Build the auto or convert to manual? for a Calais

[Ruiner]

This has probably been asked a thousand times, but anyway.
My Calais currently has 168k on the clock and the auto is starting to feel a little tired (or it could just be the normal 4L60E clunkiness..).
I'm considering bolting a blower on end of this year/next year and I'm guessing the auto just wouldn't take the increase in power in its standard form.
I was going to get it built to get ready for the blower install but now I'm considering converting the Calais to manual as I'm really getting sick of driving an auto.
What's the opinion on this? do you reckon it would devalue the car any more then what it is now?
Yeah I know I could sell the Calais and go buy an SS/Clubbie but the interior and general looks of the Calais shit on them both IMO

[Delft Maloo]

seedy changed his vt calais to a manual, i would have loved our old vx calais if it had been a manual although it was great anyway.
Love the calais's .

Ps im also selling a manual conversion.

[SirNemesis]

Convert to manual, best option.

[vyls1wa]

chuck a manual in it, if i wasnt doin mine up for the strip, a manual would of went in it a while ago

[GTS_215]

sorry to dig up an old thread. whats the rough cost of converting to manual as opposed to building a strong auto with a converter?

[SirNemesis]

In my experience it is cheaper to do the manual conversion. This has cost me (and friends) between $2800 and $4000 to do.

[IJ.]

In my experience it is cheaper to do the manual conversion. This has cost me (and friends) between $2800 and $4000 to do.

"If" you can do the work yourself you can build a pretty good 4L60/65/70E for $2800 (currently doing mine just waiting on the parts from the US, our $ being so strong is a huge factor in this)

[GTS_215]

SirNemises, did you and your friends do the conversions yourselves?
IJ. ive got a family friend who builds boxes and he's quoted me around $2700-$2900k mark with a converter. its reasonable but manuals more fun

[IJ.]

SirNemises, did you and your friends do the conversions yourselves?
IJ. ive got a family friend who builds boxes and he's quoted me around $2700-$2900k mark with a converter. its reasonable but manuals more fun

LOL I'm old can't be bothered with a manual these days

Depending on what parts he's using that's a good price, mine is based on the case and output shaft being about the only stock parts left + a Dominator TC but of course is with me doing all the work.

[seedyrom]

I did the manual conversion totally by myself, with this forum for help along the way.

It actually isnt that hard (when you've got the right equipment). I had a couple of head scratching moments with wiring, but Sideshow's Performance Wiring helped me over the phone (its in that other thread).

So satisfying.

Do I have any regrets? well the stop start traffic of Sydney is a little tiring. Due to my power I've also needed a heavier than stock clutch. But ... when the traffic is clear, and you get to belt it through the gears ... it is so so worth it.

[R8SVton]

manual conversion all the way buddy. You will have lots more fun with it

[SirNemesis]

SirNemises, did you and your friends do the conversions yourselves?

Yep, DIY conversions. It isn't hard, even on jack stands.

[evl.346]

DIY all the way.
Keep an eye n eBay aswell
I got my conversion complete for 1200/1300 and was local aswell
Included a few extras which I didn't req and sold on.
Bought a Tex z and new spigot bearing
All up cost me no more then 2500
I installed it along with my mate both never done a conversion before and ha it done in around 8-9 hours on jack stands. Bit awkward at times but possible.

Never looked back either

[A PSYCHO]

Ive done the built auto, wish i went down the manual road from the start.

[SirNemesis]

As much as I love the manual conversion, I'm at a point now where I'm looking at converting back to auto (a real auto, 4L80e). At a certain amount of power (expecially turbo power) a manual stops being fun and just becomes a hinderance. Shame, shame...