I want an Auto tranny

ELEmental59437 · 10-02-2006

I want to swap in an Auto transmission into my 1973 Opel GT. The car is for my wife and she insists on having an auto. Is a 4 speed available that will bolt right in? I am looking for the least ammount of modifications to get this done.

Thanks!

rangerrick · 10-02-2006

Gil from Opel GT source says this is a big job, he's done it and wouldn't do it again. The auto trans in the GT is a GM 3 speed and was used in other cars so shouldn't be that hard to find. They use the lower portion of the radiator for cooling, but I supposed you could use a large bolt on cooler instead of changing out the radiator.

ELEmental59437 · 10-02-2006

Originally Posted by rangerrick

Gil from Opel GT source says this si a big job, he's done it and wouldn't do it again. The auto trans in the GT is a GM 3 speed and was used in other cars so shouldn't be that hard to find. They use the lower portion of the radiator for cooling, but I supposed you could use a large bolt on cooler instead of changing out the radiator.

Thanks for the reply,
What is meant by a "big job" I already plan on gutting the frame of the interior/engine/transmission and completely repainting the car.

My concerns are finding something that will bolt up to the current drive shaft or a replacement shaft. Are there many people that would want to do an even trade/swap? I might just have to tell my wife to learn to drive stick and live with it.

PROPEL · 10-02-2006

The autobox is really crammed into the tranny tunnel. So not much room to work under there. I can see where Gil is coming from. Besides the correct auto trans for a GT (plus shift linkage), you will need the pedal assembly, driveshaft, tranny mount, radiator, shifter assembly and related console. Do a search on this site for details on this swap.

baz · 10-02-2006

you might want to try a swap ad in classifides ,theres always some one with an auto who wants to go to 4 speed or has changed to a 5 speed and wants to get rid of an auto box and bits

GTJIM · 10-02-2006

Most people here have done the swap in the opposite direction ... auto to manual. So there should be a few parts out there to change to the original GT TH180 three-speed auto - but LOTS of bits are needed as even the centre console is different plus kick-down linkage and lock-out wiring. Also the g/box crossmember and drive shaft.
The cheapest/easiest way to do it is to find an already automatic GT.

Opel used Aisin-Warner 4-speed autos in some of the later Euro models but none ever got to the US of A new. So you would have to find or import one. However, the 2.5L 'Iron Duke' Pontiac fours must of had some sort of 4-speed auto behind them - and your used car yards MUST be full of sub-compact GMs with TH200-4R auto trannys ?? Also - Toyota used the Aisin-Warner 4-speed tranny too in Coronas and vans during the 1980's.

I have an auto GT and It is far slower than the 4-speed - at the moment. With a set of 3.9:1 Imulse gears and a 4-speed OD auto - with a 2.2 CIH DSD Weber motor there should be a bit of difference though!

ELEmental59437 · 10-02-2006

Hmm, well right now I have a TH180 in a Geo Tracker that we own. Too bad theres a ton of extra parts needed than just the transmission. (And I need the car to drive too).

Maybe I will just have to save up for an auto, and keep the stick for myself.

tekenaar · 10-02-2006

Originally Posted by ELEmental59437

Hmm, well right now I have a TH180 in a Geo Tracker that we own. Too bad theres a ton of extra parts needed than just the transmission. (And I need the car to drive too).

Maybe I will just have to save up for an auto, and keep the stick for myself.

Best/easiest alternative, to be honest . . . would suggest changing engine to flat-tops, if '71-'73 . . . makes a big difference with automatic.

Also, if still Solex and with mechanical secondary, change to vacuum secondary . . . works MUCH better with an A/T.

Manta Rallier · 10-02-2006

Well, if you get hot to do this conversion, give us a PM. We have a running 3 speed auto in a '72 Manta and have considered the swap to a manual. Car has 64,000 original miles on it, we have complete maintenance records and can see if this trannie has had any work.

Driveshaft yoke is defferent; we would have that. Dunno how much of the shifter stuff is a direct transfer but could take a picture.

BTW, I belive the tunnel in a Manta is different for an auto (larger), hence I assume an auto will be tight in a manual GT tunnel. And yes, expect the car to be more sluggish.

