Converting a PJ from manual to A/T - Possible?

[Dutch-Twister]

Hello, my name is Ronald, from the Netherlands.

I'm interested in buying a 2007 Saleen Parnelli Jones.
But because of an accident I can't drive a manual,
so I like to know if I can convert the manual transmission to an automatic transmission.
I think I'd be best off with parts from a damaged GT donorcar

Is it possible ? or will I run in to big problems ?
Which parts needed to complete the conversion ?
Will the auto-box work with the PJ's PCM ?

All help/info/experience welcome

[Dave]

I'm interested in buying a 2007 Saleen Parnelli Jones. But because of an accident I can't drive a manual, so I like to know if I can convert the manual transmission to an automatic transmission.

It appears you will at least need the following:
- 5R55S transmission
- Driveshaft
- Spanish Oak PCM (for auto transmission)
- Wiring harness
- Automatic pedal box
- Removal of the hydraulic clutch line and capping the system
- Automatic transmission position sensor
- Automatic shifter assembly

Swap article: http://www.mustang50magazine.com/ (http://www.mustang50magazine.com/techarticles/m5lp_0711_s197_transmission_swap/index.html)

Parts and tech sources:
- http://www.mpsautosalvage.com/
- http://www.ampperformance.com/

[Dutch-Twister]

Dave, thanks for the speedy reply.
Can you answer my comments in blue ?

QUOTE Dave
It appears you will at least need the following:
- 5R55S transmission including Flexplate and Convertor.
Is that a normal 2005+ GT A/T ? Is a V6 A/T different from a V8 ?
- Driveshaft
OK, because of different length
- Spanish Oak PCM (for auto transmission)
OK, but ain't it possible to program the original 5-speed PCM for a A/T. That way I keep the engine tune.
I've heard that the partnumbers for a 5-speed PCM and an A/T PCM are the same. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Or is it easier to have an A/T PCM flashed flashed to get the Saleen tune ? But where can I get that done ?
- Wiring harness
OK, that's logic
- Automatic pedal box
OK, that's logic
- Removal of the hydraulic clutch line and capping the system
OK because it uses the same reservoir
- Automatic transmission position sensor
OK, that's logic
- Automatic shifter assembly
OK, that's logic

Does anyone else have any suggestions ?

[Dave]

Dave, thanks for the speedy reply.
Can you answer my comments in blue ?
- 5R55S transmission including Flexplate and Convertor.
Is that a normal 2005+ GT A/T ? Is a V6 A/T different from a V8 ?


I would believe the torque capacity of the v8 auto is different from the v6.


- Spanish Oak PCM (for auto transmission)
OK, but ain't it possible to program the original 5-speed PCM for a A/T. That way I keep the engine tune.
I've heard that the part numbers for a 5-speed PCM and an A/T PCM are the same. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Or is it easier to have an A/T PCM flashed flashed to get the Saleen tune ? But where can I get that done ?


I don't know if the PCM is the same. I would believe a place like JDM should be able to create a custom tune for a PJ with an automatic. Forum user JimIII@JDM should be able to aid you in your tune questions.

[Jeff05S281]

Or....you could just save yourself the hassle and probably $5000 or more USD to do the swap....AND....

Buy my 2005 Saleen S281 Supercharged Automatic

So much easier. :)

Let me know....pics of it are in the classified section.

[HRD KNX]

nice plug for your car jeff05s281. LOL

[Dutch-Twister]

Or....you could just save yourself the hassle and probably $5000 or more USD to do the swap....AND....

Buy my 2005 Saleen S281 Supercharged Automatic

So much easier. :)

Let me know....pics of it are in the classified section.

Although your Saleen looks great, I'm more interested in a PJ.
It's just a Grabber Orange thing. I also got a 1970 Grabber Orange Mach1.

[Dutch-Twister]

Can someone tell me the difference between the engines of a GT and a PJ ?
I know the PJ has been:
- stroked to 302/5.0
- Aluminum flywheel
- flash-tune

Does it have the same camshaft as a stock GT ?

[Dave]

Does it have the same camshaft as a stock GT ?

The cams are replaced with a set from Crane. The PJ crank is similar to the 4-Valve Cobra crack. This required the flywheel change. This could be an issue with the automatic transmission swap. The 2003-04 Mustang Mach 1, the 2003-04 Mercury Marauder and the small Lincoln SUV used a 4-V and auto trans, but I believe they featured a different crank.

[Dutch-Twister]

The cams are replaced with a set from Crane. The PJ crank is similar to the 4-Valve Cobra crack. This required the flywheel change. This could be an issue with the automatic transmission swap. The 2003-04 Mustang Mach 1, the 2003-04 Mercury Marauder and the small Lincoln SUV used a 4-V and auto trans, but I believe they featured a different crank.

$#@^%$, this is gonna be more difficult than I thought.
Just searching for the problem issues if I bought myself a PJ and starting this conversion.
Most parts are easy to buy.

Issues so far:
- Spanishish oak PCM, flash-tuning a stock GT A/T PCM to cope with the Saleen engine to get the same kind of performance.
- Finding the right flexplate. Does the stock PJ have a different weight flywheel as a stock manual GT ? Are bolt-holes of the crank-flywheel the same as a GT ?

Has Saleen used this crank+A/T setup in a later model ?

Getting these parts right is crusual

[Dave]

Are bolt-holes of the crank-flywheel the same as a GT?

No. Crank holes are different than those of a GT.

Has Saleen used this crank+A/T setup in a later model ?

Unfortunately no, Saleen did not produce this motor in an automatic form.

[Dutch-Twister]

Great, my brain is crashing :redface:

more questions:
Is PJ crank limited to Saleen only ?
Is there a flexplate that will work with this crank and does it fit a stock GT convertor ?

[hennie]

Hey Ronald

I would suggest an upgraded converter over the stock GT converter.
specially because the low end torque is quite bit more than stock and it will improve your shifting with less slip/less heat. Just determine the stall speed, I would only go slightly higher than the stock stall speed...

Hennie

[Dutch-Twister]

Hennie, that would be a good suggestion.

Still haven't heard anything of SMS or Saleen for suggesting the parts needed to do the conversion.

As you can read below, finding the right flexplate might be an issue.