1992 liberty gx auto to manual

[Dermann]

Wanting some advice on a 1992 Subaru liberty gx auto to manual conversion. 

Is it do-able? 
how difficult is it? 
how much does it cost? 
and how difficult would it be to get engineered/what’s the legal side of it? 

This isn’t extremely urgent as evidently I’m 17 and don’t have my ps yet. Though I’ve got my hands on the car and a manual conversion is something I wouldn’t mind doing. I’m not out of pocket for the car so it’s not something that I’d be loosing heaps of cash on. Car is completely stock as well (as far as I know) though me being me, I’ll probably do some light stuff to it between now and when I get my ps. 
Any advice and recommendations is greatly appreciated. 
Cheers. 

 

[idosubaru]

I can't comment on engineered stuff, we don't have any of those regulations.  We just swap and drive.

Usually you'd sell the car and get what you want unless there's a significantly compelling reason to keep this one. 

To swap you need: 

The bare minimum you need to get it drivable:  Transmission, flywheel, transmission linkage/shifter, clutch cable, pedal assembly, driveshaft, and rear differential (with matching trans final drive ratio of 4.11). And you need to do some minor wiring work to get the reverse lights to work. 

Then to finish it off you need the center console, instrument cluster, and cruise control computer (if equipped and you want that to work). And maybe the master cylinder/hill holder components if you want them to operate normally. 

Most people would install a new clutch so you're not doing the trans pull again later - that requires a clutch kit and to resurface the fly wheel. 

It's a lot of parts and a lot of work.  But it's not "hard", it's just a lot.  The transmission assembly is big and bulky but otherwise straight forward, the pedal assemblies suck to remove. 

[lmdew]

I've done it, it's a large job!  Why do you want to do the change?

You need at a minimum the standard car:

Brake box

Trans mount

Trans, clutch, flywheel, starter

You'll need to update the wiring to make the ECU think it's an Standard instead of an auto trans.

[Dermann]

12 hours ago, idosubaru said:

I can't comment on engineered stuff, we don't have any of those regulations.  We just swap and drive.

Usually you'd sell the car and get what you want unless there's a significantly compelling reason to keep this one. 

To swap you need: 

The bare minimum you need to get it drivable:  Transmission, flywheel, transmission linkage/shifter, clutch cable, pedal assembly, driveshaft, and rear differential (with matching trans final drive ratio of 4.11). And you need to do some minor wiring work to get the reverse lights to work. 

Then to finish it off you need the center console, instrument cluster, and cruise control computer (if equipped and you want that to work). And maybe the master cylinder/hill holder components if you want them to operate normally. 

Most people would install a new clutch so you're not doing the trans pull again later - that requires a clutch kit and to resurface the fly wheel. 

It's a lot of parts and a lot of work.  But it's not "hard", it's just a lot.  The transmission assembly is big and bulky but otherwise straight forward, the pedal assemblies suck to remove. 

Cheers. I’ll keep this in mind for when I do get around to it. Main reason is that it’s my old mans and it’s being passed down to me. I’d hate to buy it and then sell it straight away after. That and it’s got the engine I want in it (n/a ej22). For the time being I’ll start getting all the parts and getting ready to do it. Though I’m not in the biggest rush until I get my ps next year. 
cheers again. 

[el_freddo]

A fellow Aussie... 

Easiest way is to look out for a cheap Liberty that’s manual - one with a blown HG or that’s been hit along the side. Avoid anything where the engine or rear diff have moved as these will always result in potential gearbox damage internally. 

Having a donor vehicle ensures you have EVERYTHING you need. No multiple trips to the wreckers. Jollys and pick a part are good self serve wreckers in Melbs, so are Imalach’s (formally centre rd wreckers). Buying from a wrecker will probably cost more than your car is worth! 

Engineering won’t be required as it came from factory as an option for that model vehicle. You will need to ensure your rego at Vicroads says it’s a manual and that you ensure you get your manual licence for your P’s. Cops love P platers! But they’re nothing to stress about if you have a neat vehicle, drive sensibly and if pulled over always be polite no matter how pissed off you might be. 

This conversion will already be well documented, do some searching. Also join up at Ausubaru if you haven’t already, I’ll keep an eye out for you there too. Again, there will be swaps discussed there too  

Cheers 

Bennie

[idosubaru]

3 hours ago, Dermann said:

Main reason is that it’s my old mans 
 

 

that’s great!

Grandfather offered me his truck before he got rid of it. Was 800 miles away in college so I passed. Now I wish I was driving around in his truck.

A college friend died in a car wreck. A few years later his dad said. “You know, I’m done with this truck and seeing how you work on cars it seemed like you’d get better use out of it than me just trading it in. I don’t want it to be a trouble but could you use it?”   In a few years my son can drive it to school. His name is the last name of that beautiful family who lost their son.

I’m a sucker for you rocking your dads car. 

[lmdew]

1+ on getting a parts car as el_freddo said.

Happy to fly down and do the work, if you have a place for me to stay.

Hot shower and coffee in the AM and XXX in the PM.  Larry