Regards,
Mark B.

GTJIM · 10-02-2006

Compared to the Manta and Kadett the GT auto trans has the shift linkage .. and shift rod .. on the opposite side of the trans to clear the headlight operating lever - so the two don't interchange.

The TH180 - or "Tri-matic" as the Aussies call it when used in Holdens - is a real tough tranny and has been used behind their whole range of motors from the Opel 1.9L Torana to the full sized 308 CID V8 as well as all the big six-cylinder Opels and even Rover V8s as a factory fitted trans.
The one in your Suzuki Tracker is the same sort - just later model.
It was designed as GMs 'low-loss' auto trans for smaller cars and is the base that the TH200; TH200C and TH200-4R was based upon. So it ain't half bad !!

OpelJim · 10-03-2006

I will sell you a good used one for $250.00

ELEmental59437 · 10-04-2006

OpelJim, Thanks for the offer but I would much rather trade if possible, or buy a spare auto car because I plan on building a 4speed Opel for myself after I finish this car for my wife and my Sterling kit car. This Opel only cost me $300, so I am not out much if I have to buy a running automatic for her in a couple months, then I can keep this for myself.

BQS4 · 10-04-2006

Elemental;
There's a guy here in GA that has a GT stripped down to the point of taking the body to a dip tank. The ody has NO rust, but, it's an automatic car, he still has all the pieces (trans, radiator, shifter, console, driveshaft, etc) He's selling the car. His screen name on here is "Space_Cat"

ELEmental59437 · 10-04-2006

Thanks, I sent him an email to see if he was selling just the auto parts.

If anyone else wants to do a direct swap, I can pull all the parts off my car and ship/deliver them to you depending on how far you are from Dallas.

10-02-2006	#1 (permalink)
ELEmental59437 Opeler Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Dallas Posts: 19	Unanswered: I want an Auto tranny I want to swap in an Auto transmission into my 1973 Opel GT. The car is for my wife and she insists on having an auto. Is a 4 speed available that will bolt right in? I am looking for the least ammount of modifications to get this done. Thanks!

10-02-2006	#2 (permalink)
rangerrick Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Shingletown, CA. Posts: 249	Big job from what I'm told! Gil from Opel GT source says this is a big job, he's done it and wouldn't do it again. The auto trans in the GT is a GM 3 speed and was used in other cars so shouldn't be that hard to find. They use the lower portion of the radiator for cooling, but I supposed you could use a large bolt on cooler instead of changing out the radiator. __________________ Regards, Rick Last edited by tekenaar; 10-02-2006 at 03:41 PM.

10-02-2006	#4 (permalink)
PROPEL PrOpeller Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Oceania 1984 Posts: 690 Provided Answers: 1	The autobox is really crammed into the tranny tunnel. So not much room to work under there. I can see where Gil is coming from. Besides the correct auto trans for a GT (plus shift linkage), you will need the pedal assembly, driveshaft, tranny mount, radiator, shifter assembly and related console. Do a search on this site for details on this swap. __________________ 1969 GT1100 — 1970 1.1L Spyder — 1971 Conrero GT tribute — 1972 GT auto. w/luggage rack — 1973 GT beater

10-02-2006	#5 (permalink)
baz opel free after 26 years Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: sunderland england Posts: 4,941 Real Name: barry williams Provided Answers: 4	you might want to try a swap ad in classifides ,theres always some one with an auto who wants to go to 4 speed or has changed to a 5 speed and wants to get rid of an auto box and bits __________________ Copyright © 2003-2009 barry williams All Rights Reserved save praying to God for sunday today we pray to Nike and run like hell Last edited by tekenaar; 10-02-2006 at 03:42 PM.

