auto to manual trans swap question

[davidbmd]

Have a complete 1985 carb Bii w FM146 trans, do I need any other parts to do the swap into my 1986 Bii that is an auto (a4ld)

I have read many of the posts, but am unclear about driveshafts,wiring,computer

Also am giving away the 1985, has nice bumpbers, all glass good, nice tailgate, hubs, etc.

 

[adsm08]

Are you sure it has an FM146? Those weren't started until 88 and are a different length than it's predeccesors.

 

[davidbmd]

Sorry, my mistake, it is the stock transmission that came with it, I was thinking it was a FM146 with all the posts I have been combing thru.

 

[adsm08]

Yeah, your 85 should have an FM145, which is about 2 inches shorter than the A4LD, so you will need to use the longer drive shaft from the 85.

 

[davidbmd]

OK, great.

I also found a thread that said that I can use my computer from the auto, just have to jump some wires so the computer thinks its in neutral and will start, is this your understanding also?

 

[davidbmd]

I found the wiring thread from Elutheros, a forum member, he swapped a manual into a 87Bii that had an a4ld.

 

[adsm08]

OK, great.

I also found a thread that said that I can use my computer from the auto, just have to jump some wires so the computer thinks its in neutral and will start, is this your understanding also?

Yeah, that works. The computer won't be happy about the lack of an OD solenoid too, so you will probably have codes for that, but it won't hurt anything. I prefer the manual computer because it has a slightly more aggressive program and will probably idle better since there is less mass on the crank with a manual trans.

 

[davidbmd]

Good point, maybe I will search the pick and pulls for a computer from a manual computer, what years will work, so I dont buy the wrong one,

Thanks

 

[davidbmd]

Thanks to everyone that helped me with tech stuff on my auto to manual swap, did it this week end and only few little things to finish.
Thanks again,

David

 

[adsm08]

Good point, maybe I will search the pick and pulls for a computer from a manual computer, what years will work, so I dont buy the wrong one,

Thanks

86 to 92 2.9L will work. 88+ has better software and I would go with that if you are not subject to a sniffer test at any point.