Converting an S or Chimaera to auto box
Discussion
Has anyone done this? I am considering a second TVR, but it would need to be an auto so lady targs can drive it (trust me, she's not getting a manual licence). The Cologne V6 and Rover V8 have many auto implementations, so all the hardware is available. But would it fit, how much work is needed?
Thanks.
Thanks.
The biggest problem would be getting a correct size propshaft, the chances of the auto box being the same size/length as a T9/T5 manual box is pretty slim imo.
Manual change gear linkage is easily and often changed on most Tivs, I think a auto shifter will be a little more involved?
If you are prepared to be a guinea pig and have deep enough pockets any thing is possible.
If you are serious try Rich at www.southwaysautomotive.co.uk they might take it on.
Why not just buy her a, off the shelf, auto convertible in the first place?
Manual change gear linkage is easily and often changed on most Tivs, I think a auto shifter will be a little more involved?
If you are prepared to be a guinea pig and have deep enough pockets any thing is possible.
If you are serious try Rich at www.southwaysautomotive.co.uk they might take it on.
Why not just buy her a, off the shelf, auto convertible in the first place?
T66ORA said:
The biggest problem would be getting a correct size propshaft, the chances of the auto box being the same size/length as a T9/T5 manual box is pretty slim imo.
Manual change gear linkage is easily and often changed on most Tivs, I think a auto shifter will be a little more involved?
If you are prepared to be a guinea pig and have deep enough pockets any thing is possible.
If you are serious try Rich at www.southwaysautomotive.co.uk they might take it on.
Why not just buy her a, off the shelf, auto convertible in the first place?
Thanks.Manual change gear linkage is easily and often changed on most Tivs, I think a auto shifter will be a little more involved?
If you are prepared to be a guinea pig and have deep enough pockets any thing is possible.
If you are serious try Rich at www.southwaysautomotive.co.uk they might take it on.
Why not just buy her a, off the shelf, auto convertible in the first place?
She loves TVRs (clever girl) so while we could get something else classic and auto it may cost a lot more money for anything she likes.
Regarding the S options, Andy ( Mr. Tank ) on the Wedge forum has or had a Tasmin 280 Auto, so the drivetrain is out there somewhere to be found: Fleabay land perhaps? There were plenty of Granny autos produced in both 2.8 & 2.9 versions, so it shouldn't be too hard to find a suitable box. Don't know if ant chassis mods would be required, & the propshaft may need a bit of fettlung, but it's definitely do-able if you have the resources/ money.
But I reckon it would definitely be cheaper to get your GF some extra driving lessons to pass the test for a full licence if she is currently limited to autos only.
But I reckon it would definitely be cheaper to get your GF some extra driving lessons to pass the test for a full licence if she is currently limited to autos only.
These will be able to do it. Very nice people to deal with. Price may be the only concern so ask them for a quote.
http://www.lloydspecialistdevelopments.co.uk/
http://www.lloydspecialistdevelopments.co.uk/
Podie said:
Pretty sure there were some converted cars in the past. May have been Wedges?
There certainly were some factory auto Wedges, both V6 and V8. One of friends owned a very special (one of a pair) LHD 450SE, with a trick 4 speed US slush box that IIRC cost about £10k when bought from the factory as part of the price of the vehicle. I looked at the same engine + box in a Tuscan. I have an XKR as a daily driver for the winter, so I'm familiar with them. The auto box on these is huge, so probably wouldn't fit nicely in the relatively small TVR transmission tunnel. (So I'm now planning for a manual Tuscan with XKR engine.)
T66ORA said:
The biggest problem would be getting a correct size propshaft...
No problemos - just specify what you want to Bailey Morris (google it) and they'll make anything up. In my case when I put the TKO box in the Tuscan I had the front splined joint from the box - sent that down plus instructions that the diff was a BTR and gave them the length and hey-presto a prop shaft in a few days.
A few years have now passed, but I’m pondering the same question.
The 4 and 5 speed autos used with Ford’s 2.9 Cologne are not that much larger than the manuals are they? Anyone offered one up to the chassis to see if it would fit, or even with some minor mods?
Shift controls wouldn’t be an issue with the later all electronic boxes. All you’d need are some suitable electrical switches - and the box’s ECU of course. That’s all doable, if it fits.
I realise an auto box is anathema to many and I would have thought the same 50 years ago, but now I would prefer a good auto and a project is always fun.
Surely after all this time someone has tried this?
The 4 and 5 speed autos used with Ford’s 2.9 Cologne are not that much larger than the manuals are they? Anyone offered one up to the chassis to see if it would fit, or even with some minor mods?
Shift controls wouldn’t be an issue with the later all electronic boxes. All you’d need are some suitable electrical switches - and the box’s ECU of course. That’s all doable, if it fits.
I realise an auto box is anathema to many and I would have thought the same 50 years ago, but now I would prefer a good auto and a project is always fun.
Surely after all this time someone has tried this?
Some coincidence!
Chap just posted up his auto conversion on the S Series FaceBook Group.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/tvrsseries/permali...
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