Manual Conversion

[Halkyon]

Hi folks,

Sorry to make my first post a pretty big ask for advice, but I've recently picked up a Figaro - in need of a little bit of cosmetic tidying - that I'd like to make a little more fun. It's a little different already as it's had a full silver paint job at some point and has some rusty chromed wheel trims that will need attention (or binning).



My other car is a Morris 1000 I've modified to have about as much power as the Fig so I'm not a complete idiot when it comes to mechanics, but turbos, ECUs and so on are a bit 'modern' and new to me. The old a-series is pretty forgiving when it comes to making mistakes too. From what I've read so far the best options for the Fig on a reasonable budget seem to be: intercooler & more boost & remap and maybe a manual box. Not much info is available when searching for Figaro stuff though, I guess the typical owner isn't so inclined to have fun with them in this way.

Firstly, before I go punching through the foot-well to fit a clutch pedal - would the ratio of the compatible manual boxes (K10-12? and diffs?) actually improve the revs at cruising speed to make this worth the effort?

Any advice super appreciated!

 

[103keef]

Hi folks,

Sorry to make my first post a pretty big ask for advice, but I've recently picked up a Figaro - in need of a little bit of cosmetic tidying - that I'd like to make a little more fun. It's a little different already as it's had a full silver paint job at some point and has some rusty chromed wheel trims that will need attention (or binning).

View attachment 47136

My other car is a Morris 1000 I've modified to have about as much power as the Fig so I'm not a complete idiot when it comes to mechanics, but turbos, ECUs and so on are a bit 'modern' and new to me. The old a-series is pretty forgiving when it comes to making mistakes too. From what I've read so far the best options for the Fig on a reasonable budget seem to be: intercooler & more boost & remap and maybe a manual box. Not much info is available when searching for Figaro stuff though, I guess the typical owner isn't so inclined to have fun with them in this way.

Firstly, before I go punching through the foot-well to fit a clutch pedal - would the ratio of the compatible manual boxes (K10-12? and diffs?) actually improve the revs at cruising speed to make this worth the effort?

Any advice super appreciated!

I've carried out a manual conversion on one of these and found that the shell is already prepared for manual set up. Hole in bulkhead for clutch cable, captive nuts on the underside to take rubber gear selector mounts. I used a doner K10. Pedal box bolts straight in, you will need the manual driveshafts as they are different to the auto. You will also need the K10 gearbox mounts, starter motor and clutch/flywheel obviously. Only thing you will need to fabricate is a gear lever gaiter. Acceleration was a lot quicker and revs were reduced significantly when motorway cruising. The early 4 speed box has a lower ratio diff than the 5 speed so top end speed/revs will work out about the same with either. Ideally you want the early diff in a 5 speed box but probably easier to just experiment with wheel/tyre sizes. Manual set up should also shave off a few kilos of weight. I've actually got another K10 doner for a conversion but haven't found a suitable Figaro yet.

 

[Gwtaylor]

Hi mate,
Like yourself I have the Turbo engine BUT in an ultra rare nissan micra also know as the MARCH only available in Jap but had it imported over. Its the exact same engine as yours but like I say in a K10 micra.
Modifications so for
bigger Turbo
Induction Kit
Fuel pressure regulator
Fuel pressure guage
Upped Boost
Colder Plugs
Dump Valve
Bigger exhaust
Ok its never going to be an Evo but it's certainly fun but like you nobody seems to know the tuning side of these things
next on the list is brake upgrade

 

[SmartHacks]

I've carried out a manual conversion on one of these and found that the shell is already prepared for manual set up. Hole in bulkhead for clutch cable, captive nuts on the underside to take rubber gear selector mounts. I used a doner K10. Pedal box bolts straight in, you will need the manual driveshafts as they are different to the auto. You will also need the K10 gearbox mounts, starter motor and clutch/flywheel obviously. Only thing you will need to fabricate is a gear lever gaiter. Acceleration was a lot quicker and revs were reduced significantly when motorway cruising. The early 4 speed box has a lower ratio diff than the 5 speed so top end speed/revs will work out about the same with either. Ideally you want the early diff in a 5 speed box but probably easier to just experiment with wheel/tyre sizes. Manual set up should also shave off a few kilos of weight. I've actually got another K10 doner for a conversion but haven't found a suitable Figaro yet.

