Hi All,

This is my first post on the forum.

Currently in the market for a Crossfire BLACK and has to be manual.

I'm having trouble in Australia finding this. There are heaps of Black Crossfires but automatic. (Crossfires are extremely rare here, not sure about other Countries)

I'm trying to weigh up my options, either sit around and wait for a black manual crossfire to be advertised on carsales.com.au? (chances 5%? Less?)

Or buy a black automatic one and do a conversion to manual!

So my first question is, is this easy done? A straight swap?

Has any one on this forum done such a conversion? If so how much did it cost you?

AND finally could you post some pics as I want to see the end result from the cockpit. I really dont want a ugly looking stick popping out of the car.

Can it be done so that it looks as if a conversion was never done and this came straight out of Chrysler with the manual stick?

I MUST have manual, would never get a 2 door coupe with automatic, just kills the fun of "driving".

 

First, know that the manual in these cars is not that good.
Second, the auto in these cars is really good.
Third, it will be a very expensive conversion that will involve a lot more in the amount of electronics then in hard parts.

Finally, if you do do it, good luck and post pics!

 

Hi TVT_Design

Thanks for your response.

So the crossfire manual box is crap? What about the SRT6 Box? Or a different BOX? an newer SLK box?

Auto? I'll need 20 red bulls to drive the car
And also explain to my mates why I have sand in my V@gin@

How much you think it will cost? 1.5K? I'll pay that.
What electronics would need to be reconfigured to the Box? Computer? Retune?

I think you may have talked me out of it The electronic bit seems scary.

 

What is wrong with the manual gear box?

 

Mika33

Looking at your signature your car is what I'm looking for!!!
If your in Australia wanna sell it?

If not sell it and export?!!! arggghhh I want a manual black crossfire!!!

 

It can be "notchy" shifting from 1st. and 2nd. sometimes, and that mostly happens in the 2004 models. It's no big deal, and usually gets better as the tranny fluid warms up.
As for changing an auto into a manual, like TVT said, it would probably take a new computer, and a re-wire.
If you could find a wrecked Crossfire in a salvage yard with a 6 spd, you could probably get everything you need to do the swap from a donor car. It would take allot of work, but could be done.
There have been several owners from "down under" here on the forum over the years, but I can't remember if any of them had 6 speeds, or automatics. Does anybody know if any manual shift cars were sent to Australia?
Start checking the salvage yards, and see if anybody has a "donor" car first. Keep looking for the real thing as well.
I have an 04, 6 spd. and completely love it. But if the ONLY way I could have a 6 spd. was to build it myself, I'd probably take the easy way out and go auto. But that's just me. Good Luck.

 

Fireamx,

Thanks for your input mate, i guess you basically restored my faith in the manual box of the xfire. 1st and 2nd abit notchy? I dont reallly care, i think the benefits of having a manual box easily out weighs that small problem. If you talk about problematic gear box, i use to own a 2005 WRX, now that is what you call a crappy BOX! I guess the only way to find out is actually drive one?

Yea i will need to salvage a donor car that will on its own will be a mission.

I'm new when it comes to xfire, but a computer from a manual xfire maybe all the wiriing harness and manual box shouldn't make the conversion to difficult? Thats all that I would need right?

I may speak with aussie chrysler dealers and see if they can do the conversion for me or even supply me with the parts? I guess that a very pricy option.

About manual xfires down under, yes, i've see one on car sales however its about 6400km away from where I live (other side of side of australia) and its red. I could possibily buy that a respray to black? hmmm

I'm completely and utterly confused!

 

Marcus, don't forget all the extra "junk" under the dash that would be needed just to hang that 3 rd. pedal too.
When you start to add everything up, (and the work involved) You would probably be further ahead just to do a repaint like you mentioned.
The Crossfire never came from the factory in my favorite color, so I've always thought that the day would come when I'd probably find another Crossfire and have it painted too.

 

How strong is the Aussie dollar and what does it take to ship a US car there?

 

I think it's pretty expensive to ship anything over there.
But then you'd have that whole "right hand drive" thing to deal with too.

 

Just buy an SRT6 in black, with the autostick you'll be more than happy.

 

I found a right hand drive 6 speed on EBAY but its in the UK. Here is a link to it.


http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Chrysler-Cross...QQcmdZViewItem

 

I have asked this before but probably in the wrong area....does it hurt the transmission to shift manually on the SRT6 automatic. I have been told yes and no....was told it is cheaper to replace brakes than transmission....but why did they make it available to do if it will put a drain on the transmission...is it just to use sparingly?

 

As sorted as the British/Australian relationship has been and those guys are wrong hand drive too!?

 

Haha... no, I will never sell my love! Not anytime soon anyway. You just have to keep looking. It took me awhile to find her... but it happened.

And about the manual gearbox: Yes, it is a little notchy from first to second... but nothing to say it is not a good gearbox in my opinion. I have not drove very many manual cars, I am sure there are really smooth ones too. But I could not live with myself to pass up a 6-Speed Crossfire to an Auto :S Nothing wrong with Autos, but I love driving and going long distances, and that 6th gear just sips the gas