Autobox to Manual conversion

KP · Post by KP » 19 Dec 2008, 07:48

How hard is it to convert a Xantia TD Auto to a manual if you have a manual varient sat next to it?

Just wondering about this one with an autobox fault i've spotted on the bay you see....

Could it be done in a day with a new clutch as well as im guessing the hardest part would be swapping the pedals over and sorting out the autobox electrics to be removed?

citronut · Post by **citronut** » 19 Dec 2008, 08:24

easy peasy, i did this to a BX which had a duff AUTO box a good few years ago, as long as you have the donar car you will have all you require,

pedel box, flywheel,clutch cable/hydraulics, and dont forget the box

also might need new VALIO clutch, diff oil seals and nylon fork bushes and gear oil

regards malcolm

KP · Post by KP » 19 Dec 2008, 08:32

How long would it take do you think?

Is it worthwhile asking a local garage or the like to see if they would do the job as there is a local small Pug breakers that have done work for me before on my xantias with wheel bearings and the like?

Is it do-able within a day??

jgra1 · Post by **jgra1** » 19 Dec 2008, 08:38

hi Kp, the box on off should be 4-6 hours so that would leave a couple of hours for the pedal box etc

A good days work if nothing goes wrong

whats wrong with the autobox? sometimes the lights flashing can mean just a fluid change, although that may be for the autoadaptive box in the V6 etc 4HP20 not the other one

citronut · Post by **citronut** » 19 Dec 2008, 08:41

im not sure how easy it is to remove a XANT pedel box, the BX is very easy, appart from that its much the same as a clutch job, but dropping two box's if the donar is not allready removed

i usually ask my customers to leave a car with me for two days for a clutch replacment

regards malcolm

KP · Post by KP » 19 Dec 2008, 08:59

How much would that cost then do you thinkMalcolm as im quite interested in it for th sheer comfort of getting a nice exlusive and saving it from the heap and also having a veggie engine back again.

If i could do it for under £350 then it would be worth it as i could sell the HDi and break even or have some quid spare fingers crossed.

Think its possible for that much??

citroenxm · Post by **citroenxm** » 19 Dec 2008, 10:33

I would have said the pedal box will be an absolute b@@@@@@ to remove, theres virtually NO space up behind that dash to do the clutch clip let alone the pedal box...

Id be more inclined to give it a day or two if not three so that you can be sure not to be pressed and break anything in the process...

GOOD LUCK

Paul

andmcit · Post by **andmcit** » 19 Dec 2008, 10:44

Nobody has mentioned the gear linkages yet either! The rods on the
gearbox actuate off something and access isn't great alhough IIRC the
linkage drops down and away rearwards from the transmission tunnel.
The whole compatibilty issue with driveshafts could occupy days here
too: in principle if the will is there a job like this can be done. I helped
convert a Cx 2.5 Efi auto to a diesel manual and the hardest thing wasn't
the engine swap or even the selector linkage but fiddly things like the
clutch cable and pedal boxes.

The job is something I'm seriously contemplating myself but I dont imagine
it'd get done in a day possibly not even a week!

Andrew

jgra1 · Post by **jgra1** » 19 Dec 2008, 10:52

good thinking...

dont forget the exhaust manifold should be different too

at least on a 405 it seems to be.. the manual linkages foul the manifold from an auto car :O not a big schlepp to change though..

addo · Post by **addo** » 19 Dec 2008, 11:00

I would look at a subframe changeover. That will fix a lot of potential issues in one hit. The AL4 uses a different subframe to many of the manual boxes (and I think it's inferior; been chewing on this all day).

Quite honestly if it is an AL4 with "issues" then you need to look at what age of box (for solenoid type) and if the software version is current. They're a very economical box when treated right.

KP · Post by KP » 19 Dec 2008, 12:27

Im wondering if it would be easier to just source a good 2nd box for it if i go for it and get it dropped in as that would take a days labour to swap the box's if not less i'd imagine??

Not something i think i would take on myself really

just not enough space untill i get a nice double garage i can do things like this in.

KP · Post by KP » 19 Dec 2008, 14:49

Does anyone know if there was one type of autobox fitted to xantias or were there different types between the petrols, diesels and the V6?

Also if i get the VIN and put it into part net will it let me know which box it is so i could try the breakers maybe?
its just too good a car to say not to really

deian · Post by **deian** » 19 Dec 2008, 16:10

don't forget you may need to change the driveshafts too.

AndersDK · Post by **AndersDK** » 19 Dec 2008, 17:15

If you tap in the VIN on citroen parts net, you should get all relevant info on the factory fitted drivetrain your Xantia have.

Problem is not compatibility over petrol & diesels, because they are compatible over the complete range on sereis 1, except teh V6 which uses the bigger HP20 box.
The problem is the gearing version, which makes the difference between a runner or a nuisance in daily use.
The gearing is indicated by a version designation label fitted on the box.

Simply copy the box info into a new submission here, then I'm sure all good Xantia brains on board will tell you exactly which versions will match yours.

andmcit · Post by **andmcit** » 19 Dec 2008, 23:46

That back wing doesn't look very clever - seems to have had a lot of localised
attention in paint repair although that could be the frost on the bodywork.
I'm surprised too that it doesn't have a sunroof being an Exclusive.

Andrew