Question: 1965 Corvette and M22 transmission

[2010corvette]

Hi,
Any documented 1965 Corvette's with M22 transmission.
Believe 30 were built.

 

[mr.beachcomber]

Just curious as to what source you are referring to for the 30 M-22's built in Model Year (MY) 1965. It's my recollection that the M-22 and M-21 close ratio transmissions weren't available until MY1966, and even then, the M-22 was relatively rare with only 19 units sold. Thanks!

 

[2010corvette]

If you go to GM Heritage Center and look at the long list of 1965 Corvette specifications, you'll see the heavy duty Muncie M22 transmission listed available with L78 396CI 425HP
Also listed is the M20 wide ratio transmission which was the heavy runner.

At http://www.corvsport.com/corvette/c2/1965/c2_vin.html you'll see 30 M22 transmissions produced for 1965.

PS: GM Heritage Center doesn't list the M21 transmission in the 1965 specifications.

 

[2010corvette]

According to Chevrolet the RPOM22 'rock crusher" 20 degree first 20 degree second, third, and fourth helix cut gear set close ratio manual transmission was built from 1965 to 1974.
Believe late RPOL78 Corvette's were built with these transmissions.
I've heard this M22 transmission noise in 1965 years ago but do not know if this was the transmission the Corvette was born with.

 

[fueliemike]

M22 Transmition

Talk to Bill Skinner, he has a 1965 Conv. 396, with M22

 

[2010corvette]

Talk to Bill Skinner, he has a 1965 Conv. 396, with M22

Hi Bill Skinner,
Is your late built or high VIN L78&M22 67 style Corvette documented with the M22 transmission and was the Corvette body built by A.O. Smith in Ionia Michigan?
I'm long time Corvette owner from my teens. I have owned six Corvette's which three were ordered by me. The first new Corvette was ordered by me and my father. This Corvette is VIN 194677S100560. This Corvette number 560 for 1967 model year was ordered in July 1966 and built in early September 1966 and body was built in St Louis. I always wanted Muncie M22 transmission, but transmission was only available with RPOL88 in 1967 model year. The options on 1967 is 02stdtm,02c05aa,02974aa,02k66aa, 02l36aa, 02j50aa, 02m21aa, 02u69ea, 02a02aa, 02p92aa, 02g81ka, 02c07aa, 02n11aa, 02stdtp. The exhaust system is optional off road assembly. Mufflers had only three baffles per side and the original supplier was "Arvin"
Supplier Waldon is now the supplier of N11 exhaust. They purchased the blue prints from General Motors Co and are producing these exhaust systems. Customers can buy just the N11 mufflers if desired.
What are the other options on your Corvette. Are you the original owner?
Hope you are enjoying your C2 Corvette.

 

[mr.beachcomber]

If you go to GM Heritage Center and look at the long list of 1965 Corvette specifications, you'll see the heavy duty Muncie M22 transmission listed available with L78 396CI 425HP
Also listed is the M20 wide ratio transmission which was the heavy runner.

At http://www.corvsport.com/corvette/c2/1965/c2_vin.html you'll see 30 M22 transmissions produced for 1965.

Thanks for the info. I did checkout the VIN/Options data for the 1965 and 1966 model years. Surprised to see the M22 offered in 1965, but the site said that 30 units were sold. (My old version of the Corvette Black Book (1953-1996) didn't show the M22 even offered in 1965. However, I did check out the number of M22's sold in 1966 and that did agree with my Black Book. Had to laugh at myself as the actual number sold was 14, not 19 as I stated earlier. I'll blame that on my bad handwriting!)

PS: GM Heritage Center doesn't list the M21 transmission in the 1965 specifications.

As well it shouldn't since the M21 close ratio 4-speed wasn't an option until the 1966 model year. I remember my local dealer contacting me to say that over-the-counter M21's would be available sometime near the end of the year (1965). I bought one to replace the wide ration M20 in my 1964 327/365 coupe. 1/4 mile drag racing was king back in those days.

Thanks again for the info!

 

[JohnZ]

The link below will take you to the complete M20/M21 story. The 1965 M22 application was for a very small number of very special cars (like Bill Skinner's).


View attachment M20RatioTech.pdf