Conversion to manual

[RealJakeMalloy]

I have a newish 302 V8. If I wanted to convert to manual transmission what is the general cost I am looking at to do so? How big a project is this for a well qualified shop (i.e. i won't be doing it myself).

 

[phred]

That’s a loaded question. It all depends on the transmission you decide to use.

 

[Broncobowsher]

Well qualifed shop, generally looking at a bronco speciality or custom shop.

If you had a good C4 and you found someone who wanted the C4 and had a current 3-speed. If the moon is aligned just right and you have the winning lottery ticket in hand, you could make money selling the auto and getting a worn out 3-speed put in.
But going for a modern 5-speed manual (AX15, NV3500, M5R2), just pull into the shop, leave the keys, pick it up when done. Done right, good parts. I would ballpark $5k. There are a lot of parts to source, you are paying for time. Doesn't matter if the time is turning wrenches or pushing buttons (internet search, making phone calls). And how many other things are they going to find while doing the conversion, and do the right thing and fix them while there.

 

[904Bronco]

Define new'ish 302? A refreshed 302 that came with your Bronco (28 oz. imbalance) or and new one from a Mustang/Explorer (50 oz. imbalance)

The parts will be different that are needed, depending on the motor and as said the automation transmission you plan to use will will also affect parts you will need.

 

[Shimmy]

if going for a more modern AX15, i'd estimate 6-8k OTD if taking it to a shop. the "kits" from our well known vendors are priced around 3500-4000 with a new clutch. my estimate is based on PNW labor which isn't cheap, easily spending $1k a day for labor alone.

 

[Johnnyb]

I've never been fond of the automatic options that we can put into our EBs. Now there's a 10-speed but I think it only fits behind a coyote and that's way out there.
Converting to a manual shouldn't be too difficult as the pedal boss for clutch is available right on many vendors websites as are the transmissions and kits.
My dream transmission is a Tremec TR-4050, but any of the five speeds out there should provide a really nice driving experience. Absolutely don't let anybody talk you into putting a stock 3-speed in. It was a bad transmission with too few gears when they first installed it and it remains a poor choice for anybody except those wishing a full stock restoration.
It's going to cost a pretty penny had a good shot but there shouldn't be any real big challenges to the changeover. And as others have mentioned before on this thread, be careful to get the flywheel with the right imbalance for your motor, the shop should know this but you should tell them as well.

JB