Replacing an automatic with a manual

[MFPvette80]

I've got a 1980 that's in nice shape with a lot of sentimental value. I'd like to replace the TH350 auto with a TKO 5 speed. While at Carlisle this past weekend I talked with two vendors that had "kits" to do the conversion. There's significant price difference between the two, and I'd welcome any comments from others who have done this conversion using either the Keisler or American Powertrain products. Or, are there other options available?

 

[Hib Halverson]

There are others besides Keisler and American Powertrain.

Take a look at:
http://www.classicchevy5speed.com/Corvette-1968-82-Kit-Select.aspx

I published an article in "Corvette Enthuaist" a year or so ago on this company's 5-spd conversion as applied to a C2. I felt the kit for that car was very well-excecuted. Because the two platforms are quite similar, I'll guess that the kit for C3 is similarly well-done.

 

[MFPvette80]

Was there any welding required for the conversion? I seen an article that mentioned welding a bracket to the fram for the clutch "Z" bracket.

 

[Hib Halverson]

I can't say for sure because I'm not sure if all automatic frames from 63-82 also had brackets for the clutch cross shaft.

I'd consult the various vendors of the 5-speed conversions for the answer.

 

[bossvette]

I bought my TKO from http://www.fortesparts.com/ way back in 2000 before "Kits" were invented
they will also do installs and are in the north east in Mass. You may want to give him a call his website listed an external hydraulic slave conversion

 

[rbryce]

I just bought my TKO kit from Kiesler and it included EVERYthing from the transmission to the rear driveshaft u-joint. You will need more because the kit does not include the clutch pedel stuff. It is a no brainer conversion and the shifter comes right through the same hole in the console your corvette shifter currently does.

 

[MFPvette80]

I just bought my TKO kit from Kiesler and it included EVERYthing from the transmission to the rear driveshaft u-joint. You will need more because the kit does not include the clutch pedel stuff. It is a no brainer conversion and the shifter comes right through the same hole in the console your corvette shifter currently does.

Glad to hear how well the kit worked. Did you have to weld a bracket in place for the clutch rod support? It seems like this is needed with most conversion kits.

 

[rbryce]

Glad to hear how well the kit worked. Did you have to weld a bracket in place for the clutch rod support? It seems like this is needed with most conversion kits.

No, I had the bracket there because mine was a 4 speed manual to 5 speed manual conversion. Here is a really good link to an article on a automatic to manual conversion on a C3 vette using the Keisler transmission.

http://corvettec3.ca/tko.htm

 

[bossvette]

I must be backwards,; I'm taking the TKO out of my 76 and putting in an auto

 

[Hib Halverson]

Why not sell your parts to "MFPvette80"?

 

[bossvette]

Why not sell your parts to "MFPvette80"?

the TKO is going in the 68 I could be induced to sell the pedals and z bar though

 

[JohnZ]

Did you have to weld a bracket in place for the clutch rod support? It seems like this is needed with most conversion kits.

Yes, on a C3 automatic you'll need to weld the clutch cross shaft support to the frame, as the automatic frame didn't have one. On the bright side, your automatic frame has a removable trans crossmember, which greatly simplifies the TKO installation.

 

[MFPvette80]

The welding shouldn't be a big problem. The only other real concern I have is that the block won't be set-up for the ball stud. The car has an LM-1 crate engine, and it would be just my luck that GM didn't drill and tap the block to accept a clutch linkage. I guess I'll find out when I get there.