I have a 2012 Mazda3 with an automatic transmission. Since it came with a manual transmission option, would it be possible to swap in a manual transmission for the automatic or would I be better off finding a model that already has the manual transmission installed?
Much better off finding one that came with it already.
Just an an FYI - I have a 1998 Camaro Z28 that I swapped a T-56 6-speed into and got rid of the factory A4. Now I went on to build the car completely, but JUST that transmission swap cost me over $8000 parts and labor. And I own the shop.
It's not as easy as just swapping the transmission. You also have to reprogram the computer (in my case I had to swap to an whole new one), run the throttle linkage, install a clutch pedal, run a new wiring loom through the firewall. It is an event and NOT a DIY job. Before computers and back in the classic cars sure...it was WAY easier. But now you have shift points, ECM, PCM, TCM, and much, much more.
It's really not worth the headache.
Find a model that already has the manual transmission.
