Exactly how bad of an idea is this?

Hi guys - I'm looking at an Indy with the BW auto box that I'm thinking I'd want to convert to a 5 speed ZF box. Like I said, probably a bad idea. The motivation is finding one in my budget that post conversion is still well under a factory 5 speed. I know the converted car will always have a resale hit due to non-originality etc...

So are the boxes and bellhousings available? Any idea price ranges (ballpark)?

Am I completely off my rocker?

 

Never say never, it is possible that you'll find someone who doesn't really care about originality and a lower price could be an incentive.

This kind of car is what we call a "bride", you'll be married to it.. FOREVER

But, if the price is right...

 

Yeah, expecting that the market would be a bit, um, thin. Price differnential seems to be about 10k USD, which probably isn't enough to makle it work.

 

Forget it.
Spend the extra amount it takes and just get a 5 speed. Indy's are - i won't say cheap - but are priced at levels that make them very attractive and represent a good buy if you get a good solid no stories car.
They will barely keep up with inflation so do not buy one expecting to see Calif Spyder type appreciation. It just won't happen. Buy one for the right reasons, and you will be happy for a long time. Just ask John Asmus. He bought one new and still owns it.
My 2 Lira.
FGM

 

Thanks - I'd be buying to actually driver her for fun, mostly on touring events in SoCal. Any ideas on how she'd do on mountain roads?

 

Mountain roads? Should not be any problem at all.
FGM

 

Thanks - that is a proxy for are they capable of mixing it up on fast twisty roads. I'd expect her to handle big sweeping turns well, curious about on tighter stuff. All w/in reason of course. I ask because I like to motor. Grin.

 

Not probably. Definitely.

Actually, I expect that you will spend more money on the auto car plus the conversion than you'd spend on the factory five speed car.

. ZF transmission - you might get lucky and find an old one, then rebuild it. Not many around though.
. Bellhousing - you might get lucky and find an old one. Not likely, though.
. Flywheel for clutch - the torque converter flex plate won't work. Modify it or fab something to accommodate the clutch pieces. Or, if your luck holds out find a used one.
. Starter motor - depending upon what you did with the flywheel.
. Clutch actuation - I don't know the Indys. Do they take the Citroen hydraulic pieces?
. Pedals - ...

If you can't find the ZF trans:
. Alternate transmission - but a new Richmond Gear or Tremec, then consider other mods for the clutch pieces.
. Bellhousing - Cut up an old BW slush box to use the case as a starting point to fab, make and weld on a new trans mounting plate, machine it square.

Not "off your rocker". Just very optimistic. You need a dose of realisim.

If you want a five speed car -- buy a five speed car. I think there are enough five speed Indys around to make it worth your while to be patient and shop for one. You'll surely be on the road more quickly than if you take on the auto-to-manual conversion project.

 

Damn it man, stop mincing words. OK, OK. I get it.

Good advice, I'll take it.

This remains a clever idea

 

+++++++1

 

++++++1

 

Yes, completely! Money-wise its a silly idea!
Even a very cheap Indy will become an expansive car - and in particular when its in bad condition.

The most expensive Indy is always the cheapest at the end of the day.

Sorry to say - but if you can`t afford a good Indy (Ghibli, Khamsin, Bora, Merak, etc., etc...) buy something other than a Maserati (Ferrari, Lamborghini etc.)....

Just my 2 Lira!

 

Thanks Walter, I get it. Just seems too bad that an otherwise driver quality Indy is going to likely be harvested for parts.

 

Does your wife read your posts? LOL

 

...thanks God I can afford her (we got married 2 days ago..)!

 

Congratulations!

 

really? hey congratulations man!

 

Yeah really?

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showpost.php?p=141809953&postcount=9

You have some splainin' to do Lucy

I'm very confused. Maybe you meant 12 days ago?

 

... crickets chirping ...

 

Why? Has Walter been in Vegas again?

 

Oct. 19th, 2012, was the day....

 

Was there once for 1 week - and that was enough...

 

Walter,
Congratulations and best wishes to you and the Mrs.
Now get off of F-Chat and take care of the things she wants you to do around the house.
Carmine

 

Congratulations, Walter!

 

Congratulations Walter!