69 Corvette Hi Lo Trany

[mhc64]

Hi,
I'm brand new to the board and a new owner of a 69 Corvette. It has a Hi/Lo manual 4 speed transmission with a 350 engine. I haven't been able to find any information on the trany. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[JohnZ]

No such thing as a Hi/Lo 4-speed transmission - could you explain more about it? The only 4-speeds that came in '69 Corvettes were the M20 wide-ratio and M21 close-ratio Muncies (and a few M22's); all were identical externally, just had different internals.

 

[Mac]

Welcome aboard, mhc64!

What do you mean by hi/lo? I wonder if someone retrofit a 4+3 into his Vette?

-Mac

 

[mhc64]

This has a lever on the passenger side simular to what 4X4s have to engage 4 wheel drive. One set of gears has one set of ratio the other has a higher ratio. As it was explained to me one for normal driving around town, the other if you wanted to take it to the track. It runs at a higher RPM.

 

[ft laud mike]

I dont think that is original, is it a 4 spd? and then a transfer case shifter as well.
mike

 

[mhc64]

It is a manual 4 speed with what I guess is transfer case shifter as well. I had it up on a lift to check the frame when I bought it but didn't take a good look at the transmission. Once it warms up I'll get back under the car for a better look. I'm new to the Corvette world so I'm learning more about the car line every day

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Sounds like an aftermarket overdrive unit. I remember seeing one on a '68.

 

[MMM]

Could be a "Honedrive" (probably spelled wrong). This was a planetary overdrive unit, available in the 70's, that could be fitted to many vehicles. I remember seeing Motion Performance ads in "Cars" for a version for C3 Corvettes. I have seen one Motion car with the OD unit. It had a lever on the right side of the transmission tunnel to engage/disingage the OD unit.

Mike

 

[bossvette]

Maybe its had one of these put in it:
http://www.gearvendors.com/

 

[GTR1999]

Sounds likes a gear vendors overdrive setup. The early one used the lever you describe. I have a friend who bought a 78 with 4 speed and later model overdrive. It's controlled by a switch on the shifter. I'm going to rebuild it this Winter as one of my projects. It bolt on to the main case of the Muncie and replaces the tailhousing. It requires a special driveshaft too. It's a real screwed up setup in my opinion.
Where are you in CT? I'm in New Haven and could help you with any questions you may have on the car.

Gary

 

[mhc64]

Thanks for the information and help. Now that my curiosity has peaked I'll have to crawl under the car to get a better idea of what I have. I live up near Waterbury in Prospect. I appreciate all of the help I can get.

 

[GTR1999]

Ok let me know if you need any help,I've had a few C3 apart over the year
Gary