Laser gearbox swap? & fuel efficiency

[Micktor's owner]

Two questions for the Laserheads:

Just bought an automatic 88 Laser Ghia hatch. Wondering how much $ I'd be looking at getting a 5sd manual gearbox? Mates say it's a bit exy.

My old manual 83 Laser got up to 380,000km but the rego went dead... so I upgraded. I love the car, but I keep reaching for the gearstick unconsiously.

Also it's a bit thirstier than the 83 laser I had. Is there any (relatively easy/cheap) things I can do to bring the fuel economy down?
It's not as bad as the old 77 V8 Fairmont but still... it's only supposed to be 1.6 and easter fuel prices eat it.

Cheers for any answers you experts out there can offer.

[VippiN]

G'day mate, you'll be glad to hear you can throw in the 5SPD from the same model with no difficulty it all. Just a matter of plug and play.

If you're very concerned with fuel enconomy i'd start where you do with everything really.. Fuel filter, air filter, leads, plugs, run some carby cleaner through etc etc.. Remember though these are all cars and most aren't what they used to be! As long as you're getting reasonably close to 400KM to a full tank I wouldn't worry. 350KM is more expected, though.

[Micktor's owner]

Thanks for the info mate.

Now how much should I paying for a good condition 5spd, and will it be a Ford or Mazda part (or are they the same?)

I probably won't be doing the wrench-turning myself, but a mate might be able to help out. BUT if the worst comes to the worst and I get someone to do it, how much should I pay max, before learning to get grease on my hands myself?

With the fuel economy, are any after-market air intakes/exhausts worth it?

[VippiN]

I wouldn't be spending anymore than $250 MAX on a 5SPD box. Get one from any pick-a-part type wrecker. Also they're the same box regardless of it coming out of a 323 or Laser.

Not sure how much you should pay someone to do it, not much? You'll need a hoist etc..

There's hardly any aftermarket anything for Lasers. Just make sure what you've got is tip-top / get replacements from Repco or something. Also don't skimp on the leads, you'll be suprised what a difference they make.

[Micktor's owner]

Thanks for the info mate! I'm sure they'll be a few more qs further down the track!