vettesbydesign

Okay...sorry this is drawn out,but trying to figure out the best way to advertise these kits,and what is available.
I just became a dealer for these Richmonds,so please work w/me alittle in the beginning.
I ran a old Doug Nash 4=1 in a Camaro many moons ago,and loved it,and leaning t'wards installing one of these in my 68.
I have done some extensive search on the internet,and this forum on these,and the install of these transmissions in Corvettes.What makes these nice is the gear selections available w/most of these trans.They fit the vette tunnel better,can be used w/all of the existing parts,except the custom made trans brackets that I am including,and the need for the original style "big turbo 400 yoke".These are all included w/Long shifters,and by all my research...are superior to the Hursts that are available for these trans.These will fit the stock shifter hole,and there is no need to modify the crossmember,nor does the driveshaft need shortened,so you can use the one that you have.Also,these are idea for the 3.08 cars,and 3.36s,and if you have higher gears,then cheaper to change the trans gears when ordering,than changing the rearend gears.
I have had some phone calls about these,and pms,and wanted to get this up,and available,but will be adding the complete conversions for the auto to manual conversion,and as always....I have scattershields available,performance clutch kits for ANY horsepower setups,Hyd. clutch/sl;ave setups,aluminum flywheels,steel,billet,LS1 flywheels,bellhousings,etc.I', more than willing to work w/you,and put together a kit for you.That's not a problem.
Until I get all the extras together,and posted..if someone is interested,then please pm me,and will get you taken care of.
I am still selling the TKOs,and they are GREAT transmissions,but I ran one of these,and was very pleased years ago,and these have been around for along time,and made right in SC.I just wanted to be alittle more versatile,but sold a TKO kit today.
All the trans will be shipped directly from Richmond,and all trans have a 1 year manufacturer warranty.
One more thing...as much as I hate to put this in words...I can beat Summitt,and Jegs on all these kits,and the additional items in the kits,except for the 6-speeds.They apparently buy in BULK,and are a couple hundred cheaper than me,so I would shop there,if you are wanting to go this route.I will sale you the "extra" parts needed to get this in your ride tho'.If I can do okay w/these,then the pricing will come down further,but right now they are cheaper on this one item.


*STREET 5-SPEED KIT*

A ratio=3.28,2.13,1.57,1.24,1.00

Kit consists of... "Street 5-speed" trans w/ Long shifter,Corvette strap style 32 spline yoke,modified trans bracket,new trans mount,needle roller pilot bushing,new u-joint,and shift plate indicator...
#52110AL-GM 26 spline...$3350.00 shipped
#52111AL-GM 10 spline...$3350.00 shipped


* SUPER STREET OVERDRIVE 5-SPEED KIT*

1st gear(your selection),2nd-1.85,3rd-1.31,4th-1.00,5th-0.77

Kit consists of..."Super Street 5-speed"trans w/ Long shifter,Corvette strap style 32 spline yoke,new u-joint,modified trans bracket,new trans mount,needle roller pilot bushing,shift plate indicator,back-up light switch,and wire...
#7020526A-GM 26 spline w/3.33 first gear...$3850.00 shipped
#7020526B-GM 26 spline w/2.89 first gear...$3850.00 shipped
#7020526C-GM 26 spline w/3.06 first gear...$3850.00 shipped
#7020510A-GM 10 spline w/3.33 first gear...$3850.00 shipped
#7020510B-GM 10 spline w/2.89 first gear...$3850.00 shipped
#7020510C-GM 10 spline w/3.06 first gear...$3850.00 shipped

*ROAD RACE 5-SPEED KIT*

A ratio=3.28,2.13,1.57,1.24,1.00

Kit consists of ..."Road Race 5-speed" trans w/Long shifter,Corvette strap style 32 spline yoke,modified trans bracket,new trans mount,needle roller pilot bushing,new u-joint,and shift plate indicator...
#52226AL-GM 26 spline...$3526.99 shipped
#52210AL-GM 10 spline...$3526.99 shipped
*custom gear ratios available....add 190.00*
custom ratio selection guide for the RR 5-speed...
1st gear...4.41,4.06,3.28,3.04,3.01/2.77/2.24/2.08
2nd...2.75 1.88
2.45 1.67
& 2.22 1.52
2.13 1.46
3rd 1.99 1.36
1.57 1.07
4th gear...1.24/.084,1.52/1.04,1.74/1.19
5th gear...1.00

*6-SPEED OVERDRIVE-ROD KIT*

AA ratio=3.28,2.13,1.57,1.24,1.00,.76 OD

Kit consists of..."ROD 6-speed" trans w/Long shifter,Corvette strap style 32 spline yoke,new u-joint,modified trans bracket,new trans mount,needle roller pilot bushing,shift plate indicator,speedo adapter,back-up light switch,and back-up light switch harness...
#7021626AA-GM 26 spline...$4100.00 shipped
#7021610AA-GM 10 spline...$4168.00 shipped
*custom gear ratios available...add 190.00*
custom ratio selection guide for ROD 6-speed...
1st gear...4.41,4.06,3.28,3.04,3.01,2.77,2.2 4,2.08
2nd...2.75 1.88
2.45 1.67
2.22 1.52
& 2.13 1.46
1.99 1.36
3rd...1.57 1.07
4th...1.24/0.84,1.74/1.19
5th...1.00
6th...0.76 0.52
0.81 0.55
0.86 0.59
0.91 0.62
Special 9 DP RR ratio...0.84,or 0.80