Hello there. I’m in need of acquiring a manual gearbox from a K10 in order to do what you’ve done - convert my Figaro to manual transmission. The only difference is, I’ve replaced my engine with an electric motor and found that the Fig’s automatic transmission is sluggish at best. I would appreciate some guidance along the way.

 

[MattDaKav]

Hello there. I’m in need of acquiring a manual gearbox from a K10 in order to do what you’ve done - convert my Figaro to manual transmission. The only difference is, I’ve replaced my engine with an electric motor and found that the Fig’s automatic transmission is sluggish at best. I would appreciate some guidance along the way.

Wow! We need more info on the EV conversion, please!

Edit: Just found your videos:

 

[SmartHacks]

So as of this writing, I have forward and reverse gears working on the automatic transmission. The electric motor is connected directly to the transmission with the throttle control cable locked in the full-open position. What I like about this set up is that it consistently shifts at 40kpm into second gear, and 80kpm for 3rd gear. What I don't like is the shift selector must be exactly positioned, otherwise the transmission doesn't know which gear I want. That goes for Reverse and Drive, but that was an issue with the transmission before the conversion. The other thing I don't like with this setup is the down-shifts are locked at 40 and 80kpm, meaning if I stomp on the throttle, the transmission won't down-shift to give me more torque. I have to slow to downshift, then hit the throttle and hope it doesn't jump into the higher gear too soon. Lastly, the car won't budge in D, I have to select 2 and shift shift to D when I'm ready for 2nd.

Long story short, I'll probably keep this set up for a while longer and then look into replacing with a manual transmission for the fun factor.

 

[MattDaKav]

Very cool project. I am considering a full Nissan Leaf system for my Fig. What motor are you running?

If you just want a manual box, it would be easy to source here in the UK... the usual challenges involved in a regular manual swap in a Fig (hybrid clutches, etc) wouldn't apply for you.

 

[SmartHacks]

Very cool project. I am considering a full Nissan Leaf system for my Fig. What motor are you running?

If you just want a manual box, it would be easy to source here in the UK... the usual challenges involved in a regular manual swap in a Fig (hybrid clutches, etc) wouldn't apply for you.

Netgain Hyper 9 HDV 144 volt motor. Went with the dual-shaft version only because there was no wait-time. May not use the non-drive shaft since I'm probably going to go with an electric compressor for air conditioning.

Speaking of Leaf, there's a guy on YouTube doing a Porsche conversion using the Leaf innards.

I don't even know where to begin to look for a K10 gearbox. I'd like someone who can get me some initial measurements before I buy it just to make sure I don't have to remake the shaft coupler and bell housing adapter plate. Hoping to just swap out the auto and drop in the manual?

 

[MattDaKav]

I'm preparing a manual swap on my Fig so have a K10 box handy. Happy to help.

 

[MattDaKav]

I've just finished my manual conversion... it's exactly as @103keef explained, although the standard K10 160mm clutch slips so best to use a hybrid clutch explained here: https://www.micra.org.uk/threads/the-hybrid-clutch-thread.71513/

 

[Halkyon]

I've just finished my manual conversion... it's exactly as @103keef explained, although the standard K10 160mm clutch slips so best to use a hybrid clutch explained here: https://www.micra.org.uk/threads/the-hybrid-clutch-thread.71513/

Almighty thread revival sorry.

My Figaro project got sidetracked by:

1. Figaro had dodgy MOT when bought. There were holes all over the floor, including within mounting distance of suspension points. Subsequently I had really unpleasant conversations with the seller and ended up just transporting it back to them and having them pay for the welding.
2. The Figaro was then involved in an accident that wrecked the offside front, I had arguments with Admiral and their £10k repair estimate (3x car valuation) and eventually got the payout AND the car back. I sourced all the parts necessary to rebuild it and got it done at a great local place for approximately the value of insurance payout (a third of their repair estimate).
3. Used the car for a while.
4. Got sick of the sight of it after all the stress and sold it on.

