Converting a gt3200 from auto to manual

[hodroyd]

Dave,
I sort of agree, but having both the 32 and 42, I am impressed with both and the 42 does get speed up a little quicker early doors, then the 32 starts to get the boost and the fun starts. It's the way that the deliver the power individually that makes me smile on both if I'm honest..!!

 

[alfatwo]

Rob, As the 3200 GT must be a little lighter without all that 4200 rear gearbox cubins,It's even more of a hooligan machine don't you think!......

Dave

 

[allandwf]

.... and more torque into the mix

 

[MAF260]

Well Guys.... from my point of view, 4200's are nice,the Gransport is even better,but from a purist point of view the 3200GT stands head and shoulders above anything else....
I know in manual form there not the easiest to drive( unless your a wimp) but get it right and there so bloody quick!

Dave

I had a 3200 for 3 years, now have a GS. There's no way I'd go back to a 3200, although I loved many things about her. The GS seems quicker to me and delivers power in a more linear way. With regards handling, the GS wins hands down for me.

 

[dem maser]

The GS should handle better than a 3200....wish i wish going llandow as i would like to see an AC handle on track....

GS for me is prob the best overall Maserati, just a shame it came with no boomerangs, they went back to the 3200 for interior but nothing else

 

[safrane]

But as the OP asks...would any of you convert a 3200?

Yes you may get a car without end float
More involved drive

But;

Cost
Time/effort

Would it be a goer?

 

[davy83]

You should try driving a 3200 round the twisties, i do every day and the only time i am really wishing i had more control is when i am going a little too fast! the 3200 auto has a different engine map than the manual to suit the box and generates more torque and power over a large rev range, where the manual is tuned to be more peaky, and with the lock up torque converter you can maintain as much power on the wheels as you need, always. Its an easy car to drive fast, and handles very well, including the box. I think with all the diesels around these days with engines that only produce power over a 1500 rpm range, and need an 8 speed box to keep the engine in its power range, its easy to think the 3200 auto is just old, buts its actually just a different approach.

I'm sorry if I offended you

It is a car and we can all have opinions, some like one thing and others like another. I love the SMGII but there are alot of people who loathe it and say it is flawed. For me a manual is a better choice than a 4 speed auto box which gives you little control in the twisties but as I said I am not going to fall out because someone disagrees with me as that would be juvenile.

 

[dem maser]

But as the OP asks...would any of you convert a 3200?

Yes you may get a car without end float
More involved drive

But;

Cost
Time/effort

Would it be a goer?

pain in the ***....buy an auto or manual from the beginning

 

[hodroyd]

I would agree Dem, unless you get an opportunity such as a complete gearbox failure, then you have to replace it and you can then make a choice..!!
Alfatwo,
I know what you mean, but it's a feeling. The weight distribution of the gearbox going to the rear is a different slant, but both have to have the weight of a gearbox, no matter where you put it. I still really enjoy the drive of the AC, I have not driven a standard GT yet, the AC is exceptional on twisty roads at high speed and the auto box is great. You can still drop the auto down manually for engine braking in to tight bends, then floor it half way through and bob the box back in to drive, fantastic fun.
The speed comparison of both cars in 0-60 and top end is quite close, but the feeling of how you get to those points is where they are different..!!
Cheers
R