*auto to 5/6-speed conversion...
Mechanical linkage...$1033.20(shipping included)
Hyd.linkage setup...$1200.00(shipping included)
parts list of conversion for mech.linkage.If ordering hyd.setup...parts are substituted...
1.trans tunnel shift boot
2.brake.clutch pedal pads
3.cross shaft
4.cross shaft rebuild kit
5.frame bracket
6.clutch fork
7.clutch fork pin
8.clutch fork push rod
9.clutch fork push rod anti-rattle springs(2)
10.clutch pedal push rod
11.clutch pedal push rod swivel
12.clutch pedal push rod jam nuts(2)
13.clutch pedal push rod firewall boot
14.firewall boot retainer
15.pedal return spring
16.clutch pedal
17.brake pedal
18.clutch pedal bracket bolts
19.clutch pedal bracket
20.clutch pedal bumper
21.clutch pedal bumper bracket
22.clutch pedal shaft clip
23.clutch pedal push rod spacer
24.clutch spring firewall bracket
25.brake/clutch pedal bushing
26.brake pedal spring bushing
27.shift boot retainer
28.shift boot retainer screws
29.4pk "G" clips
30.11"#621 repopped bellhousing
31.11" inspection cover
32.inspection cover screw set
33.clutch fork boot(GM)
34.bellhousing bolts(6)
35.bell to trans bolts(4)
36.flywheel bolts (6)
37.pressure plate bolts(6)
38.11" flywheel
39.11" perf. clutch kit
additional parts available....
Corvette style shifter handle...$85.00
Hyd.clutch linkage assembly...$450.00
McLeod scattershield...$375.00
CF dual friction clutch kit...$389.00(400-500 horse)
CF 12" dual friction clutch kit...@410.00(500-600 horse)
McLeod 600 series clutch kit...$375.00(350-400 horse)
McLeod 800 series clutch kit...$375.00(400-500 horse)
Mcleod RST street twin clutch kit...$710.00(550-700 horse)
Mcleod RXT twin clutch kit...$810.00(750-1000 horse)
64-67 finished console painted w/inserts...$500.00(480.00 w/kit)
64-67 chrome console...$375.00(350.00 w/kit)

I want to offer a big THANK YOU to drlou over in the C2 section,sky65,buddydeberry,Hotrod427,and all the other guys that have answered questions,provided pictures,and thoughts,etc.Thanks guys.
If you have any questions feel free to pm me,or give me a call.
Kevin Gilliam
Vettes by Design
217.330.7425

KC John

I just thought I would mention this to someone who sells the product and might want to know about some of the problems customers are having with installation.

I was wondering if you know why the manufacturer is including/recommending the roller bearing type pilot? It seems that they are all shipping the new trans with this style, and they probably don't know how many failures it has caused.

I have heard so many horror stories about this particular item. I also had a failure with one. It might be installation error, but just a small off center bump when installing these transmissions can destroy this type of pilot. The transmissions we are talking about weigh about 100 pounds, and at that size it doesn't take much to distort this style of pilot.

I think that the old brass pilot bushing is the better way to go. Most of the installations I have heard about have tossed the roller and replaced it with the brass pilot when installing the TKO or the RG trans.

vettesbydesign

Most the installs of the RG trans,and all my old muncie swaps...I do use the brass.I sale the needle rollers in my TKO kits on the recommendation from the manufacturer,and just added the roller to these kits,cause it is all the craze.
I GREATLY appreciate your input here,and will surely offer them w/out the needle rollers.
It's kinda the same w/the mounts.....in my TKO kits...I offer the poly,which is more expensive,and the rubbers.Alot of guys want to go "poly",cause they are the craze,but have seen that most prefer the rubbers cause the absorb the vibration of the drivetrain better.It's nice to see that more expensive still isn't always better.
Thank you very,VERY much for your thoughts here!

6T7L71CPE

Kevin, I've got a 3:36 but it still seems like first gear at 11:1 (3.36 x 3.28) is a bit steep unless you're racing. What other 1st gear options are available? Or is there a whole different set? Thanks

vettesbydesign

I think that you are stuck there w/out a rearend gear swap.The street 5-speed is the original design that Richmond redid from the old DN when they bought the rights.It is a forward first gear setup,and 3.28s is the lowest for this trans.They offer steeper 4.06,and 4.41s,but nonthing lower than the A ratio 3.28 first.Sorry.
I sale the gears too,but you would be cheaper to go thru Summitt,or Jegs.Even w/my discount they are waaaay cheaper than mine.

