Auto to Manual Trans swap ?s

[Holshot]

Hey guys, has anyone done a automatic trans swap to a manual trans? I have a line on a good running '81 parts car that has a manual trans in and recently a '84 came up but it it has an automatic . I'm not really looking for another project since I'm still fiddling with my '82 but, I'm still on the search for another '83-'85 model to replace my last Spider which I miss terribly.

In theory the '82 turbo I have is always going to be my tinker toy and then the '84 would be my dependable driver, put the key turn it and go. Now the question is, is it a matter of swapping all the manual hardware ie. trans, clutch pedal, driveshaft ect... Or is there wiring involved? I'm great at turning wrenches but when it comes to electronics I'm lost. I think I read somewhere that the 83-85 ECUs are different to the earlier FI cars (80-82), not sure can anyone clear that up? Also is there then a difference from auto and manual ECUs or is there a separate trans ECU?

If the latter anything that needs to be done when swapping from auto to manual, any side effects? In the end is it worth the trouble? I know its a lot to ask but if anyone can fill in some of the blanks that would be awesome! Thanks

[So Cal Mark]

the auto trans is not electronic but the wiring harness does have provisions for a neutral safety switch and relay and the reverse lights also work from the shifter rather than directly to the trans reverse switch

[vandor]

I've done the swap and it's pretty straight forward, but it's good to have a parts car so you have all the needed pieces.

> I read somewhere that the 83-85 ECUs are different to the earlier FI cars (80-82)

The later cars had a barometric sensor to compensate for altitude.