What would be the easiest and cheapest way to convert my malibu from an auto to manual transmission. I'm not looking for anything too extreme. I'm building a supercharged 4.3L to put in it and I'd like to have a nice manual behind it. The problem I have is the engine build is taking almost all of my budget and I'm limited to only basic tools. Thanks for your help this forum is amazing!
Easy auto to manual conversion
- Thread starter powerhungry oxymoron
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All the parts are available, but pricey. A donor car or swapmeet would be cheaper. Even a base 6 cylinder 3 speed car has the right parts. A 4 speed Saginaw would live with a 6 and they go pretty cheap too. I had a Saginaw behind a Pontiac 400 for many years. Super T-10's are strong but pricey. 5 speeds offer overdrive but are a bit more complicated to adapt.
well there isn't any manual thats easy to swap. It's just how complicated do you want it.
If you're on a budget look into an s-10 NV3500 swap. The trans doesn't hold too much power but you should do fine if you dont beat on it too hard. S-10 guys are running 11's-12's on stock NV3500s. they don't like nitrous, mine busted a gear
Full size 4.3's also have the NV3500 but the gearing is too low in first, I don't recommend it. Good luck finding a good clutch kit for a reasonable price with this trans
I suggest looking into a T-5 from a 3rd gen v8 camaro. Make sure its a WC T5, don't get an earlier non world class. Stay away from the s-10 T5 it won't be able to handle the power and I think the bellhousing was only used with the 4 cyl. Go for the t5, unless you can't find one, reason is they're easy to rebuild, shift shorter and cleaner, and theres a ton of good priced aftermarket parts and rebuild kits out there.
NV3500 can handle more hp stock for stock vs a T-5 (again, unless you beat it up...it's a truck trans). but the T-5 has a LOT more potential if built properly
Some ppl like the t-56 but it isn't worth it for the 4.3, it won't make enough power (unless boosted like crazy) to gain the benefits of the 6th gear. I get 18-19 hwy mpg in a full size truck with a 3.90 rear & 5spd.
You could go with the 4 spd as mentioned earlier, but why, you have a supercharged 4.3 might as well make use of it with a 5spd.
I also really like your engine choice, what supercharger did you go with? Carb or efi?
If you're on a budget look into an s-10 NV3500 swap. The trans doesn't hold too much power but you should do fine if you dont beat on it too hard. S-10 guys are running 11's-12's on stock NV3500s. they don't like nitrous, mine busted a gear
Full size 4.3's also have the NV3500 but the gearing is too low in first, I don't recommend it. Good luck finding a good clutch kit for a reasonable price with this transI suggest looking into a T-5 from a 3rd gen v8 camaro. Make sure its a WC T5, don't get an earlier non world class. Stay away from the s-10 T5 it won't be able to handle the power and I think the bellhousing was only used with the 4 cyl. Go for the t5, unless you can't find one, reason is they're easy to rebuild, shift shorter and cleaner, and theres a ton of good priced aftermarket parts and rebuild kits out there.
NV3500 can handle more hp stock for stock vs a T-5 (again, unless you beat it up...it's a truck trans). but the T-5 has a LOT more potential if built properly
Some ppl like the t-56 but it isn't worth it for the 4.3, it won't make enough power (unless boosted like crazy) to gain the benefits of the 6th gear. I get 18-19 hwy mpg in a full size truck with a 3.90 rear & 5spd.
You could go with the 4 spd as mentioned earlier, but why, you have a supercharged 4.3 might as well make use of it with a 5spd.
I also really like your engine choice, what supercharger did you go with? Carb or efi?
Thanks alot. I'm using an eaton m-90. I will have to make a custom intake for it. It's no where near completion but its getting there. I have not decided if i'm gonna stay carb or go port fuel. I'm still trying to work out my budget. Thats what is really going to determine which way I go. I already have a carb and a friend who can build all the custom parts I'll need for the supercharger and my manifold. I think the efi may end up being too costly.
if you're using an m90 then ya it wouldn't be worth it to go efi. That's a lot of parts you'd need to gather before even starting and tbi isn't worth it, might as well stay carbed. I want to see pics when you get this thing runnin!
If you were using a centrifugal one... I've got one of these brand new merc marine manifolds laying around I've been trying to sell:
If you were using a centrifugal one... I've got one of these brand new merc marine manifolds laying around I've been trying to sell:
As far as clutch linkage probably the easiest/cheapest route to go would be to use a 3rd gen f-body hydraulic clutch. The linkages for a standard g-body are pretty rare and expensive. I've seen the z-bar go for 300 alone. You'll have to check to see if the pedal assembly will work too. Someone on here should know. This should simplfy things if using a 3rd gen fbody trans as well because it should also have the mounts for the hydraulic slave cylinder so all you have to worry about is your master cylinder and tubing. I've driven hydraulic clutch, cable clutch, and mechanical clutch cars and didn't notice too much difference between them. This is probably the setup I'll be using behind a 350 sbc with a mild cam, stock heads, headers, aftermarket intake and a Holley 4brl.
If I went fuel injection it would be port fuel using a megasquirt for true port injection. I would probably go with a ls1 throttle body and an injector setup similar to the marine intake. My budget probably wont allow me to go so extreme so I'll probably stay with the carb I already have.
The reason I'm using a m90 is I found one in a junkyard. Its much cheaper than any centrifugal I could find new or used. I have a very limited budget and my goal for now is just to do what I can to get it back on the street. I miss my malibu so much. I cant wait to drive it again.
For parts/info on converting, check this one out:
viewtopic.php?f=19&t=15430&hilit=hydraulic+clutch
Also, get ahold of ECLT (I believe he's here too) over on maliburacing.com. He has a CPI 4.3 with headers & a Saginaw (maybe Muncie? Don't remember off the top of my head) 4-speed.
viewtopic.php?f=19&t=15430&hilit=hydraulic+clutch
Also, get ahold of ECLT (I believe he's here too) over on maliburacing.com. He has a CPI 4.3 with headers & a Saginaw (maybe Muncie? Don't remember off the top of my head) 4-speed.
easiest way would be to find a donor car. there is a guy around here selling a manual trans setup for a G-body car for $700 that will just bolt in
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