Viper 6 Speed Auto to Manual Conversion Done!!!!!

[1978L48jafo]

It's in and working great I have been driving for about a week. Need to be around 70 MPH to use 6th with the current gearing. Best single mod yet and the install was not unreasonable. Appreciated the suggestions, encouragement and help I am working on documenting the project I will post a link when complete. I was able to install from under the car but it might have been easier to have pulled the engine and install as a unit.....

I highly recommend the D&D Viper transmission, the only difficult modification was the crossmember.
John

 

[lone73]

Sounds really cool, WHy did you pick that one over the tremec 5 or 6 speed?

thanks
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[Stallion]

What did you have to do to the crossmember?

 

[1978L48jafo]

I went back and forth over this for several weeks. After all of the reading and research I decided I really wanted the trans with two overdrive gears. And if you compared pricing with all of the adaptors and extras for the 5 speed, it really was not that much more to go with the 6 speed. Really tight fit but I have been driving for a week now and I really like the change.....;-) It doesn't feel like the same car

Sounds really cool, WHy did you pick that one over the tremec 5 or 6 speed?

thanks
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[1978L48jafo]

The trans mount on the T56 is lower and roughly 6 inches further back than the TH350. I cut the muffler openings and upper sides of the center box. I plated the bottom and welded in L brackets to take the load since three sides of the sqare tube was now missing. I reweilded in the muffler openings but I had to offset the driverside to allow for backup switch and speedO connection. The pain was making a change and then bolting it in to check it I will say I was getting real sick of the bottom of this car....;-)


Bottom line I used the mount in the bolted location the center section needs some work, If I had to do it again it would go a lot faster.

I am working on some pictures on my web site will try to have them posted this weekend.
John

What did you have to do to the crossmember?

 

[1978L48jafo]

To be honest I have not totaled the financial damage myself yet but let's take a stab at it

Trans from D&D performance 2400.00
Flywheel,bellhousing, linkages, pedals brackets etc 600.00
Clutch/pressureplate/bearing 150.00
100.00
And there is always little things no one wants to mention 3250.00 (Total)
starter, speedO cable extension, nuts and bolts, weilding
rods and such.

I would seriusly consider the fivespeed if only to be able to use the redesigned cross member from Bowtie Overdrive. I am told it is a direct bolt in which makes it well worth the 180.00 price tag in my book........

If you are converting an auto to manual I would plan on spending about 3K to make it happen. On the lighter side, the pay back is in 5 to 6 years depending on gas prices and miles driven; how many modifications do we do that ever give us an actual payback?????
I will update my site shortly with the installation pics,
John




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[lone73]

rear end

What rear gears are you running John?

Thanks
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[1978L48jafo]

I am really not sure what I have, the guy who runs our local vet shop said 3.03 I think, but I am not at all sure. If it matters to you send me a link on how to check and I will get back to you with it.
John

What rear gears are you running John?

Thanks
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[lone73]

The only way that I know is to jack up the rear, turn the tire one revolution and count the number of turns the driveshaft makes. I think there might be a code on the diff that can be deciphered if you have a book but I'm not sure about that.

regards