10-02-2006	#6 (permalink)
GTJIM Old Opeler Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: New Zealand Posts: 5,686 Provided Answers: 12	"Wrong Way!" Most people here have done the swap in the opposite direction ... auto to manual. So there should be a few parts out there to change to the original GT TH180 three-speed auto - but LOTS of bits are needed as even the centre console is different plus kick-down linkage and lock-out wiring. Also the g/box crossmember and drive shaft. The cheapest/easiest way to do it is to find an already automatic GT. Opel used Aisin-Warner 4-speed autos in some of the later Euro models but none ever got to the US of A new. So you would have to find or import one. However, the 2.5L 'Iron Duke' Pontiac fours must of had some sort of 4-speed auto behind them - and your used car yards MUST be full of sub-compact GMs with TH200-4R auto trannys ?? Also - Toyota used the Aisin-Warner 4-speed tranny too in Coronas and vans during the 1980's. I have an auto GT and It is far slower than the 4-speed - at the moment. With a set of 3.9:1 Imulse gears and a 4-speed OD auto - with a 2.2 CIH DSD Weber motor there should be a bit of difference though! __________________ GTJim Opel Owner since last Century! Copyright © 2000-2009 J D Henry All Rights Reserved Last edited by tekenaar; 10-05-2006 at 11:34 AM. Reason: Thanks Ot[B][COLOR="Red"]t[/COLOR][/B]o !!

10-02-2006	#7 (permalink)
ELEmental59437 Opeler Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Dallas Posts: 19	Hmm, well right now I have a TH180 in a Geo Tracker that we own. Too bad theres a ton of extra parts needed than just the transmission. (And I need the car to drive too). Maybe I will just have to save up for an auto, and keep the stick for myself.

10-02-2006	#9 (permalink)
Manta Rallier Opeler Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Afton VA Posts: 152	Well, if you get hot to do this conversion, give us a PM. We have a running 3 speed auto in a '72 Manta and have considered the swap to a manual. Car has 64,000 original miles on it, we have complete maintenance records and can see if this trannie has had any work. Driveshaft yoke is defferent; we would have that. Dunno how much of the shifter stuff is a direct transfer but could take a picture. BTW, I belive the tunnel in a Manta is different for an auto (larger), hence I assume an auto will be tight in a manual GT tunnel. And yes, expect the car to be more sluggish. Regards, Mark B.

10-02-2006	#10 (permalink)
GTJIM Old Opeler Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: New Zealand Posts: 5,686 Provided Answers: 12	TH180 - No Slug! Compared to the Manta and Kadett the GT auto trans has the shift linkage .. and shift rod .. on the opposite side of the trans to clear the headlight operating lever - so the two don't interchange. The TH180 - or "Tri-matic" as the Aussies call it when used in Holdens - is a real tough tranny and has been used behind their whole range of motors from the Opel 1.9L Torana to the full sized 308 CID V8 as well as all the big six-cylinder Opels and even Rover V8s as a factory fitted trans. The one in your Suzuki Tracker is the same sort - just later model. It was designed as GMs 'low-loss' auto trans for smaller cars and is the base that the TH200; TH200C and TH200-4R was based upon. So it ain't half bad !! __________________ GTJim Opel Owner since last Century! Copyright © 2000-2009 J D Henry All Rights Reserved

10-03-2006	#11 (permalink)
OpelJim Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Fallbrook. CA Posts: 704	Opel AT I will sell you a good used one for $250.00

10-04-2006	#12 (permalink)
ELEmental59437 Opeler Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Dallas Posts: 19	OpelJim, Thanks for the offer but I would much rather trade if possible, or buy a spare auto car because I plan on building a 4speed Opel for myself after I finish this car for my wife and my Sterling kit car. This Opel only cost me $300, so I am not out much if I have to buy a running automatic for her in a couple months, then I can keep this for myself.

10-04-2006	#13 (permalink)
BQS4 Southern Red Neck Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Snellville, GA Posts: 6,028 Real Name: Gene Provided Answers: 12	Elemental; There's a guy here in GA that has a GT stripped down to the point of taking the body to a dip tank. The ody has NO rust, but, it's an automatic car, he still has all the pieces (trans, radiator, shifter, console, driveshaft, etc) He's selling the car. His screen name on here is "Space_Cat" __________________ "Yes, I do have a rifle rack in my Sportwagon"

10-04-2006	#14 (permalink)
ELEmental59437 Opeler Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Dallas Posts: 19	Thanks, I sent him an email to see if he was selling just the auto parts. If anyone else wants to do a direct swap, I can pull all the parts off my car and ship/deliver them to you depending on how far you are from Dallas.

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