REDEVIL

I'm seriously considering the A4 to MN6/12 conversion for my '99 coupe. I bought the car almost three years ago, and have been kicking myself everyday that I did not buy a manual. After looking at a few used 6-speeds, and even Z06's, I realized that there is no possible way I could ever get rid of my car. I'm WAY too attached to it, but I would love to be ripping through 6 gears.

So, herein lies my decision. I've decided that I want to convert her over to a manual. I spoke with Andy at A&A this morning and he mentioned that he would be interested in doing the work. I know a few forum members have done this before, and what can I expect to pay to have this done, and what kind of problems should I be ready to deal with, during the swap? Also, would it be beneficial to go with a MN12 over the MN6, because of the different gear ratios? Or is it better to stick with the MN6 because it will be mated to my LS1, not an LS6.

Also, if anyone is in the SoCal area and wants to go the other way (MN6 to A4), then get in touch with myself or Andy and we could work something out...hopefully.

Thanks in advance!

schpenxel

either tranny will be fine, its not too big a difference IMO

its a pretty simple install and has been done on my car. i've had no problems. the only thing that isn't normal on mine is the cruise control has to be turned off with the brake or the switch..the clutch doesnt turn it off and the car will turn over with the clutch pedal up. this is all related to one or two switches not being hooked because I didn't feel like dealing with the extra wiring.

make sure to get a new slave cylinder and something better than the stock clutch...get the Z06 one at the very least.

anyways, any C5 friendly shop should have no trouble doing a perfect swap for you.

BAMF AE

What was the total cost for the parts, swap, etc..... Also, did it throw any codes or require any reprogramming?

schpenxel

Not a clue on the total cost... has to be reprogrammed or pcm replaced from an M6 car or you'll get some codes..and i dont think the reverse lockout solenoid will work right if its not programmed

REDEVIL

So, did you have this done to your car, or bought the car with it already done? How did the fit/finish, and everything turn out?

schpenxel

it was already done when i bought the car... there is no way you could tell it used to be an automatic without being told. there are a lot fewer differences than most realize, its a pretty straightforward job

TLKSCHP

brrymnvette

I am the one that did the conversion on sphexnialladsltkh oi (SP?) car. It is a fairly simple convert. You have to rewire the ign switch, reverse lockout, cruis, clutch swith, skip shift. It is all very easy wiring that took me 4 hours because when I did it no on else had done it yet. I had to find every wire by testing. It took maybe 16 hours total with a lift.


Andy

schpenxel

I'm getting close to that speeding ticket in your signature by the way Andy... I may not have a license for the month of september hehe, oops

edit: need to borrow a vette next month??

happa

is there any other helpful hints. Im about to to help my buddy convert his A4 to an M12 in a couple of weeks. So you do have to reprogram the ECU? Someone my buddy talked to said you dont have too only if you go from a M12 or M6 to an A4. Thanks for the help!

schpenxel

you DO have to reprogram it. you may be able to get away with not reprogramming it but the reverse lockout solenoid wont work right and you'll get a ton of codes since it wont be communicating with the auto tranny properly since it isn't there


there was a member on here that didnt have his reprogrammed after the swap and had the problems ive mentioned several times

REDEVIL

and since my car already has 3.42 gears installed, I can just use a factory tune, correct?

Does $1000 for labor seem reasonable, or should I expect more? I figure $2000 to $2500 for the parts, and another $1000 for labor. So, $3500 for the whole deal. Does this sound about right?

schpenxel

I'd do it for $1000. I'm not sure if a shop will or not, depending on the amount of pain in the *** the wiring ends up being. But, I think that's a reasonable estimate.

DJMRTS

I'm intrested on doing the same exact thing to swap to a MN12. Please let me know what price you come up with and I'll probably do mine as well. I'm interested to know what A&A will cost.

REDEVIL

Sounds good. I'll see what A&A says, and maybe they'll be more prone to do it, if we get a few people at the same time. I can't wait!

gdphillipsvette

I had my swap done a month ago; it was more expensive than I expected. Trans, torque tube, pedal assembly, bellhousing, new flywheel, clutch and pressure plate, 2 wiring harnesses came to $2900. I added a 3.90 diff with hardened output shaft for another $1700. Labor was $1500. Total of $6100! My parts were purchased from Gene's Karshop in Florida. Rear diff was a DTE. Loads of cash, but much more fun to drive! I had a few codes, but they were successfully worked out. I still haven't got the cruise to work right; will work that issue this weekend.

brrymnvette

There's actually two tickets in my sig. The second one he wrote for less because I had buslenghts on the car behind me. He said he liked seeing good races. Awesome state trooper if you ask me.

Andy

schpenxel

PM'd you about a car for sale Andy

REDEVIL

I spoke with Andy again this morning, and he's still trying to get ahold of Gene at Karshop to see if he has any tranny kits available. I told him you were interested as well, so that makes 3 of us so far.

TLKSCHP

After thinking about it, go for it. This came to me after being glared at for even looking at a drag package. Because you have one foot in the door of not being able to get away with that stuff later. Anything you have left in the bank will get spent when you are ready to say ( I Do. ) So spend it all now!!!!!! Now I must hide