Tyler Townsley
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 29, 2001
- Messages
- 286
- Location
- Nichols. Florida
- Corvette
- 55 , 66 coupe, 68 convert, 88 ZR1, 90 ZR1
I know some of you do not visit that other place so:
For those considering putting the 6 speed richmand in a midyear here is some idea of what you need to do. My car is a 66 sb with a 336 rear. In this trans 5th is 1:1 and 6th is OD. I am doing about 62 at 2000 rpm with this setup. I like the lower gear ratios as it really helps the motor.
Installation of a Richmond 6 Speed Transmission into a Midyear Corvette
Hopefully this experience will help others that are contemplating this swap. The swap can be done three ways. A: Use the existing cross member. B: Cut the cross member. C: Go with an aftermarket cross member. I used B for a 68 and felt it could be done using A in my 66. No matter which way you use you will need to select a clutch, yoke and a U-joint. I used a 11” fine spine clutch for the 68 but for the 66 I had to use a 10.4 in fine spine clutch. I used a 68/69 Z28 clutch assembly. I selected the ‘Corvette’ version of the Richmond six speed. This unit comes with the Long shifter, well made but challenge to get in the car. You will also need a NAPA P353 U Joint (or equivalent). Make sure you pre-fit the shifter and make all adjustments before putting it in the car. Remove it for the installation.
If you go with A above you will have to pull the motor and transmission as a unit and reinstall the same way. I recommend using a hoist with a tilt so you can get the motor in and clear the radiator frame. In either case you will have to make a rear mount plate. Pulling and reinstallation is pretty straightforward. I left the car on jack stands so I could get under to guide the transmission into the tunnel on reinstall. I used a bottle jack to raise/lower the transmission to fit the rear mount and shifter. You will have to trim some on the tunnel where the shifter comes through. You cannot install the unit with the shifter on the transmission.
I recommend you install new body cushions and add 1/8 in shims. The back cushions will be a challenge. I finally put the bottle jack on the disk brake caliper and a piece of board to jack the body up so I could get the old cushion out and a new one in. (Do not get carried away as you can crack the glass. Buy a kit that includes all the items needed to replace these items.
Once you have the transmission in the car and before you put in the bracket remove the shifter rods from the shifter and put the shifter, If you have put in new cushions etc this should not be too hard, you have to do it from the bottom and behind the x member. Once this is in reinstall the rods, you will have to trim the reverse rod and boss. (You do remember which rod goes where don’t you.). I installed a right angle trans cable adapter to make hooking up the cable easier, still a pain. You can install the drive shaft at this time and then install the bracket and cushions.
In order to make the console fit you have to trim some body glass in the opening and trim some off the large bolts on the shifter, Best way is to install the frame for the boot without the boot and put in the console to see where to trim for clearance and how much of the bolt to trim.
This is a link to a picture of the bracket and cushion.
http://deliquescence.net/~tyler/misc/6speed66-1.jpg
It is a large file to help you get it sized correctly. Once you cut it out mark and drill the holes for the trans mount, then put this in and mark the holes for the xmember bracket. I would use at least a ¼ in piece of flat steel.
This is a link to what it looks like installed in the car
http://deliquescence.net/~tyler/misc/six66_4.jpg
As noted you can add lower support ‘legs’ if you are running a big block with tons of tq. I am running a sb and do not feel they are needed.
This is a link to the floor trimming needed.
http://deliquescence.net/~tyler/misc/six66_1.jpg
you will also need to grind the end of the bolt on one side and nut on the other, test fit the console to get it right.
http://deliquescence.net/~tyler/misc/six66_3.jpg
The tightest fit is the reverse shifter rod and end. You will have to grind it to get the right clearance.
http://deliquescence.net/~tyler/misc/six66_6.jpg
Since the shifter boot on these cars is so unique you have to keep it. It is not the best fit and if you have an older one it will tear so order an new one before starting.
http://deliquescence.net/~tyler/misc/six66_7.jpg
If you have any questions post them here and I will answer, if you have a better solution for the boot post it too.
