automatic to manual

[72ElCamino]

I am planing to put a crate motor in my el camino. I figured if I have the engine out, its probably the best time to put in a 4 speed if i wanted one. I wanted to know if anyone has ever converted an automatic to a manual, and if it was easy or hard and what not? I have found a place to get all the clutch linkage and such. but wondered if anyone out there in the GTP community has attempted this feat or not?

 

[Duke]

For an older car like your Camino, it's not all that hard. Parts should be plentiful and you don't have any electronics to deal with. Plus I'm sure there are dozens of sites that describe the process for the '68-72 Chevelle.

A few things to check - are the frame crossmembers the same? Transmission and motor mounts? Is the radiator the same (does the ATX have a fluid cooler?) You'll have to remove the plate or cut a hole where the stick comes through the transmission tunnel. You'll have to find a steering column from an MTX car unless you don't mind the shift collar and empty PRNDSL indicator sitting there.

Overall, if you can do the engine swap, I think you'll be able to deal with the conversion, and it will be cool to do.