seems to get more viewers. I did a quick search and found some information but im still not sure on what all is needed. The car i purchased is being delivered in about a week. It was a project car for my father-in-law who was going to make it into a track car (but switched gears). It is a 89 manual MKIII body (shell) with a 89 engine and auto tranny (not installed). My question is what changes will i have to make to get it to work properly? I have the shifter, drive shaft from A/T to carrier bearing (as i hear they are different lengths), and both an A/T and manual ECU. I am hoping not to have to cut the wire harness but need everything working correctly as i live in PA which has both safety and emission inspections. Furthermore, i do not want to do any modifications if at all possible that would make it harder to swap back in a manual transmission (as this is what i prefer to drive) once funds are available and i know the engine is running properly (as this is my first concern). Thanks in advance for any advice.

Another question i have is while reading some posts on down pipes specifically DDP people wrote that they are illegal and would fail both a sight and emissions inspection. Now is that only because they remove the pre-cat? If so what is the big deal as numerous vehicles don't come with them and there is still a cat on the vehicle for emissions. I really wanted to install a rerouted DDP but if this cannot be done are there any state compliant options? Please forgive my ignorance but all of my vehicle mod experience was on off road vehicles and motorcycles in a state with zero inspection or emission laws. Now before the flaming starts allow me to don my protective polyester leisure suit.
 

Chambers

Now you know
Sep 9, 2007
981
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35
Baltimore County, Maryland
From talking to friends and family PA state inspection can be a pain in the ass or a walk in the park. It depends on whos inspecting your vehicle, for a down pipe I would suggest a "full 3 inch" down pipe that has the elbow that bolts directly to the CT-26, that way it will all be contained in one pipe.

As for the transmission, I know that Pre-89 wiring harness for a auto vs. manual differ in both body harness and engine harness. The manual body harness will not have all the provisions for the tranny ECU/ some of the other necessary signals for starter relay and neutral safety switch. I suggest finding your self a manual transmission, picking up a decent clutch, and going from there. Good luck!