Advice for shop to do auto-to-manual swap in NJ?

[chrisn81]

I've been putting together the parts needed to swap a manual in to my turbo wagon project (1997). All I need right now is a clutch and maybe a slave cylinder.

Unfortunately, I've also come to the realization that I don't have nearly the space or tools necessary to do the job in my tiny garage. Does anyone have advice on where to take it in the South Jersey area? Shops that have experience with that kind of thing, or even trustworthy individuals that I can check out? I am willing to drive a little while if necessary, within reason. Thanks!

[E Showell]

Franks in Wharton has a good reputation -- though not in S. Jersey. I've got a better Idea. Skip the swap (expensive) and buy the manual wagon in the for sale ads in Rhode Island that needs a new radiator. I think the ask is $350. For less than the money you'd spend to convert to a manual you've got a car that had one from the start. Use the money you'd save on the swap fixing up the wagon. Way cheaper at the end of the day.

[tryingbe]

A shop cost you 12-17 hrs of labor cost, probably at minimal. Most shop will probably say "no".

You're basically looking at

1. Changing clutch (can't do clutch without the taking transmission out)
2. Changing master/slave cylinder with new pressure hose
3. Changing pedals and hook up switches
4. Changing shifter with cables
5. Take out the TCM, and the wiring to the auto trans. Solder two wires together and solder on the connector for reverse light, and reloom the wires
6. Whatever else needs to be in place while you're there, engine mounts, transmission mounts, subframe mounts, etc.

[chrisn81]

A shop cost you 12-17 hrs of labor cost, probably at minimal. Most shop will probably say "no".

You're basically looking at

1. Changing clutch (can't do clutch without the taking transmission out)
2. Changing master/slave cylinder with new pressure hose
3. Changing pedals and hook up switches
4. Changing shifter with cables
5. Take out the TCM, and the wiring to the auto trans. Solder two wires together and solder on the connector for reverse light, and reloom the wires
6. Whatever else needs to be in place while you're there, engine mounts, transmission mounts, subframe mounts, etc.

I am aware of all that, and exactly how much time, space and toolage I will need to do it, which is how I came to the conclusion that I am not equipped, especially for space.

As for buying another car... I already have 2. I like them both, but I want the turbo to have a stick.

Thanks for the advice; I will keep on looking.

[tryingbe]

Call around all the shops and see which one will do it for you?
I finished my swap last weekend, if you can take an engine out and put it back in, you can do the transmission swap. No special tools other than set of hand tools, jack, engine hoist, jack stands, some trox bits, wrench, etc.

http://www.tascaparts.com/oe-volvo/272218
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... fgodrZED8Q
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... 70-9181017

Only tricky part
http://forums.turbobricks.com/showpost. ... tcount=237

Make sure you have all the clips/trans fluid 116145 2-3 qt.
http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/topic/78 ... nual-swap/

[chrisn81]

I'll give it another look-see, but space is the big problem. It really is a tiny garage without space for a hoist, and I have nowhere to move most of the other stuff that's in there.

[erikv11]

Without good space for a hoist, the work will be very cumbersome if not impossible. I have a 2-car garage and with the other family junk in there, it is pretty tight once I get the hoist in and start pulling an engine.

[chrisn81]

That's where I'm at with it. I've found some local Volvo performance specialists. Hopefully I will make a connection. Thanks for all the help.