L-Series Auto to Manual

lucytheboxer

Forum Member
Joined
Oct 3, 2011
Messages
12
Location
Labrador, Gold Coast, Australia
Hi,

Anybody converted an L-Series auto to manual? I'm considering buying a low km auto L-Series, but am hugely underwhelmed by the power output of it. I'm thinking that putting in a manual 5 sp dual range gearbox would atleast make it move along a bit better. ( I realise that this won't give it more power, but I'm hoping it will get the power to the tarmac better ).

I know that this is a huge job in a Commodore as you have to change all the computer, wiring, harnesses etc. Is this the case with a 1988 L Series?

Cheers,

Ben
 
They ran carby's in most of these? Or very basic EFI. You need to see if the ECU (if there is one) requires a speedo input. No idea about the rest of the wiring, but things were a bit less computer controlled back then. Things you'll probably neeed to change or investigate are the pedal box, cable or hydraulic clutch, speedo drive/driven gear, front and rear axles, tail shaft and rear diff matching the front, centre console, brake and clutch pedals. Sure you don't want to buy a manual?
 
I know it would be easier. But this one has under 100,000kms, never been in an accident/damaged in any way, one owner from new, literally driven once a week by a little old lady... my great aunt...

Can anybody give me an idea of the on-road difference in feel between a manual and an auto? I'm only relating to my own experience driving old Holdens.

Cheers,

Ben
 
I will,although it is only my opinion , but Kevin has to stop reading and go check the oil level on his Triton!:) For me, an auto is an exercise in sheer frustration as the rotten things never do as I command. Firstly, they are S-L-O-W. They never change down when I want them to and often when they do it is pretty rough as well as slow. The noise is not particularly pleasant, and they are slow. You cannot clutch start them and even if you could they would always be slow. The only time when you want them to be slow is down hill and here for the only time in their existence they are too fast. They are better for towing though and in some off road situations they are better than manuals as the torque converter allows you to crawl over difficult terrain. If going off road or towing you may wish to consider an oil cooler. So I guess that about sums it up. Autos are slow, often refuse to obey instructions, are better at going up hills and worse going down them, better at towing and making painful noises. And slow.:lol: You can come back now Kevin!
 
Simple as an auto to manual g'box change in a '71 torana.

What you'll need:

Manual dual range gearbox
dual range gear selectors
front part of two piece tail shaft
manual speedo cable (maybe, but I reckon you'll need it)
manual pedal box
clutch cable, might need to drill a hole in the fire wall for it
flywheel
clutch plate and pressure plate
manual starter motor, I'm sure the auto's are different
manual gearbox crossmember

I think that's about it. I guess you'll know how to put it all together.

The ECU thing won't be an issue if you've scored an MPFI, the speed sensor is in the instrument cluster and I don't think there's a computer for the auto that talks to the engine's ECU...

Cheers

Bennie
 
Hello again,

I've been told that this car has a 4WD selector switch on the gear shifter. Does this mean that the auto are 2WD with selectable AWD, as oppose to manuals that are AWD with selectable low-range?

Cheers,

Ben
 
lucytheboxer said:
I've been told that this car has a 4WD selector switch on the gear shifter. Does this mean that the auto are 2WD with selectable AWD, as oppose to manuals that are AWD with selectable low-range?
Click to expand...

All L series are 2wd with selectable 4wd and low 4wd, except the single range models that don't have the low range but these were the early models.

The AWD came in one or two L series models we didn't get here in Oz :( Then the liberty arrived with AWD and a dodgy low range. The imprezas and foresters have a decent low range but not quite as low as the L series non turbos.

The difference between AWD and 4wd is that the 4wd has a locked centre so that no differentiation can occur between the front and rear axles like the AWD system does ;)

Cheers

Bennie
 
Some early L's ('85-87?) were available in 2WD only, in auto and manual. If yours is an auto 4wd it should have a 4wd button on the T-Bar to engage the rear end/4wd. this will lock the front and rear together, as Bennie said. It may also have an Auto 4wd button on the right side of the dash. with the Auto 4wd engaged, the car will run in 2wd unless you turn on the wipers (must be raining therefore the road will be slippery), accelerate hard (need maximum traction) or brake hard (again max traction).

Not sure if this was still in the '88 wagons, or only in the 85-86 touring wagons. This was one feature we did get in Oz, and is about the only advantage on the auto over a manual.

As previously mentioned, there was an AWD version around, but as rare as rocking horse manure.

Beigewagon.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for that Beigewagon. Good info to know. Unfortunately, I was too slow and someone else in the family bought the car before I could get down there and pick it up. Oh well! Now I'll be able to hold out for a manual! :)
 
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