Debating a Manual Conversion. Thoughts?

[Kipjames3]

That IS funny! I noticed it too.

So I bought one of those perfectly functional SMG systems for dirt cheap when everyone was busy giving them away, stuck it away in storage and put the issue out of my head.

Zero regrets here.

maw

EDIT... I think I have one of the factory alcantara shift knobs (didn't like it) that may pay for the spare SMG system if sold.

Every time I see those and are reminded are how much they go for, I just upset all over again.

[oceansize]

Every time I see those and are reminded are how much they go for, I just upset all over again.

With your mileage and usage scenario I'm going to be surprised if you have any issues for quite some time. Mine lasted 100k miles without an issue and was still going strong when I relocated it to the drug bin. At that time I did a pump DIY rebuild to understand how it all worked.

The pump unit itself is very simple. Motor, accumulator, couple of sensors, and some solenoids. It is not rocket science. However, diagnostics can be tough.

The less easy part is if something should go wrong with the actuator or the little compression springs break as that's going to be transmission out (some say trans can be lowered, but darn tough).

Remember, you're on a car forum where people generally only post when they have problems, ergo many problems seem more common than they are.

[Kipjames3]

With your mileage and usage scenario I'm going to be surprised if you have any issues for quite some time. Mine lasted 100k miles without an issue and was still going strong when I relocated it to the drug bin. At that time I did a pump DIY rebuild to understand how it all worked.

The pump unit itself is very simple. Motor, accumulator, couple of sensors, and some solenoids. It is not rocket science. However, diagnostics can be tough.

The less easy part is if something should go wrong with the actuator or the little compression springs break as that's going to be transmission out (some say trans can be lowered, but darn tough).

Remember, you're on a car forum where people generally only post when they have problems, ergo many problems seem more common than they are.

I was talking about the OEM alcantara SMG shift knob but your point stands also. Ha.

[PetrolM3]

That IS funny! I noticed it too.

So I bought one of those perfectly functional SMG systems for dirt cheap when everyone was busy giving them away, stuck it away in storage and put the issue out of my head.

Zero regrets here.

maw

EDIT... I think I have one of the factory alcantara shift knobs (didn't like it) that may pay for the spare SMG system if sold.

Good for you!

On my end, I did the swap over 10 years ago when SMG parts were in demand and worth decent coin. They literally paid for all the parts I needed for the conversion.

[maw1124]

Every time I see those and are reminded are how much they go for, I just upset all over again.

Nuts right?? I certainly didn't and wouldn't pay that.

maw