[Barney]

I am going to change my 1996 ZR28 (noted upgrades in previous post) from a cumbersome and sometimes unpredictable automatic to a 6-speed.

Has anyone done this?
What are the trouble spots?
Any strange parts I need? I plan on buying everything from a local salvage yard. I think all I need is the pedal assembly with hydralics, trans, bellhousing, shifter assembly. What else? Pilot Bearing?

[2manyfbods]

If you have access to the donor car, make a template of the shifter hole size and location. Get the shifter base plate, boot and M6 TQ arm mount with bolts. Look at the M6's TQ arm too. I think they were reinforced for LT1 M6 cars.

If you don't have it already, get a Factory Service manual. You will need to compare the wiring differences with the Park/Neutral safety switch, Clutch safety switch, Cruise control and Back up lights.

The cable that runs from the P/N Safety switch to the steering column, you can wire tie that "closed" and leave it there......otherwise the steering column will need to come out to remove it. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/mad.gif)

Loosen the A4's dipstick tube before you drop the tranny.
Remove the lines that run to the radiator. There are little C clips that hold these lines to the tranny.
Place the pedals against the firewall and mark your hole for the clutch cylinder before drilling/cutting.
Remove the steering shaft before trying to push the hydraulics through.

When I did this swap on my wife's 2000 Trans Am last year, I swapped out the Engine/Transmission wiring harness too. (I had the donor car sitting side by side) This may not be feasible for you and you may run into more wiring issues that I didn't.

If your a big guy.....get a little friend to help with the work under the dash. My wife helped (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Give yourself PLENTY of time. at least 2 full days. Buy Beer for the end of each day (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)