Club 80-90 Forums

I have a 83 1.9DG with a manual gearbox. If I were to get an automatic gearbox from a 2.1 will that still mate up easily for a swap or will I have to do some major modifications to make it work? Are there any other challenges with doing an automatic swap as well? TIA

You would have to remove your gearstick, linkage and rod and install an auto shifter and rod. Auto boxes are not easy to source and with their age a second hand one will need rebuilding at some point, and that can cost a fair bit. I think you would be better off looking for another manual box. Whats the problem with your gearbox?

Beware of any seller saying a box has been rebuilt unless they have the paperwork to prove it. Ask me how I know.

Injury to my left leg makes it hard to work the clutch

It will turn out to be a very costly exercise. Unless you can do the job yourself.

Converting your van from manual to automatic may cost you the same as purchasing an automatic one, not mentioning the possible faults after such conversion (It is easier from automatic to manual).

Just one example:
https://www.justkampers.com/marketplace ... /id/18911/
 

Read my threads on this subject

Started to convert my Auto to Manual as finding a working box an issue, but then i am a little over powered

Costs are a nightmare too as a used box is £800 and you need the matching torque converter (some people are funny about selling it seperately), linkage plus shifter plus wiring mods plus a few other bits like throttle cable and pedal box. Worst part is you cant get the parts to rebuild them, at least i couldnt in the UK and the USA guys wouldn't send them, no one here refurbs these im afraid

Plenty of guides on The Samba to help understand the auto but its unsustainable to own and maintain and a beast to work with under the van

Ive taken all my stuff off my van apart from the wiring so far

Buying the manual stuff including the gearbox, new clutch, shifter rods, gear lever and rebuild kit hasnt been cheap going the other way

Personally if i were in your situation id buy an auto van as at least you can drive it and do all the usual service checks etc as someone else has already said

It’s not to tricky to do , gearboxes are not
Much different in price to manuals, I would estimate £2000-3000 including used parts

Swordfish93 wrote: ↑26 Jan 2025, 01:03 I have a 83 1.9DG with a manual gearbox. If I were to get an automatic gearbox from a 2.1 will that still mate up easily for a swap or will I have to do some major modifications to make it work? Are there any other challenges with doing an automatic swap as well? TIA

Ideally you want a NH auto final drive from another DG and not a 2.1 NJ box. The ratios are different.

Also auto pedal box is different from manual. An awkward bugger of a job. But l suppose you could use original with a redundant clutch pedal left in place? Not sure what MOT man would think. Then there is plumbing for the auto transmission coolant pipes, including an auto coolant distribution tower. Or sort out an aftermarket air cooling radiator for the transmission.

Sell the manual and buy an auto camper. I have a friend selling his T25 auto if you want his phone number. PM for number.