Changing Automatic Transmission to Manual??

[GSanchez1370]

Has anyone successfully altered their Mazda 3 from an automatic to an manual? If so, how much did it cost? The tranny needs replaced so just thought I would ask around. Any and all info, opinions are welcomed!

 

[concept]

It may help if your city and state are noted, as someone may be able to recommend a good shop that can do the swap in your area.

 

[GSanchez1370]

It may help if your city and state are noted, as someone may be able to recommend a good shop that can do the swap in your area.

Thanks! I will do that!
I live in Cortez, Colorado.

 

[BrianM3GS]

Sorry I can't help with local suggestions. I also don't have any useful technical information about this swap specific to the Mazda 3, but I'll note that this type of swap often proves to be more work and expense than it is worth, due to the large number of little details, mostly related to how and where the shift linkage comes into the interior, and to the clutch pedal assembly. Since the car comes both ways at least you know that a proper manual installation is possible with all OEM parts... but you should be prepared to be getting a lot of parts.

You didn't give a model year (or I missed it), but it seems to me that the newer the car the more likely that some computer will be confused by the change.

Depending on age, available used cars in the market, and whether the car is already modified to specifically suit your tastes, it might be cheaper to replace the transmission with another automatic then sell the car and buy a manual.

Aside from technical issues, I applaud the effort to take full control of the vehicle...
Real Drivers Use Three Pedals

(notice the smiley - no offense intended to automatic drivers)

 

[concept]

I guess my 30 years of professional racing wasn't enough to make me a real driver, now that I have an auto Mazda 3?☹

Hey, I had to come up with something........

Seriously, I've been rolling with one of each type of transmission for 35 years. Even today, my MX5 is a 6 speed manual. Variety is the spice of life (as we older folks say).

 

[BrianM3GS]

I guess my 30 years of professional racing wasn't enough to make me a real driver, now that I have an auto Mazda 3?☹

LOL (rofl)

Seriously, I've been rolling with one of each type of transmission for 35 years. Even today, my MX5 is a 6 speed manual. Variety is the spice of life (as we older folks say).

Yes, modern automatics work very well, and are the most effective choice in many circumstances... even for real drivers!
My Mazda has a 6-speed manual, but my van and motorhome are automatics - there's no choice offered for them, and automatic is the best choice anyway.

On the other hand, someone needs to keep up the fight to keep the manual transmission from disappearing entirely