Manta Help!

[Gearjamer]

Folks,

I have two Mantas. A 1973 all original auto car very straight ran but has been sitting for 2+ years now. Needs plenty of TLC. I also have a 1974 Manta Ralley no engine or trans amazingly straight NO rust, and no tiltle either. I wanted to just sell these cars but no one in the Portland Oregon area was looking for this kind of project. So with gas prices the way they are I was thinking of getting the '73 running.

I would like to make the '73 a 5-spd car. I have all the pedals and cable from the '74 Ralley but need a transmission. What are my options?

[opelwasp]

If you want easy you have 1 option. Getrag 240 from Opel. Before you ask, no they don't come on any car ever sold in the states. They must be imported from Europe. Call Opel GT Source they will hook you up.

[BQS4]

Gil is suppose to have a lot of 5-spds coming, how many, I don't know, but, he has a waiting list as of this moment, get on it....I had the good fortune to have gotten two 5-spds a few years back, and recently converted my' 75 Sportwagon from auto to 5-spd. Here's an inside tip, don't modify the shifter, modify the console from the 74, you'll be much happier with the out come.

[dallasmanta]

I am a fan of the big bumper cars and the fact that you have one that is a Ralley with the quicker rear end with no running gear( i think as you did not say was auto). My choice would be to drop in 1.9, 2.0. 2.2 or 2.4 with a 5 speed.. Apply for a lost title and enjoy driving the manta. Ron

[jlthunder]

Post some pictures of both cars. I just pulled an engine and trans out of a GT. I'd love to drop it in a Manta Raylle but I don't think my better half would appreciate another car.

I'm sure someone here would be interested.

[DennisGardiner]

Originally Posted by Gearjamer Folks, I would like to make the '73 a 5-spd car. I have all the pedels and cable from the '74 Ralley but need a transmission. What are my options?

An automatic 1971-73 Manta (with the small bumpers and the 2 bolt automatic transmission cross member0 is pretty easy to convert with a 5 speed.
A) You already have the proper drive shaft (just needs to be shortened for 5 speed use).
B) The early two bolt 'automatic' cross member is in the correct position and has the rubber mount you need for the 5 speed.
C) You already have a parts car 74 Manta with which to rob the pedal assembly with the master cylinder and booster, along with the donor sheet metal on the firewall for the clutch cable.

You could build either car, with a 5 speed. Will come down to the body style you like (big or small bumper) and the overall condition of the sheet metal.
{I prefer to build a solid car, vs. a rusty car}

That and when you are finished you can sell the excess parts at next years Tacoma, WA Opel show, and/or on ebay.

My preference is the big bumper Mantas, but the way CA smog goes the 73 was my choice to keep under the CA-Smog-Nazi radar.

[Gearjamer]

Here is my problem. I don't want to spend alot of money on the car. I will probably get it going and sell it. Few people know what the car is and fewer are looking to buy one. So I won't spend alot of money on it because I won't get it back out of the car. I have many other projects. To name a few I have a '69 Triumph TR6 and a '62 Thunderbird convertable that are waiting my attention. The 'bird gets a big nod from the wife so that's on the top of the list. I don't want to throw the cars away because I know there are those who would like to have them. I might keep the '74 body and make it a track star. But that would be WAY down the road.

What I need is an inexpensive option using parts that are available by yard hopping. If I can't convert the '73 to a standard for a reasonable amount I will make it run with the auto but I don't think it will sell as well.

Thanks for the feedback
Bill

[opelwasp]

Originally Posted by Gearjamer Here is my problem. I don't want to spend alot of money on the car.

Yes that is the problem. You will likely not recover a dime of what you spend on it. Your best option is to get a motor running good enough to get it to point A to point B and then sell it. There is no point in switching the tranny's. Opels are not money makers, they are a hobby.

[RallyBob]

Originally Posted by opelwasp Opels are not money makers, they are a hobby.

Sure, now you tell me. 24 years too late.

[SaturnVUEguy]

I'd love to take that '74 off your hands, but my wife won't even let me buy a $100 GT, let alone shipping a car 3/4 way across the country.

[OpelJim]

Originally Posted by opelwasp Yes that is the problem. You will likely not recover a dime of what you spend on it. Your best option is to get a motor running good enough to get it to point A to point B and then sell it. There is no point in switching the tranny's. Opels are not money makers, they are a hobby.

Yes they are a hobby and hobbies cost money they do not make money
12 years of hobbing for me

[OpelJim]

Originally Posted by SaturnVUEguy I'd love to take that '74 off your hands, but my wife won't even let me buy a $100 GT, let alone shipping a car 3/4 way across the country.

A $100.00 GT is a great investment it will greatly appreciate over time

[Phoenix]

I know that this thread is a couple of months old but a Manta is perfect for the Chevette 5-speed. I believe that the shifter would come out in the perfect spot. On GTs, you'd have to reach behind you without changing out the tail shaft.