[Xandyr]

I am looking to buy a 2002 Camaro z28, and I have found one I like, however it is an automatic. I have searched all over and other then the "Limited Edition" '02's that cost upwards of 50k I cannot find a standard trans in one.

My question is, how hard would it be to have an automatic converted to a standard on the '02 camaro, and does anyone know of a shop in/near DFW area that could do it?

Would like to find out before I buy the automatic how feesable it is to convert it. Thanks in advance guys.

[Vintage 68]

Is it a 'do-able' project, but not very practical from a cost stand-point ... specially if you're going to be paying a shop to do the work vs. doing it yourself
These vehicles have numerous control systems that are carefully engineered for the drivetrain set-up they leave the factory with - to try to change all of this is a royal PIA.
You best bet would be to find a 'totaled' 2002 model of the car with the drivetrain you wanted and then go about swapping ALL the driveline (including the specific rear axle it used) and other necessary parts/wiring/sensors over to your vehicle - as you can see, this is going to be very time consuming, require lots of research into the differences and then multiply all of that by the fact you're going to be supervising some shop through-out the project to be sure they do it right ... even then, getting follow-up repairs and certifications is going to be impossible. I don't think any dealer or other mechanic is going to want to touch it after it's done - to much trouble to fiqure out what's going on ...

IF - you were mechanically inclinded and able to do this work yourself my opion would be different

I would recommend you rethink the "Cost" of the model you want vs. the 'price' of the changes you're gonna need to do to bring a different car to that level.

Do some surfing through 4th-Gen sites to get input from them - they may have some input that would make it slightly more feasible.

As always JMHO's

[67sprtcp]

There are usually some 02 SS camaros with manuals for $15-$18,000 on ebay.

[Steve69SS396]

I don't know if things are different in Texas but I have seen plenty '02 Z28's with standard transmission. And they are not selling for anywhere near 50K.

http://modesto.craigslist.org/cto/2094339318.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/ctd/2101486715.html

[Steiner]

Right now on Dallas craigslist there's a 16k mile 2002 SS with six speed for under $17k at a dealer and a one owner 58k mile six speed SS for $14.5k for sale private. Those ads are less than a week old. Probably lots more if you want to dig through craigslist.