Manual Transmission

[Priddin]

ok i have a 1996 chevy lumina 3.1L automatic.. i was wondering first.. if its even possible to put a manual transmission into it and if so can i take one off possibly a monte carlo or an earlyer lumina such as a 92 or 93... if neone can help me out that would be wonderful... thanks very much

[jeffcoslacker]

I can't help you. Anything is possible, just the level of expense, ingenuity and aggravation you are willing to accept.

Since the final gen was never equipped with a manual that I'm aware of, just fabricating a pivot and cable linkage would be first order. Keep in mind you'll also need a different wiring harness, powertrain controller, etc, as the manual is different...yech, more I think about it, it becomes insurmountable..

[Priddin]

Originally Posted by jeffcoslacker

I can't help you. Anything is possible, just the level of expense, ingenuity and aggravation you are willing to accept.

Since the final gen was never equipped with a manual that I'm aware of, just fabricating a pivot and cable linkage would be first order. Keep in mind you'll also need a different wiring harness, powertrain controller, etc, as the manual is different...yech, more I think about it, it becomes insurmountable..

so are u saying ur not sure if its even possible? i have very limited experience but am willing to do what needs to be done to see if i can do that

[jeffcoslacker]

Originally Posted by Priddin

so are u saying ur not sure if its even possible? i have very limited experience but am willing to do what needs to be done to see if i can do that

Like I said, anything's possible. I've put a few motors in cars where they didn't belong, and that was without having to consider electronic controls as well, I wouldn't be interested in tackling it, if that tells you anything...sounds like nothing but trouble and endless headaches to me.

Count on it costing about three times your worst fear of what it will cost...it always does...

[Priddin]

Originally Posted by jeffcoslacker

Like I said, anything's possible. I've put a few motors in cars where they didn't belong, and that was without having to consider electronic controls as well, I wouldn't be interested in tackling it, if that tells you anything...sounds like nothing but trouble and endless headaches to me.

Count on it costing about three times your worst fear of what it will cost...it always does...

ok but say i bought a monte carlo or another 92 lumina for the parts do u think they would fit??? and if so then all the parts i possibly need should in turn be on them correct

[jeffcoslacker]

The only manuals I can think of were the DOHC 3.4's, in which case the electronics would be all wrong for your '96 anyway...

There is no provisions to mount a clutch and pivot in a '96, that'd all have to fabbed and welded up...just for starters...cut the floor, properly install a shifter and cable, need to get a 1996 compliant manual ECM for a 3.1 (if it exists)...change wiring harnesses (powertrain)...etc...

I remember my friend had a Cavalier with a 3.1 and 5 spd, my auto '97 Lumina would run away from it...what are you trying to acheive?

[jeffcoslacker]

If I was you, I'd sell the '96 and go find you a Z34, 210 hp with 5 speed. Much simpler.

[Priddin]

ok thanks so much.. this is what i wanted to know thank you for your help!! just looking to see cause stick shifts are a lot more fun

[gw84]

Originally Posted by jeffcoslacker

If I was you, I'd sell the '96 and go find you a Z34, 210 hp with 5 speed. Much simpler.

Jeff, is this your car? It's sharp!! Those manual tranny's are rare in luminators aren't they though?

[jeffcoslacker]

Originally Posted by gw84

Jeff, is this your car? It's sharp!! Those manual tranny's are rare in luminators aren't they though?

No, it's just some pic I found...and I don't know about the manuals, probably wasn't a real popular option, though..

[gw84]

I can't imagine why?!? Seems like I heard only about 400 were produced with manuals I could be way off though (I'll do some research!)

[Blue Bowtie]

Rowing the gears may seem like more "fun" untill you have to do it 200 times a day, every day, on a car that really doesn't have the torque, top end, or balance to make it truly "fun." I have both, and it's amazing how quickly driving the manual can get tedious, even though I never even think about shifting. Just for grins and curiosity, I counted once on my 18 mile (mostly highway) trip to work. I depressed the clutch between 67-70 times (wasn't really sure I couted them all). That's nearly 140 times every day. Five days a week, 50 weeks every year. And that's not counting ANY other driving.

[jeffcoslacker]

Originally Posted by Blue Bowtie

Rowing the gears may seem like more "fun" untill you have to do it 200 times a day, every day, on a car that really doesn't have the torque, top end, or balance to make it truly "fun." I have both, and it's amazing how quickly driving the manual can get tedious, even though I never even think about shifting. Just for grins and curiosity, I counted once on my 18 mile (mostly highway) trip to work. I depressed the clutch between 67-70 times (wasn't really sure I couted them all). That's nearly 140 times every day. Five days a week, 50 weeks every year. And that's not counting ANY other driving.

Try driving a semi with 13 gears in stop and go traffic...

[gw84]

WOW! I have never really driven one (for any distance). I know several people that love them, they feel naked without a clutch to push, on the other hand there are just as many who hate them. Do you have any ideas on the number of manuals put in luminas?

[Priddin]

ya i found a guy who put one in... he said it was a hassle to do it but oh well manuals are just alot more fun.. neway ya lol luminas are still pretty fun idk found a 5 speed for $58 so ill put it in and all will be ok.. lol he did it and said it was well worth the trouble neway thanks for all your help