Vintage Cars: autostick to manual, vw cabrio, vw power


Question
QUESTION: I own a 73 super beetle with an 4 speed (R,L,1,2) auto stick transmission and want to convert to manual transmission with some more gears.  Is it possible?  What transmissions would fit?  I don't know where to begin with this one so any information would be extremely helpful.  Thanks, David

ANSWER: David, this job would not be for the faint of heart!.  It cold be done but you would have to pull the engine and then change out the tranny with a unit that would fit the car. Typically you would have to find a tranny out of a VW of the same vintage or engine,I am sure there are after markets available but they are very expensive.  Now then that is the easy part, then  you have to figure out linkages, clutch pedal and shifter locations.
If your after the feel of an automatic, you may be better off trading yours for another.
BTW I have a nice 86 5 speed VW cabrio for sale, 81,000 miles and runs strong!  Have fun.  Let me know what you decide to do or if I can help

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QUESTION: I'm gonna try to stick with the this car.  I am planning on eventually changing the engine out with something else, so would it be wise to do this at the same time?

Answer
I think that would be wise, that way you are sure to matched tranny and engine, and it should come with all the parts already hooked up.  If I were you and you plan on keeping the car, look for an engine set up that will work, you may even be able to look outside of the VW power plants. Good Luck