...I did it...........*deep sigh*... - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

IsaacCarlson · 09-10-2009, 08:55 PM

I had the A/C discharged about an hour ago...for free

. And I picked up a bypass pulley for $32. Now I just have to swap 'em out. I also looked at a P/S pump at the parts store and i might be able to get the impeller out with it on the car. Maybe a 5 or 10 minute job

RobertSmalls · 09-10-2009, 09:42 PM

Good move on the A/C. I used mine two weeks this year. But if your A/C clutch is still good, you can just use that and leave the compressor in place, thus saving $32.

Your results so far are impressive. Is a stick shift in your plans?

IsaacCarlson · 09-10-2009, 09:55 PM

I pan on running a full-out MANUMATIC transmission.

since there is no manual option for my car

i just have to figure out how to run the TCC because it is PWM.
I love that post.....THANK YOU!!

IsaacCarlson · 09-10-2009, 10:01 PM

I have metal shavings all over the engine compartment

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobertSmalls

Good move on the A/C. I used mine two weeks this year. But if your A/C clutch is still good, you can just use that and leave the compressor in place, thus saving $32.

Your results so far are impressive. Is a stick shift in your plans?

Christ · 09-10-2009, 11:32 PM

What engine do you have? I'm sure we can find you a real 5 speed setup that fits easily into your car. Chances are, like with Cara, that even though it didn't specifically come with one, you can swap a setup in with relative ease.

I'm gonna grab a tranny from a PT Cruiser to use, and probably have to fab up a pedal, unless I can mod a pedal box from a Civic or something to work.

Frank Lee · 09-11-2009, 12:54 AM

Fits: yeah. Easily: I don't think so.

Christ · 09-11-2009, 12:55 AM

Guess that depends on your definition of easy... I don't consider swapping transmissions difficult, in the scheme of things.

What exactly would be so "not easy" about it, compared to just replacing the trans with another auto-magic?

Frank Lee · 09-11-2009, 01:08 AM

I'm not aware of any 5-speeds that were mated to 3800s from the factory so then flywheels, custom adapter plates, custom cv axles, custom pedals and linkages, custom tranny mounts, not to mention potential computer interface problems might all be happy things to fab up.

However if someone knows something about this swap and it turns out it is an easily/cheaply doable thing, I'm all ears cuz I'd have a splendid app for that myself!!!

Christ · 09-11-2009, 01:16 AM

2.8/3.1 transmissions bolt up, so that covers the flywheel/clutch/bell housing issues. The axles are pretty much the same diameter/spline count that I know of between just about all the 60* V6 engines, but even those aren't hard to source, if they're different. Often, transmission mounts are a matter of sourcing some plate steel (2 or 3mm) and welding it up, which is probably within your means if you're taking on the project anyway.

The pedals are only a matter of cutting one edge off the auto's brake pedal, then mounting a race pedal from Summit or similar, with the corresponding clutch actuation type for your trans (fluid or cable). Shift linkages are a matter of following the basic installation that you pulled it from. It will, in most cases, follow the same routing. Mounting is the same deal.

The interface problems are the hardest part to solve, provided that you dont' have a separate transmission controller. IF you do, you're set on that as well, by simply removing the TCU in most cases. You'll probably run non-optimally, but you can also reflash most ECU's to whatever specs you want anyway.

At least every one I've done has ended up that way... I'm sure someone can come up with an exception.

Frank Lee · 09-11-2009, 01:26 AM

I'd have to know if the 3800 had any goofy external balancer issues like some small blocks, and for sure the 2.8/3.1 flywheels/bellhousing bolt up? Sweet!

I know for my car there are many different axle combos depending on if it's m/t or a/t, 4 cyl or 6 cyl, etc. I don't know about the GM line but perhaps they are better about interchangeability on that than Ford.

Trans mount fab is no biggie for some of us but then it is a biggie for some of us. Same with the clutch pedal/linkage.

Can the 2.8/3.1 stuff handle full torque? Wouldn't want to floor it and scatter parts all over the road. Don't floor it? Well then don't fool around with the 3800 either and put the whole 2.8/3.1 mess in there. Haven't compared hp/tq ratings either though. Edit: '89 3800: 165HP, 220ft/lb; H.O. 2.8 140HP, 160ft/lb.; some 3.1s put out more than the 3800 so depending on the trans model life is likely a non-issue.

I've never reflashed an ECU. Something tells me I'd need more than jumper cables to do it.

So how does a 3800 5 sp m/t FWD '59 Bel Air sound? Might even be able to touch 30 mpg with it.