79 Series Auto Conversion Price Guide
The price of a 79 Series manual-to-auto conversion has climbed steadily as parts, labour and engineering certification costs have increased. In 2026 the realistic budget for a quality conversion is well above the $20,000 figure that older guides quote. Supply constraints on the Toyota AB60F 8-speed transmission have also pushed prices on rebuilt units higher.
This guide breaks down the cost components in detail so you can budget accurately before committing.
1. Conversion Kit Cost
The kit itself runs $18,000 to $32,000 depending on whether the transmission is new or rebuilt, the control unit specification, and the included accessories. The transmission is the biggest line item ($10,000 to $18,000 alone). Adapter plate, torque converter, valve body upgrade, control unit and wiring loom make up the rest. Wholesale Automatics, Marks 4WD and Roo Systems are the main suppliers in Australia.
2. Fitting Labour
Installation labour is $4,000 to $8,000 depending on the workshop. A typical install is 35 to 60 hours of skilled work - dropping the factory transmission, fitting the new auto and adapter, installing the control unit and wiring, configuring the valve body and confirming shift quality, and bedding in the new combination. Reputable shops will road-test extensively before delivery.
3. Engineering Certification
The conversion requires engineering certification for legal road use in Australia. State-specific engineers handle this and charge $800 to $2,500 depending on documentation complexity and inspection requirements. Some states (Victoria, NSW) are stricter than others. The engineering certificate must be in place before the vehicle returns to the road.
4. Hidden and Additional Costs
The conversion often triggers additional work: an upgraded transmission cooler ($400 to $800 fitted), a slip-yoke driveline modification ($800 to $1,500), a custom tailshaft or transfer case adapter ($600 to $1,500), and sometimes a brake upgrade if combined GVM is involved. Plan another $1,000 to $3,000 above the headline kit and labour cost for these.
5. Total Fitted Budget by Configuration
Entry-level conversion (rebuilt transmission, basic control unit, no driveline upgrade): $25,000 to $30,000 fitted including engineering. Mid-range (new transmission, paddle-shift control, cooler upgrade, tailshaft mod): $32,000 to $38,000. High-spec (new transmission, paddle-shift, full driveline reinforcement, performance valve body, additional ECU tuning): $38,000 to $45,000 fitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 79 Series auto conversion cost in 2026?
$25,000 to $45,000 fitted including engineering certification. Entry-level rebuilt-transmission conversions start at the lower end; high-spec new-transmission with full driveline reinforcement at the upper end.
What is the breakdown of the cost?
Kit $18,000 to $32,000, labour $4,000 to $8,000, engineering $800 to $2,500, additional driveline work $1,000 to $3,000. Total $25,000 to $45,000 fitted.
Is the 2024 facelift price different?
The 2024 2.8L 79 Series ships with a factory 6-speed auto option, so does not need conversion. This guide applies to V8 manual vehicles (2007 to late 2024).
Can I save money with a rebuilt transmission?
Yes. Rebuilt AB60F units typically save $5,000 to $8,000 over new ones. Quality of the rebuild matters - use reputable suppliers with documented warranty terms.
