Here is not so much an answer as another question: what are the differences in computers between an auto and stick car?

I know my 92 5-speed is running LH 3.1. My previous 91 and other automatics have LH 2.4. That means a different AMM and computer for 5-speed cars. The 89, I'm not so sure about. I don't know how far back the differences go, but I do know that of several 87 and 88 5-speed and auto cars I've driven, there IS a difference in the response and the way the engine revs. It's NOT just something in the transmission. The totally-stock 87 244 I just sold ran like a beast. A very old loaner car we had at the dealership years ago, an 87 5-speed wagon, always made people sad when they left, but happy when they returned: it was a VERY strong car and made driving fun. A couple people wanted to buy it. I'm pretty sure the 5-speed and auto versions get different computers to achieve this power difference- the manual cars seem to have more get up and go off the line.

And even going back further, to the start of EPA emissions requirements, the 1975 164E was one of the first production Volvos to get a catalytic converter. I don't remember which model got it, but in 1975 the car was required to run a cat on either the auto or manual models. The other complied with federal regs without needing a cat.

So there have been fuel control differences in many of these models, and the cause for the 93 "conversion" car to be feeling slow may just be the programmed in fuel and ignition advance curve designed to mate with the automatic.

And you could always throw a cam in it if you really need more response...
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::: Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: 92 244 M47 211K ::: 90 745GL M47 273K ::: 88 245DL AW70 190K ::: 84 242DL Project ::: 70 VW Bus ::: 70 VW Pickup Project ::: 71 VW Notchback :::