Has anyone heard about anyone putting a 6 speed in their Lightning?

I have been thinking alot about recently and wonder if it would be all that hard... and expensive.

what do u think the cost would be to do a conversion?


The main reason i'm wondering is that i'm on my 3rd tranny and i know manuals are stronger...i'm not to worried about traction where as i don't race often enough to care.

Thank u

Chris

 

I dont think that it would be that hard to do if you had enough time and cash. I wouldn't try to tackle it myself though. I would find someone who has done alot of engine/trans swaps and is very good in fabrication. The only problem I see is that long a$$ throw for the shifter.

 

probably more computer problems than it's worth

 

Contact factory-Tech and have him build you a strong automatic. Much less money and far fewer problems.

 

Just spend the $2K on a bullitproof auto, just my .02

 

I upgraded my tranny 2 months ago with hardly and good runs with it and is now sitting at the ford garage with a intermediate broken drum is what the code showed! Guys there are no guarranties with any parts including these new rods! If you think so you better get it in writing so when something does happen they will pay for your rebuild!If you want to play be prepared to pay!

 

The problems with a 6-speed, as I see it, are numerous.

One, the ZF available with the Powerstroke is the only one that will work. Whether or not it will bolt up I don't know. If not, this means having adapters made. The throws will be terribly long, and will make your truck slow. The computer will have a sh*t fit, because there is ONLY one for an auto trans, and all trans functions are controlled by the computer. It will throw a "Check Engine" light code that will not be able to be removed without totally reprogramming the computer. You will completely void your warranty. You will probably void your emissions warranty also, as all peramiters of the computer are based on it having an auto tranny. The truck would also run poorly, since the entire computer map is based on the transmission in the truck. The biggie...... it probably won't hold up either, ZF's are not known to be extremely strong, and they are expensive as hell to fix.

If you try to use a passenger car 6-speed, you will blow it up. You also will not have a towing capability anymore. They just are not built for that.

I guess if someone has unlimited resources, that it can be done. The problem I see, is that they may not be very happy with the final result.

JMHO

 

if you want six speed go completely out and spend as much money as possible, my vote goes for a:

6 speed clutchless airshift transmission with paddle shifts on the steering wheel column

 

Thanx for the info

I would think all around except for traction the 6 speed would be better.

Well i gotta talk to some more tuners and ask their opinion on this matter.

Thank you

 

In my personal opinion, if you want a six speed, get a Cobra R or Z06.

 

If you want the six speed just go do it. It is a waste of time to conduct an opinion poll. As the people that you should ask are the ones that have done it. Yes there are a few sacrifaces that you would have to make but if you are not a hard core drag racer and like to drive you will have some fun with it. The ones that tell you that the six speed cannot take the HP and Torque need to get off the bench. It works!. I run the six speed in my Mustang I now make over 600 HP at the rear wheels and over 550 ft. lbs of torque. Advice--- invest in a Good Clutch. Yes you will have a long throw on the shifter but you won't be the first and it will be fun. Plus you can gererate some impressive numbers on the Dyno

 

It is my understanding that Lenco is now making a conversion complete with the correct bellhousing etc...I was also told it is in the 2,300.00 range. Again this is second hand info but something you may want to explore.
Paul

 

Yes the 6-speeds can take the hp and torque. What they can't take is the stress of moving 4700lbs quickly (at least the car versions can't). How many cars weigh 4700lbs? This is the killer. Truck 6-speeds can take it, but shift like a truck transmission.

The adapting of the transmission to the engine is the least of your worries in my book. It is EVERYTHING else.

My guess would be about $6000-8000 to do it right. Of course, that is just a guess.

 

 

Check out this place:

http://www.jericoperformance.com/


This nice if you want 5 speed





Theres also:
http://www.richmondgear.com/