Tyler
Installation of a Richmond 6 Speed Transmission into a Midyear Corvette
Hopefully this experience will help others that are contemplating this swap. The swap can be done three ways. A: Use the existing cross member. B: Cut the cross member. C: Go with an aftermarket cross member. I used B for a 68 and felt it could be done using A in my 66. No matter which way you use you will need to select a clutch, yoke and a U-joint. I used a 11” fine spine clutch for the 68 but for the 66 I had to use a 10.4 in fine spine clutch. I used a 68/69 Z28 clutch assembly. I selected the ‘Corvette’ version of the Richmond six speed. This unit comes with the Long shifter, well made but challenge to get in the car. You will also need a NAPA P353 U Joint (or equivalent). Make sure you pre-fit the shifter and make all adjustments before putting it in the car. Remove it for the installation.
If you go with A above you will have to pull the motor and transmission as a unit and reinstall the same way. I recommend using a hoist with a tilt so you can get the motor in and clear the radiator frame. In either case you will have to make a rear mount plate. Pulling and reinstallation is pretty straightforward. I left the car on jack stands so I could get under to guide the transmission into the tunnel on reinstall. I used a bottle jack to raise/lower the transmission to fit the rear mount and shifter. You will have to trim some on the tunnel where the shifter comes through. You cannot install the unit with the shifter on the transmission.
I recommend you install new body cushions and add 1/8 in shims. The back cushions will be a challenge. I finally put the bottle jack on the disk brake caliper and a piece of board to jack the body up so I could get the old cushion out and a new one in. (Do not get carried away as you can crack the glass. Buy a kit that includes all the items needed to replace these items.
Once you have the transmission in the car and before you put in the bracket remove the shifter rods from the shifter and put the shifter, If you have put in new cushions etc this should not be too hard, you have to do it from the bottom and behind the x member. Once this is in reinstall the rods, you will have to trim the reverse rod and boss. (You do remember which rod goes where don’t you.). I installed a right angle trans cable adapter to make hooking up the cable easier, still a pain. You can install the drive shaft at this time and then install the bracket and cushions.
In order to make the console fit you have to trim some body glass in the opening and trim some off the large bolts on the shifter, Best way is to install the frame for the boot without the boot and put in the console to see where to trim for clearance and how much of the bolt to trim.
This is a link to a picture of the bracket and cushion.
http://deliquescence.net/~tyler/misc/6speed66-1.jpg
It is a large file to help you get it sized correctly. Once you cut it out mark and drill the holes for the trans mount, then put this in and mark the holes for the xmember bracket. I would use at least a ¼ in piece of flat steel.
This is a link to what it looks like installed in the car
http://deliquescence.net/~tyler/misc/six66_4.jpg
As noted you can add lower support ‘legs’ if you are running a big block with tons of tq. I am running a sb and do not feel they are needed.
This is a link to the floor trimming needed.
http://deliquescence.net/~tyler/misc/six66_1.jpg
you will also need to grind the end of the bolt on one side and nut on the other, test fit the console to get it right.
http://deliquescence.net/~tyler/misc/six66_3.jpg
The tightest fit is the reverse shifter rod and end. You will have to grind it to get the right clearance.
http://deliquescence.net/~tyler/misc/six66_6.jpg
Since the shifter boot on these cars is so unique you have to keep it. It is not the best fit and if you have an older one it will tear so order an new one before starting.
http://deliquescence.net/~tyler/misc/six66_7.jpg
If you have any questions post them here and I will answer, if you have a better solution for the boot post it too.
Tyler
Ads by Google
Corvette Parts Online diagrams help you find your part fast. Great prices. Order now!
keenparts.com
Corvette Parts Online diagrams help you find your part fast. Great prices. Order now!
keenparts.com
