Hi, I am relatively new to cars and working on them, but I love to drive a stick shift. My car is a automatic transmission '95 Geo Prizm LSi 1.6l 4 Cylinder. My dad gave me the idea to switch the automatic transmission out and put in a manual transmission, and I was just wondering if this idea was actually plausible. I do understand that, yes, it would be a lot of work, but it would be a decent project for me to start working on during the summer.

Any ideas would be appreciated. Remember I'm new to cars so descriptions of terms would be greatly appreciated.

Nefarioused

Hi, I am relatively new to cars and working on them, but I love to drive a stick shift. My car is a automatic transmission '95 Geo Prizm LSi 1.6l 4 Cylinder. My dad gave me the idea to switch the automatic transmission out and put in a manual transmission, and I was just wondering if this idea was actually plausible. I do understand that, yes, it would be a lot of work, but it would be a decent project for me to start working on during the summer.

Any ideas would be appreciated. Remember I'm new to cars so descriptions of terms would be greatly appreciated.

Nefarioused



Apparently, your Dad isn't well-versed in automotive technology either for even suggesting such a move.

This isn't exactly the best "first job" for someone who needs automotive terms defined for them.


First of all, there should be a bunch of research done....

Will the AT crankshaft even accept a MT flywheel and pilot bearing? There can be bolt pattern differences and engine balancing issues.

Do AT mounts need to be cut out and MT mounts welded in?

What about shifting linkage and clutch linkage? Are you capable of figuring out the geometry needed?

How about the half-shafts? Are they the same for AT and MT, or do you need to buy new ones?

Changing the pedal assembly might require removing the entire dashboard. Can you handle that?

If ANY of the above terms seem the least bit too technical for you, I would suggest you either buy a MT car or get used to driving an automatic.

Yeah, I just meant to say that I was wondering if it was a good idea. Obviously its not, so yes, I will try to get a job and get a car that I can learn a little bit from. I was hoping that my car would be a good learning experience, but I understand that I have to be careful and not wreck it. And stating such, I decided it would be better to learn from a manual transmission, so I am going to trade my car. Hopefully.
Thank you for responding, at least someone did.
And my dad really only knows how to do basic maintenance on cars.

nefarioused

Oh yeah, and my dad isn't well versed at all in mechanical terms or automotive.

Thanks,

nefarioused

My truck is a snap. The bolt pattern is identical, the hole for the clutch pedal is seprate and has the master cylinder built in. everything is 90% there for a silevrado to go from AT to M6....would suck for any other car tho IMO

My grandma, I know I know, lol right, said she might give me her '84 ford thunderbird with a police interceptor v8 in it. Idk but is that good. She says its automatic, but i think im ok with that. But if i wanted to switch out the transmission, couldnt i just find a matching transmission to the engine and connect them, of course with some possible mods and stuff.?

nefarioused.

p.s. i know its a lot of work, but im just asking the possibility. honestly i think its slim, but some people think its relatively easy. finding the transmissions probably the hardest part. anyone know any good sites?

i believe it's possible. you just have to do research and find out what fits; the bellhousing face of each part has to match up, etc.

as for finding one, as good salvage yard should suffice. if not, Google it.

Thanks, I really appreciate the help.
lol but finding the transmission would probably be the hardest part..

nefarioused