Fix or Dump (USA Question)

[WMDeez]

Just got a 2005 Legacy GT with 204k mi for $1800. Took it to a shop for an oil leak, and it turns out to have a bad headgasket and also need new axles. Mechanic reccomends I sell it off while it still runs but I already really like the car. Id like to fix it and eventually upgrade and convert it to a manual but dont know if its worth all the money and effort, considering the high mileage. 

[Andy_Mac]

Probably not worth it. Converting these to manual is a pretty complex process so only really worth doing on a limited edition one or low k’s on the body

[Joker]

advertise it for 2k : get your money back sorry

 

you'll spend 10k falling in love with it and another 5 years before it's back on the road

 

[Gripless]

The ‘eventually’ part says sell it.

If you don’t have the funds to do it now then sell before it becomes a money pit.

 

Also doesn’t manual conversion require cert etc now, was way easier before.

[Andy_Mac]

1 hour ago, Gripless said:

The ‘eventually’ part says sell it.

If you don’t have the funds to do it now then sell before it becomes a money pit.

 

Also doesn’t manual conversion require cert etc now, was way easier before.

Hasn't it always needed a cert because of the brake pedal swap? It has been that way for at least as long as I can remember

[boon]

Are you based in NZ? Just odd that you specified the odometer in miles.

[Gripless]

2 hours ago, Andy_Mac said:

Hasn't it always needed a cert because of the brake pedal swap? It has been that way for at least as long as I can remember

Nope was free swap for decades  

[darkchief1]

On 22/09/2023 at 1:55 PM, Gripless said:

The ‘eventually’ part says sell it.

If you don’t have the funds to do it now then sell before it becomes a money pit.

 

Also doesn’t manual conversion require cert etc now, was way easier before.

Thought as long as you don't touch the auto brake pedal, you can still swap and not need cert? Has something changed recently? I'm looking to get my Nissan manual swapped and was pretty sure I could get away with no cert, as there would be enough pedal clearance between brake and clutch without needing to swap the brake pedal from the factory auto one

[Gripless]

You pretty much have to swap the auto brake pedal to manual one to fit clutch pedal for some or all the below unless you can go to LVVTA certification place and they say it’s all ok in writing.

 

1) it’s too close together for safe operation or fouls 

2) it shares bolts or bracket with brake pedal

3) WOF will likely flag pedal of car is not automatic on next visit

4) drive shafts are swapped so while OEM are not original 

5) your insurance maybe denied after an accident and they see the pedal

6) firewall is structural and weakens brake pedal mounts

7) firewall needs to be sealed so cutting and putting new holes is also red flag

8) some cars the firewall isn’t the same for auto and has less reinforcement 

 
Do NOT try and bypass or creatively interpret LVVTA rules. Always ask and get it in writing every time.

 

Also any future plans or mods that go to LVVTA may cause issues.

 

i certed my swap a few year later when did coilovers etc. mine was pretty easy as had all OEM parts and even a template for drilling the clutch master.

[WMDeez]

On 21/09/2023 at 11:37 PM, boon said:

Are you based in NZ? Just odd that you specified the odometer in miles.

Just realised this a NZ forum. Im from the states. 

[boon]

On 24/09/2023 at 12:09 AM, WMDeez said:

Just realised this a NZ forum. Im from the states. 

 

Makes it a little tricky as they'll be less common over there. I'd go looking for a lower mileage wrecker motor.

[Joker]

hah & welcome!

 

that does change thins a bit : there's no Cert & ahh yeah can see why you've fallen in love with it

 

they are a Dime a Doz here aye  LOL