Auto conversion

Local repair centre, Manuel Automatics in Thomastown had been commissioned to tackle the task. They excelled and did a fantastic job and they are local. This would have to be one of the best options for a Stag that I have seen. This would nearly make me buy an auto Stag. Read the article and send back your comments.

Huw R.: Huw 7k?????? put your Stag on a carrier, send it to me here in Perth and I'll fit one for 5K When I asked Manuel (of Manuel Automatics) would they like to do other Stag conversions, he said they would at $7,000 including all parts and labour. (The good news for you is that they practiced on mine!) Nick

Jeff R.: Yes, 4 speed auto make a stag drive like a modern car. Fitted a zf 4 speed out of a jag my self. with help from a good fitter to make up the parts, it is something I think most could handle. Jeff Sent on the go with Vodafone

Spiro E.: Sounds very impressive and worth considering (especially in my case) Do we have an idea of overall cost for the conversion (Parts and Labour) ? I am seriously considering this for the foo

Chris S.: A couple of companies here in Blighty do kits. Monarch charge £3100 for the kit (Au$5000). So Bruces offer of 5k including fitting looks good.

Bruce P.: Yep, can't recommend the 4 speed auto highly enough. Mine has seen competition service at all major race tracks, Done a number of Targa Tas and proven utterly outstanding as a tourer. I have converted 30 cars using the VL Commodore Jatco box which is lighter and stronger than the old BW boxes. Using the Jatco allows retaining original shifter with a subtly located OD switch so from inside there is no clue the auto has been modified.

Bruce P.: The switch only activates in top gear(3rd). there is no OD in the other gears. So it does no harm to switch to OD and leave it on. When slowing, the auto does it's own thing, kick down is via vacuum line to the inlet manifold so no requirement for throttle position switches or cables.....altogether too easy. Put quite simply, if the OD switch is in the ON position when cruising, and a stop or slow down is required, the auto will change down then change up again accordingly from first, second, top, then into OD. Out of the 30 I've done I've never had a failure. (hope that statement isn't poking the bear!!!) I've fitted these to Jaguars, Triumph 6 Cylinder and V8 (Stag) engines, Rover V8's and an MGBGT which replaced the original BW even an HR Holden show car.. anyway, something to think about.

Nick K.: When I asked Manuel (of Manuel Automatics) would they like to do other Stag conversions, he said they would at $7,000 including all parts and labour. Nick

Malcolm C.: I am a bit concerned about a toggle switch working the 4th gear What happens if you don’t or forget to flick the switch out, does it stay in 4th when braking or slowing down into corners etc., ,Sounds a good mod but that switch would worry me, I have had manual gearboxes with overdrive that work with a lever for O/drive I know with that set up, forgetting to disengage the O/D causes some quick action into and out of roundabouts. Mal C.

Diana M.: What would it cost to put together a kit so we could fit it ourselves .this may help keep the cost down as we would save on labour and transport charges

Spiro E.: Great idea Chris, I know you will offer your time for my stag FOC, and I might even find time to help you as well,

Bruce P.: for Stags but it's not that simple your end. What I sent was as shown which only consisted of the auto attached to the bell housing all complete which can be fit fitted to the car, but there is a heap more that needs to be completed once it's in. Unless you possess the equipment and skills you would need a local fabricator to do the rear gearbox mount. The shifter can be fiddly and takes time and patience to get it to engage all gears. Tail shaft needs to be modified. Electrics to lock out starter (only start in P and N) reverse lights and OD engage switch. And cost???? best to contact me individually if interested as there are many other variables. My main concern here is sourcing the gearboxes. There are plenty around but usually it involves me laying under a car in someone's back yard and removing myself.....I'm getting too old for that so if we can sort something to remove this bit, you will find my costing would be attractive. FYI, a few have purchased reoc'd boxes outright from an automatic repair shop and had it delivered, or I've picked them up. That was easy for me but not always the most cost effective. Only you as individuals can decide on what's a fair thing cost wise. See attached a brief notation of what the conversion looks like, the engine is a dead one and only used a fit up. Finally, I need the flex plate and bell housing as an exchange as these need to be modified as part of the conversion.