I ran a DN in a old Camaro in yesteryear,but just starting on being a dealer for the RGs.Do you have anything to offer on the install?If you could...please post some pics,if you have them available,and also,what shifter did you use?The Hurst,or the Long?I have Hursts in several of the cars that I have owned/own,but in the C3 section...several people said that they were unhappy w/the 5-speed Hurst shifters availble for the RGs,and would recommend the long shifters.Another forum member doing a 6-speed ROD install said that the factory style Hurst shifters will bolt to the long shifters to achieve the factory look.I sale these w/my TKO kits,so this is good to know,and alot of guys should like better.
I honestly don't think that it will do any good,and your only option is going to be to change to a 3.08,but have you contacted RGs tech line?maybe they know something that I don't,or could do something different for you.1-864-843-9231 is he number,or go to www.richmondgear.com.
Sorry I couldn't be more help,and you ask a question,and I turn it around wanting to pick your brain.Are you happy w/the install,and the trans besides the too steep first?

6T7L71CPE

Sorry about the confusion, I don't have a Richmond, I thought you were saying you could get the other gear ratios when ordering the transmission. Thanks

vettesbydesign

I think it was I that misunderstood you.Sorry.
So you are considering a swap,but have the 3.36 out back,and was looking at the street 5-speed,and worried that w/the gearing it would be to steep for your intended use?I'm just wanting to make sure that I have this right.
Have you considered the Super Street 5-speed which is a real overdrive trans,and not just a forward first gear?It has several 1st gear selections,but more expensive than the street 5-speed.Also,a option would be the road race 5-speed.There are a ton of gear selections for this setup,and it meets in the middle on the pricing between the 2 mentioned above.

6T7L71CPE

Kevin,

Tyler Townsley

I have a richmand 6 speed in my 66 with a 3:36. It is a very tight fit and can be done with the fixed cross member by installing it with the engine. It is the std gear ratio package and behind a slightly modded 327. The gears are just right for the car and motor but it is NOISY in the lower gears. Its ok in 5th but annoying in 6th under 60. I called about it but was told it is a M22 design and to expect some noise. The biggest mod was the console so the Long shifter would fit. I made a rear mount out of a 1/4 in steel plate. It is not for the faint of heart but can be done in your garage as long as you use a fixed hoist. I would not use a mobile hoist as it too heavy to safely maneuver. You will need to have the car it in the air to get under the car as you install the package. I really like the gear package but did I say its noisy?

Tyler

Sky65

Can't he use the Road Race trans and select gear ratios? 3.08X3.28/3.36=3.00. Use the 3.01 1st and get the same overall ratio as the standard ratio with a 3.08 rear. Recalculate the other gears as well to match as closely as possible to the standard set up. A little more money but doable.

66since71

Kevin, Lots of questions.. My spring projects for my 66 may include engine and trans. I don't like the gear ratios with the TKO, so I'm following the Richmond option with some interest.

Richmond's site suggests that the Street 5-speed was available at one time with "Muncie gear spacings". That is, the ratio-of-the-ratios was about 1.3 for all but the last shift. In the road race transmission, that would have been 3.28/2.45/1.99/1.52/1.0. Is that set up still available in the street transmission?

Of course I could set up a road race transmission wiht those ratios. But I'd suspect that the gears for it are closer to "straight cut" than the street set-up, and as a result noisier. Also, often the syncro's for racing might be different. Can you update us?

Finally, at least one member here has suggested that the Hurst shifter is a little better fit than the Long unit in a C-2. That is, it does not intrude as far up into the boot. Another member cut a relief in his cross member to allow him to lower the Long shifter. Do you have any experience with the Hurst unit? Can you sell the kits with the Hurst unit?

Thanks!

Harry

Just an edit... The ratios I suggest would allow a 2.73 rear end and still have 3:70/wide ratio Muncie gearing!

vettesbydesign

auto to 5/6 speed conversion prices added,and parts list.

vettesbydesign

ttt....

vettesbydesign

53 Blue Flame

If you have ever driven a big block with an M21 and 3:70 gears, the five or six speed option would be a delight. Good luck with the sales.

vettesbydesign

vettesbydesign

ttt....

shft22

WOW, just found this thread. I have a Richmond 5sp OD in my 66 BB, and until resentfully I had no complains, but I really dont want to go into that here.
I have a question the shifter mount plate that you sell, comparing it to the one that ships from Richmond with the Long shifter, what does it do to the shifter position??

jjtoma

I'll second that quote. If I could have a Super T-10 gear set.

(2.64 first, 1.61 second, 1.23 third, and 1.00 fourth.

Add a 5th around .65/.75. Be ideal for BB's or any stroker SB's (IMHO)

simard

Do you have the pieces available to install the ROD in a 60? I am interested in how the shifter fits (stock location?) and rear trans mount.
I am also concerned about the location (height) of the shift ****.
Thanks