removing manual gearbox vt s pack.

[macksvt]

hey people

is it hard to take off the manual gearbox off a vt s pack ?

ive got a smashed s pack and i got a 1997mdl vt berlina, i plan on getting the manual conversion done, but i was hopeing to take the diff, tailshaft, pedal box etc all off myself to reduce the cost in labour..

after you upbolt the gearbox from the engine, will it just slide off, or should i leave it up to a mechanic ?

cheers folks

[njnathan]

This posting raises more questions than I can give answer without more detail. Is the driveline in the vehicle?

Should just slide rearward once everything is unbolted and unplugged. Remove shifter to make things easier if driveline still in car. Loosen engine mounts and tilt motor rearward with a jack under front of engine.This will make it easier to physically remove gearbox from under vehicle. Dont forget to remove gear oil, or to plug rear shaft with tailshaft yoke, spilling dirty gear oil is MESSY SMELLY.
Beware when removing gearbox, as the total weight, releases and comes on suddenly and you would be suprised how heavy it is when you are flat on your back, and the box lands on your chest. Caution advised.

Remember that you need more than the pedals and gearbox for the conversion, you need the flywheel and clutch off the motor, crossmember for gearbox as well as the computer from behind passenger front kickpanel. Use a reputable mechanic some motors need a spigot bearing installed in rear of crank to accomadate manual transmission. From my understanding ALL Autos do not have a spigot bearing in place AT ALL. You need to check if spigot bearing needed.

[njnathan]

Probably best leave it to the mechanic if you are not handy

[vtmanualv6]

you have to take the tail shaft off, exhaust off, disconnect everything from the box,eg. slave cylinder speed sensor and another sensor etc,
take the starter motor off, support engine at rear as the gearbox acts like a engine mount.
take off other gearbox mounts, then unbolt and slide out,

it would be easier if a mechanic does it as it takes abit longer in a backyard under car stands, takes maybe 1-2hrs depends on yourself where as a mechanic with all tools and hoists it would take 20-30mins max and the box will be on the floor.

good luck...