Salvage vehicle with Auto trans - Is it worth the trouble?

[Mavwreck75]

I apologize in advance if this question has been asked but I did a forum search but didn't find this topic. I have found several nice salvage vehicles that have auto trans. Since I am a noob with no experience whatsoever is it worth the added trouble of changing the tranny while I learn how to do everything else? Thx.

[blueoval_bowtie_guy]

IIRC, the problem with the auto trans is the wiring harness and computer is different.

[Mavwreck75]

IIRC, the problem with the auto trans is the wiring harness and computer is different.

'nuf said. I will stay away no matter how tempting the donor looks. Thx BMS

[Erik W. Treves]

I used an auto donor.

[Mavwreck75]

I used an auto donor.

I took a look at your profile. It's look like you could whittle a transmission from a steel block.

My technical resume is written in crayon. I'm gonna stick to the script until I learn the basics.

Thx BMS

[Erik W. Treves]

lol... ok... sounds like a plan... lmk if you have any Q's..

[blueoval_bowtie_guy]

I think Erik confirmed what I said (without actually saying it!).

He is not using the Subie computer or wiring harness. :rolleyes:

[Erik W. Treves]

yeah but my original intent was to use factory harness and do an auto to manual conversion...I had it all done and decided to go aftermarket... you can do a search on the NASIOC website....

really not too difficult ... you can do it one of two ways... use the auto harness and "fool" the computer that it in "D" when the clutch is out and "N" when the clutch is pressed (for engine start). Then have to wire in the speed sensor for the transmission...

or,

Just buy a manual harness and swap all your little boxes over to the new harness...if you are keeping ABS then you will need the Manual ABS module as well. and you will need the pedal box in either case.

I had about $300 in my conversion, course I never proved it out since I only applied power to the harness to verify the connections but never hooked it up the the engine.

I actually had both pretty much done and then change directions--- the darn harness weighs like 1,000,000 pounds...lol...and looks like such a rats nest...couldn't get past that...so...went all custom.

life is som much better when it's YOUR rats nest you are dealing with...lol

[Mechie3]

My technical resume is written in crayon.

Off topic, but related:

When I was an intern at GE my boss was going to a career fair at my college. I wrote a resume in my left hand (I'm right handed) with a different color marker for each line. I wrote things like Purpose: Get a good job, Skills: Hammers, Why you should hire me: I am good at stuff and smart and like to do things. For contact info, I had my boss' phone number. I had another guy stick it in my boss' pile of good resumes so he'd see it back at the office.

When he got back to the office he called me over and said "hey, look at this wacked out resume! I'd give this guy an interview just to see what he's like". I held out my hand and said "nice to meet you".

They hired me full time 6 months before I finished college. :D



Back on topic: Several people have done auto to manual swaps on WRX and 2.5RS (usually when they can't find a certain model, or had a hand me down that was free). You'll need a different pedal box IIRC, the computer, and harness.

[Mavwreck75]

Back on topic: Several people have done auto to manual swaps on WRX and 2.5RS (usually when they can't find a certain model, or had a hand me down that was free). You'll need a different pedal box IIRC, the computer, and harness.

I will need a time lapse video of that process.

Also, If I send you beer would you wear a GoPro on your head? That would be some golden footage for any noob.

Thx BMS

[Mechie3]

I don't drink beer, so that's not much incentive. lol. I don't actually take videos, just photos every 5 seconds and then string them together in Windows Live Movie Maker. It'd be a very jerky time lapse if I wore it on my head.

[Mavwreck75]

I don't drink beer, so that's not much incentive. lol. I don't actually take videos, just photos every 5 seconds and then string them together in Windows Live Movie Maker. It'd be a very jerky time lapse if I wore it on my head.

I was just joking...kinda.

The time lapse videos have me mesmerized. I'm always watchin' out for a new episode of Mechie3 and Duck Dynasty. Thx for taking the time to post. It's appreciated. BMS