Is this possible?
Practical?
I would have to have a mechanic do it for me, as I don't know much about engines.
I found a used manual transmission for $650, how much would it cost total?

 

Based on what you posted it wouldn't be practical. The below thread will give you an idea on what is involved.

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-specific-performance-mods-97/mt-swap-151684/

 

Thanks! Looks like it would be a bit more expensive than I thought...

 

it would be cheaper just sell the car and get a manual.

 

Yeah, that's the same way I'm thinking too.

Not worth the time, energy, and money to change something like that.

 

do it.

 

Pretty much

And OP use the SEARCH BUTTON!

 

I love (hate) when people make this statement.

I guess it depends on your unique situation and the car you have now.

If your current car is clean and low mileage with no issues, you have to consider that you could be trading into a higher mileage, lower condition car with hidden issues (minor or otherwise) that you'll now have to deal with. And make no mistake, you WILL lose money on a trade/buy/sell scenario even if the car you trade is nicer (to you) than the car you're trading for. It's just a question of how much you will lose.

Also it is one thing if you are talking about an average stock rx8. IF you have a modified car then it may not be worth it to sell the car with the mods (you generally give mods away) or remove them and reapply them to a different car later. The cost of installing and painting body kits/parts, suspension, exhaust, etc. (for people who don't do their own work, which seems to be most of the population of this forum) plus the losses involved in trading cars would exceed simply doing the swap to their existing car.

Really this is a decision to be made BEFORE THE CAR IS PURCHASED.

 

If anyone knows about an auto to manual swap its Kevin.