automatic to manual conversion

[like2drive]

I been trying to decide over the last few weeks what to do about my transmission,which is a TH350C automatic. 1, rebuild (again), 2) switch to a 700r4, 3) go the six speed route 4) go with an overdrive unit on a 4-speed.

The 700rg4 will be around $1500 w/all the pieces
the Termac 6 speed, w/all the pieces is around $4500-$5000
The Overdrive is around $2500
I don't know yet what a 4 speed & pieces will cost.

I definitely want a manual, and better fuel economy. Rarely drag, but have broke speedometers before on top end. Like to go fast on interstates and mountains.
At this moment, I thinking I will go w/the overdrive/4speed.
Any suggestions/criticisims/sympathy/ridicule/opinions?? jim
Incidentially, anyone have a 4speed for sale? M-20or M21 preferrably.

 

[81 Corvette]

I want to do either a richmond 6 speed or keisler 5 speed (both OD), but costs are the prohibitive factor right now. So if i had to suggest, those would be my suggestions

 

[lnirenberg]

I have a Keisler Tremac 5 spd that is just going into my car. There is very little difference between the highest and lowest gears of the 5spd vs 6 spd and the 6spd requires modification to the tunnel. You also save about $1000 on the kit.

 

[like2drive]

Inirenberg! Good stuff! Are you doing the install yourself, or having Keisler to do it? Was yours already manual, or automatic? I appreciate your, and 81 Corvette's imput. I've sent Keisler a request for quote on their suggestion but I'm afraid it will be too pricey. With the terrible weather, here now, and no garage..I'm not in position to install myself....maybe I'll have to wait till summer. I've spent so much time exploring this already, I'd like to make a move and forgitabodit Thanks, Jim

 

[lnirenberg]

.

Inirenberg! Good stuff! Are you doing the install yourself, or having Keisler to do it? Was yours already manual, or automatic? I appreciate your, and 81 Corvette's imput. I've sent Keisler a request for quote on their suggestion but I'm afraid it will be too pricey. With the terrible weather, here now, and no garage..I'm not in position to install myself....maybe I'll have to wait till summer. I've spent so much time exploring this already, I'd like to make a move and forgitabodit Thanks, Jim

Except for a lack of space, tools and the fact that I possess just enough mechanical skills to do some serious damage, I would be doing it myself! It's being done at the Corvette Center in Newington, Ct which is an awesome full service shop. I was there today and its up on a lift with the original muncie 4 spd on the ground and the new 5 spd ready to go in. The install is a bit tricky as it won't fit with the bellhousing mounted on the tranie and the the rear of the transmission has to be angled in over the support bar and then the front end, clutch etc has to be lined up with very little space for hands and tools. To me better left to the experts as I have $2999 into the kit and I don't want to f*** it up. I'm reusing the mechanical clutch and with everything out we are replacing the clutch plate and throw out bearing for good measure as they are worn and I don't want to revisit this part of the car for at least a few years. I think Vette magazine did an article on an automatic shark to 5 spd within the last year but I'm not sure when. They used a mechanical clutch setup and it looked straight forward (easy for me to say sitting here with clean hands) but obviously adds $$$ for the auto swap. The whole install according to the Keisler tech people should take about 8 manhours 4 spd to 5 given in the hands of a seasoned mechanic. I think one of the vette forum sites--this one maybe?--worked a group deal to save a few $100 on the kits. I'm supposed to have the car back within the next 2-3 weeks (although given the weather up here I am less than excited) as there is some body work left to do. If for some strange reason the weather proves old Vette friendly I'll get to try it out before it goes back into hibernation until April

 

[lnirenberg]

I just found the article. It was in the July '04 issue and it is called--
Gearing up for fun and fuel economy--Installing a T56 6 spd in a late shark.

They did the difficult install as it was an '79 auto to a 6 spd so they had to add clutch pedal etc and cut the tunnel. If you go on http://vetteweb.com/tech/ scroll down and they have the entire article with pictures of the install.

You have to decide what you want to accomplish and how much power you plan to run through the new tranie. If you go to http://www.keislerauto.com/ you can look at the gearing of all the different combos. I went with the TKO 500 (limited to 550 hp!--I think that will do) because it has the lowest 1st gear and a top gear only slightly different than the 6 spd--with my stock 3.36 rear 75 mph is at 2100 rpms vs 3100 with the original muncie.

 

[like2drive]

5 speed install

Inirenberg,, I really appreciate your imput/info. You're kinda like being a guinea pig by doing exactly what I want to do, before me, so I will have a better understanding of what I'm getting into!! Please let me hear back from you after you get on the road. I just imagine it will be a better "feel" and of course better mpg. But of course you already had a 4speed, whereas I've been "playing like" I have one w/the automatic-shifting-manually. keep me posted. jim Incidentially, are you keeping the muncie? I might be interested in it if I can't afford what you're doing.

 

[like2drive]

Incidentially, theres another $1500 KIT to convert from the automatic. $2999+1500``$4500 OOOOOHHHHHH