Several years on I'm buying a Pao and looking at doing the 5-speed and possible 1.3l engine conversion. I never learn!

If anyone has any parts handy or knows where I might be able to source them I'd be enormously grateful, and would pay for them, obviousy.

 

[Yugen]

Its a shame your build ended like that man

 

[PAR1410]

Very cool project. I am considering a full Nissan Leaf system for my Fig. What motor are you running?

If you just want a manual box, it would be easy to source here in the UK... the usual challenges involved in a regular manual swap in a Fig (hybrid clutches, etc) wouldn't apply for you.

I'm interested in the manual conversion – I have recently completed a full rebuild and find the auto screaming at higher speeds. Approx costs for doing this and do you know any trusted companies? Thanks

 

[Halkyon]

I've gone through the 5-speed conversion on the Pao now, also with the 1.2l engine from a donor K10 Micra.

That is the easiest route really - find K10 Micra with the 5-speed and swap the box, pedals and linkages over. I happened across one that only had 30k miles on for about £800 so snapped it up and got it transported over. I then took it to a local garage that specialises in modifications and go-faster-bits, and it now drives like a dream. Mild modification to the clutch linkage is required but nothing a competant shop or DIYer who can weld can't handle.

 

[PAR1410]

Hi folks,

Sorry to make my first post a pretty big ask for advice, but I've recently picked up a Figaro - in need of a little bit of cosmetic tidying - that I'd like to make a little more fun. It's a little different already as it's had a full silver paint job at some point and has some rusty chromed wheel trims that will need attention (or binning).

View attachment 47136

My other car is a Morris 1000 I've modified to have about as much power as the Fig so I'm not a complete idiot when it comes to mechanics, but turbos, ECUs and so on are a bit 'modern' and new to me. The old a-series is pretty forgiving when it comes to making mistakes too. From what I've read so far the best options for the Fig on a reasonable budget seem to be: intercooler & more boost & remap and maybe a manual box. Not much info is available when searching for Figaro stuff though, I guess the typical owner isn't so inclined to have fun with them in this way.

Firstly, before I go punching through the foot-well to fit a clutch pedal - would the ratio of the compatible manual boxes (K10-12? and diffs?) actually improve the revs at cruising speed to make this worth the effort?

Any advice super appreciated!

Did this work well for you? I'm looking into the same process just now

 

[PAR1410]

I've gone through the 5-speed conversion on the Pao now, also with the 1.2l engine from a donor K10 Micra.

That is the easiest route really - find K10 Micra with the 5-speed and swap the box, pedals and linkages over. I happened across one that only had 30k miles on for about £800 so snapped it up and got it transported over. I then took it to a local garage that specialises in modifications and go-faster-bits, and it now drives like a dream. Mild modification to the clutch linkage is required but nothing a competant shop or DIYer who can weld can't handle.

Thanks for coming back to me – any pictures? Where are you based?

 

[PAR1410]

Rebuilt the engine on the Fig with a new custom downpipe, powerflow 2" SS exhaust, new K&N induction system and cold scoop feed, new turbo with adjustable actuator running more boost (10-11 Psi) and the results have been worth the effort. It screams sitting at 80+ which is making me think about a manual swop over

 

[Halkyon]

I documented the process a bit on the retrorides forum - https://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/215599/1989-nissan-pao-forgive-micra

If you'd like pics of specific parts for the manual conversion, I can oblige. I'm based in Cambridgeshire, UK.

Do the swap, it's so worth it! The Pao can now cruise quietly and I think it has a lot less interior and sound damping than the Figaro.

Funnily enough I'm considering putting a Figaro turbo on my Pao's 1.2.

 

[PAR1410]

I documented the process a bit on the retrorides forum - https://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/215599/1989-nissan-pao-forgive-micra

If you'd like pics of specific parts for the manual conversion, I can oblige. I'm based in Cambridgeshire, UK.

Do the swap, it's so worth it! The Pao can now cruise quietly and I think it has a lot less interior and sound damping than the Figaro.

Funnily enough I'm considering putting a Figaro turbo on my Pao's 1.2.

Pics inside would be great to see how it looks – thanks and will hunt down a Micra!