RA40 auto to manual.

[maurice c]

I've just completed a auto to manual change over for my Ra40 and have some details of the swap to share. Theres a few myths knocking around.
The tailshafts are exactly the same, I know because i'm still running the same tailshaft.
The diff ratios are the same, my auto build plate is stamped with a 4.1 ratio not the reputed 3.9.
The speedo cable will fit. I believe the drive ratio is the same but dont know for sure at this point.
The gearbox cross member is the same but the mounts are different. They are the same physical size but the auto has adjustment on it, use either.
The bolts holding the bell housing on are different.
The pedal boxs are different, theres no provision for a clutch on the auto, but it could be easily fabricated.
You'll need to grab the clutch hard and soft lines.
There are four wires going into the auto box that need attention. The two single plugs that are black with a white line are the netural safety switch, when they are disconnected they actually plug into one another to form the circuit. The other two are for the reverse switch, its a two pin plug. They can be connected to the switch either way.
Finally if you are retaining your trusty 18r then you'll need to change the bush in the middle of the fly wheel for a Spigot bearing, this is important, anyway, hopefully this helps out somebody whos thinking of a manual conversion.

[hosking1991]

cheers man good info im going to change my brothers 40 to manual but we have a whole other ra40 that is manual so i will use that pedal box.

i have to spread rep before i can give to you again (i wont forget though )

[barned01]

one other thing that i was sceptical of was the position for the shifter, i struggle to feel there would be 2 different holes for the gear shifter for an automatic over a manual, is it would be too expensive to have 2 different floorpans during manufacture for the 2gearboxes, instead possibly utilising a coverplate if the positions were slightly differentbut the hole would be suitably large enough to accomodate for both styles of shifters.
So did you have to cut the floorpan in any way to fit the manual or did it pop right up through the exisiting hole.

[maurice c]

It pops right through the exsting hole, it is really near the back of the hole though, the 40 uses a rear shifter position. It does fit though.

[Norbie]

I know RA23's have a different hole for auto/manual so I wouldn't be surprised if RA40 is the same.

[maurice c]

I reckon your right because the standard 40 rubber booth for the gearstick wont bolt down to the floorpan.

[hosking9898]

cheers man good info im going to change my brothers 40 to manual but we have a whole other ra40 that is manual so i will use that pedal box.

i have to spread rep before i can give to you again (i wont forget though )

yer as if ur helping u liar