So, Shirley just passed 200k miles; got her a new water pump and timing belt, no worries there, seals good, etc. We love this car, intend to keep it, 28k trouble-free miles for us so far.

However- I have a medical issue involving the nerves and muscles etc. in my right arm that gets really painful if I drive stick shift for any length of time. The condition is work-related as well, but a career change is not possible right now (long dull story) and I need to stay healthy for work (waiting tables-no paid days off).

So-you see, Shirley carries the M46 within her. I cannot drive this car much anymore. I have seen much written on an automatic-to-manual conversion, but what about going the other way? Does anyone have knowledge of or experience with such a swap? This is a 740 Turbo wagon, M46 works perfectly, and I'll let the tranny go at a good price if I don't need it for a core charge at the boneyard. I'm not planning on doing this for another couple of months or so, giving me time to scheme and save, but I need to find out if it is even feasible.

You are thinking of a manual-to-automatic conversion in a 700.

Won't you please post your location?

I bet you would find someone here who would like to spend a day with you, cars near each other, and do a transplant. Everyone benefits. :-)

(And/or search the archives here on the Brickboard for advice. Even if there is chaff it doesn't take too long.)
--
Gregg; Mpls, MN; 1987 745, 1967 Amazon 4-dr.

That is an interesting idea-a transplant swap. I am in western Wash. state, near Olympia.

All the info I found in my searching last night was auto-to-manual. I suppose I could unravel it and "run it backwards"? Although having a donor side-by-side would clear a lot of things up. Hmmm...should I start a new thread?

Yup, I think you have the right idea of running things "backwards;" e.g. if the A/t to manual conversion requires a 3-foot-pedal assembly (add clutch), your proposed manual to A/T conversion requires a 2-pedal assembly. (Oops. Not strictly true, but it does seem unsafe to drive an auto with a vestigial clutch pedal that does nothing. ;-) )

And sure, start a new thread: W. WA 745T M46 seeks similar with auto trans for heartfelt exchange, etc.
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Gregg; Mpls, MN; 1987 745, 1967 Amazon 4-dr.

Should I put it in classified or personals? ;)
Seriously, though, I would like to uncover as many of the traps in this job as I can before I get in up to my eyes-time to start studying "backwards".

Personals.

And see the FAQs:
http://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/VolvoAW70M46Conversion/AW71M46Conversion.htm

Good luck, and sorry about the arm!
--
Gregg; Mpls, MN; 1987 745, 1967 Amazon 4-dr.

SUCH A SHAME YOU ARE FAR AWAY. I AM IN LOS ANGELES AREAAND HAVE AGOOD 1989 AUTO TRANS THAT I SWAPPED OUT TO A M46 STICK. HAVE THE SHIFTER, YOU NEED THE TRANS COOLER NAD LINES. EASY TO YANK THE THIRD PEDAL, ALTHOUGH THE BRAKE PEDAL WILL BE SMALLER. IT'S YOURS FOR $100. IT SHIFTS FINE