Converting exec from auto to manual

[dazamaz]

Hey all,

Anyone know what would be involved in converting an executive auto into a manual? e.g does the standard diff need to be changed when doing this?

And possibly where I could pick up a T6 gearbox from?

Cheers

[alien]

You would want a T5 on a standard 6 cylinder. Not a T56. You will not need to change anything, tailshafts are the same length on all VY's and standard 308 should be good still.

To change it over see if you can find a manual PCM for a 6 cylinder and swap that with yours. T5 will bolt straight onto your engine and to the current tailshaft.

[minux]

If it were me personally, I wouldnt buy everything that was needed individually, try and find a wreck with all the running gear and transplant it all, generally works out much cheaper and you can sell anything left over on here or on ebay etc.

[f1tzy]

You would want a T5 on a standard 6 cylinder. Not a T56. You will not need to change anything, tailshafts are the same length on all VY's and standard 308 should be good still.

To change it over see if you can find a manual PCM for a 6 cylinder and swap that with yours. T5 will bolt straight onto your engine and to the current tailshaft.

T5 isnt used on the vy its a getrag m something something

[alien]

T5 isnt used on the vy its a getrag m something something

Thanks for reminding me, i keep making this mistake and keep correcting myself. From memory it's the T260. Could be wrong, have to look at my other post, but main point is that a T56 is too much for a standard 6.

More details on the boxes here: VY L67 Auto To Manual Conversion (And More)

[one_and_only2004]

manual's have 3.46 ratio i think - at least thats what my diff says.
gearbox is a getrag m35

[f1tzy]

lol thats right m35. i knew it started with m

[alien]

manual's have 3.46 ratio i think - at least thats what my diff says.
gearbox is a getrag m35

It is NOT a Getrag M35. It's a Getrag Type 260. Which has been labeled an M35 because that was Holden's production option code.

With the introduction of VT Series vehicles, the manual transmission fitted with the V6 engine, is the five speed, Getrag, Type 260 (production option M35).
This manual transmission is standard equipment on V6 powered Executive models and is optional on Berlina.
The ‘260’ manual transmission is a fully synchronised unit, including reverse gear, with baulk ring type synchronisers. The transmission primarily consists of a two piece transmission case, with the clutch housing integrated with the front case section. During disassembly, the gear train and shift mechanism remain in the transmission case rear section.

A quote from Holden on VT's:

Independent rear suspension is fitted as standard equipment on all VT Series vehicles and all are fitted with a final drive assembly, production option GU4. This assembly has a four pinion type rear differential assembly. The ring gear diameter for V6 engined models, is 190.5 mm and for V8 and V6 supercharged, engined models, is 205 mm. The final drive ratio for V6 engined models is 3.08:1 and for V8 and V6 supercharged, engined models, is 3.07:1.

That only applies to VT Series 1 and 2. As of VX onwards they started using 3.46:1 on all manual vehicles. However, you can use either, as from VT-VY the gearboxes stayed roughly the same with only minor differences.

[dazamaz]

Thanks for reminding me, i keep making this mistake and keep correcting myself. From memory it's the T260. Could be wrong, have to look at my other post, but main point is that a T56 is too much for a standard 6.

When you say standard 6, do you mean NA? I ask as my engine isn't exactly standard...

[0081]

It is NOT a Getrag M35. It's a Getrag Type 260. Which has been labeled an M35 because that was Holden's production option code.



A quote from Holden on VT's:


That only applies to VT Series 1 and 2. As of VX onwards they started using 3.46:1 on all manual vehicles. However, you can use either, as from VT-VY the gearboxes stayed roughly the same with only minor differences.

Well my VY "s" maunal came with a 3.08 from the factory

[alien]

When you say standard 6, do you mean NA? I ask as my engine isn't exactly standard...

Yes, i mean NA. You MIGHT be able to get away with the 6 speed from a 120ish kW vehicle, but youd be better off with the 5 speed. If you had plans to get it past 170 or so then you might want to look at the 6 speed. The gear ratios of the 6 speed will probably be a bit harsh. And if you go the six speed you'll need to source custom parts like a bell housing. I'm looking at courcing one too, there's a company in WA thta does it and another one in NSW that does (but they will only do it if they do the conversion). As for your flywheel you should be able to grab a manual flywheel for your engine, supercharged engine is a little different and needs to be custom made!

Well my VY "s" maunal came with a 3.08 from the factory

Sorry, they were an option, but Holden in the manual says 3.46:1 for all manuals from VX-VY.

[dazamaz]

Thanks Alien, quite helpful.
I do plan on doing a few more things to my car:
Larger cam
Manual
LSD
Dyno tuned


What's that place in NSW? Did they give you prices? I ask as I'm not too sure if I want to do the conversion myself, I'm not the worlds best mechanic...

[alien]

I would recommend doing it yourself. Some places can charge the earth for it. However, that said you'd need to have all the tools. As well as easy access to the underside of the vehicle. If you have a hoist they'll help quite a lot. For my conversion i'll be going to a mates shop and using the hoist there and he'll help a bit too.

As for the company, it's Malwood. Not sure how much, but for a T56 conversion probably around $8k from them (according to some of the L67 Torque guys).

I guess as long as your getting it tuned and a larger cam then yea you could go a T56, but note that it will be expensive to get the changeover done.

Parts you'll want if you do the T56:
T56 Box
Clutch
Flywheel
Pressure Plate
Gear shifter and knob
Clutch Slave Sylinder
Clutch Master Cylinder (yes it's a hydraulic system)
Reservoir tank
Pedal assembly
Cruise control switch (for when you use the clutch it will disengage cruise control)

You'll also need to work out a system for disengaging the reverse lockout solenoid. Guys that have done the T56 conversion have set it to their brake line, so when they have their foot on the brake they can put it in reverse. Hopefully with mine i'll get it so that it engages over 8km/h (or somewhere around there) just like the SS's.

A Type 260 will definatly be cheaper, but the gear ratios arn't as good.