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Transmission Mount Auto to Manual "C" Swap

Started by bcraig · Apr 17, 2013 · 17postsSMF 2010–26

bcraigApr 17, 2013, 7:58 pm · #1

I am swapping a automatic to manual "c" transmission and need help with the mounting bracket.  I have read about others making the mounting bracket, but does anyone have a complete fabricated bracket they would like to sell?  Or maybe some dimensions?  Any ideas would be helpful.

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IggyEGuanaApr 17, 2013, 11:39 pm · #2

hmm its an 86? you know if its a MKI 86 or MKII 86? what color is the valve cover originally? If the car is MKI I have the original conversion crossmember when i swapped in a s13 trans. Built for a MKI auto. Check to see if theres a difference between the mounting locations of S12 and S13 C trans tho.

bcraigApr 18, 2013, 5:58 am · #3

It has the silver, so that makes it the MKII.  Does the original mount (MKII) for the auto work for the manual?

IggyEGuanaApr 18, 2013, 1:14 pm · #4
http://club-s12.org/retro4/index.php?topic=12333.msg288350#msg288350

this post by Arro goes over the mounting options. I've never owned a MKII chassis so I'm not much help there sorry
ArroApr 23, 2013, 6:00 pm · #5

yeah automatic is a real bitch... he won't be able to use that post in my thread. It's gonna come down to what chassis he has. Don't let the silver valve cover fool you, some 86 cars have silver valve cover but earlier Mark I trans (and unibody provisions from Mark I). His best bet here is to remove his center console plastic piece and take pictures of his cover plate on the trans tunnel. If it's like a Mark I automatic, he'll have to do what I have now as far as mounts go, otherwise if his trans tunnel turns out to me Mark II, he can use box steel stock to make a single bar to mount with.

bcraigApr 23, 2013, 7:39 pm · #6

Thanks for the help, I definitely need it! LOL  Also, if anyone wants to fab this up for me, I am open to ideas.  Unfortunately the original and CA20E engine and transmission are gone.  The name plate on the body states it is an L4N71B RB41 transmission/diff.

ArroApr 24, 2013, 1:20 pm · #7

You need to take pictures. Especially of the top plate area where the shifter pokes through. And of the underside. There's no way to know otherwise.

Also, if you have anyone in your area who can weld... then they can probably do it pretty easily.

bcraigApr 24, 2013, 8:03 pm · #8

Here are some photos of the top view.

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bcraigMay 18, 2013, 9:22 pm · #9

I have come up with this design, now I need someone to fab it up.  I wasn't sure about the thickness, 0.25" might be little too much. 

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ArroMay 28, 2013, 4:10 pm · #10

You have a "C" trans tunnel from the looks of it. If that's the case, all you need is some square stock to run a beam straight across.

bcraigMay 29, 2013, 5:34 pm · #11

I thought about the square stock option, but would still have to fab it.  I found a local shop to fabricate the formed plate for $50.  Might be a little expensive, but it should bolt up in place if I designed it correctly.  I will know this Friday when I pick it up. 

I am going to use a u-bolt with some rubber/plastic bushings to attach to the transmission.

ArroMay 30, 2013, 12:36 pm · #12

A u-bolt? So the fabbed bracket won't bolt directly to factory trans holes?

KeithJun 1, 2013, 12:31 am · #13

Here is how I did mine when I swapped in a C trans into my MK1 turbo car......

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Just some thick flat bar with washers on each side for the spacing.  Simple, cheap, yet effective.....

bcraigJun 1, 2013, 7:39 am · #14

I wish that I could have done it that way, but my bolt offset was too large.  If you look at the frame mounting (orange) and compare it with the bracket bolts (green) you can see that a straight bar or plate would not be possible.  I will use the mounting slots (red) with a U-Bolt and some bushings.

This build will be used in some offroad environments and with that in mind I wanted something to withstand a two foot jump at about 45mph.  The bracket must not bend upon landing.

I like the plate or bar design for street, it is lightweight.  I am not sure how much mine weighs, but if I made another it would be out of a thinner material.

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KeithJun 1, 2013, 9:47 am · #15

How are the cross member holes that far off from the mounting holes on the car?  Mine was only off about 1/4"-1/2" off :wideeyed2:

bcraigJun 1, 2013, 4:40 pm · #16

Complete!  It is finally complete, now on to the next problem.....

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ArroJun 6, 2013, 6:09 pm · #17

Keith, he had to do it differently... Mark I automatic has totally different mount holes than Mark I maual. Your Turbo version is more like mine.