Auto vs Manual Trans Tunnels

[Mike MPD]

I know auto trans tunnels are larger, but how much difference is there really? Specifically relating to a 245 5 speed. My car was originally an automatic and already has a lot of the good mechanical bits - 5spd, lsd, tii struts, etc. but the body is pretty rough. If I could find a clean shell or roller it would put me in a pretty good spot to make a nice car of the two. I know autos are sought after for 5 speed swap reasons but I'm not sure how much of a factor that should be in deciding how to proceed, whether that be finding a cleaner shell or starting to dive into body work and rust repair on my current car. 

 

Any insight appreciated 

 

Also on a related note, if anyone has a clean shell or preferably a roller in the general maryland-ish area feel free to reach out.   

 

 

[Conserv]

Focus on finding a low rust '02, regardless of its factory transmission. The difference is quite minor: on a 2002A, you can generally install an overdrive 5-speed without a hammer; on a 2002, you will generally need that hammer.

 

I hope no one is going out of their way buying a 2002A just for its ever-so-slightly larger driveline tunnel! 2002A pricing may make a 2002A more attractive, however, if your plan is to convert it to 5-speed.

 

Regards,

 

Steve

 

Edited June 11, 2020 by Conserv

[Son of Marty]

It only the bell housing area thats larger the rest of the tunnel is the same. So it's easy to install a 5 speed but as Steve said it's not much harder to install in a standard tunnel BMW used a standard tunnel in their 5 speed cars coming off the line.

[JerryC]

Definitely, choose low rust over automatic. You only need about an extra half-inch or so to make a little more room for the slave cylinder, it's in a different location on 245/5's. 

[Son of Marty]

6 minutes ago, JerryC said:

it's in a different location on 245/5's.

True but you still have to use the hammer just a little bit lower.

[Mike Self]

The procedure to persuade a 5 speed into a 4 speed body shell is known as percussive modification, utilizing a BFH...

 

mike

[calw]

The smallest hand pumped hydraulic "porta-power" unit (even from HF) also works fine.  Somewhat more controllable also.  There are weld lines down there the one might worry about.