Automatic to Manual in an X-Body?

Discussion in 'U-shift em' started by notanova, Apr 28, 2015.

  1. notanova

    notanova Active Member

    I have a '77 Skylark with an automatic that I'm going to leave in there for quite a while, but I was wondering about a manual swap to keep in my head for later down the road (literally haha).

    What exactly does it take to swap a manual into an auto x-body, if it can be done?

    Thanks
     
  2. TheSilverBuick

    TheSilverBuick In the Middle of No Where

    From time to time '76-'79 Nova clutch/brake pedal sets turn up along with the two rods and z-bar. Typically off an L6, but I'm running that exact set up on a Buick 455. I've fit the repo '69 F-body pedals to my car before I got the Nova ones. It required minor enlarging of some hole (this was done well over ten years ago so the memory of exactly what I did is fuzzy) but otherwise bolted right in. At that point you could install an aftermarket hydraulic clutch system. For mechanical linkage, you need the '76-'79 Z-bar, its just the right shape to for the body/chassis.
     
  3. notanova

    notanova Active Member

    Okay, I'll keep a list of those parts. But the manual trans behind an inline 6 from an x-body is what I'm looking for? What is it called? Thank you
     
  4. TheSilverBuick

    TheSilverBuick In the Middle of No Where

    The OE transmission is a junk 3-speed unit and only offered as a column shift option. You'll want a 4-speed at minimum if not a 5-speed and you'll have to make your own hole in the floor board.
     
  5. notanova

    notanova Active Member

    Ah, for sure. Haven't been enlightened by a 3 on the Tree yet and I certainly wouldn't want to piece it together to only then figure out I don't like it! Okay thanks for the info, I appreciate it!
     

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