C2 five speed
Pro
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 621
Likes: 0
From: dripping springs tx
I am getting ready to install the 5 sp. Keisler in a 71. I have researched it and I am cutting the crossmember and then reinstalling it. That seems to be the major item people are talking about when they do a change over.
POSSE ZR-1 Driver
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,980
Likes: 139
From: Groton CT
If the search function is working properly, you'll find numerous threads on this subject.
I helped a bunch of guys do one of the first owner-installs on Vietnam Vette's 65. Keisler sent a rep along to document the install and take notes to make their instruction manual better. Did it without cutting the crossmember or removing the engine. There are some special tricks doing it this way, but Keisler has a good instruction manual describing the process.
Here is a link to some pictures documenting the install:
http://www.larvamoose.com/vette/
I helped a bunch of guys do one of the first owner-installs on Vietnam Vette's 65. Keisler sent a rep along to document the install and take notes to make their instruction manual better. Did it without cutting the crossmember or removing the engine. There are some special tricks doing it this way, but Keisler has a good instruction manual describing the process.
Here is a link to some pictures documenting the install:
http://www.larvamoose.com/vette/
Last edited by Subfixer; Feb 27, 2005 at 07:48 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,788
Likes: 131
What is the benefit of going to this five speed when the GM six speeds are available at salvage yards ? Could the computer part be eliminated so it would shift like a normal gear trans. ? Not much experience with them but I do like the way they shift. Was contemplating a six speed for my 427 c-2. Anyone made the swap ? Thanks jr
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 13,634
Likes: 3,581
From: NorCal
Originally Posted by jrs 427
What is the benefit of going to this five speed when the GM six speeds are available at salvage yards ? Could the computer part be eliminated so it would shift like a normal gear trans. ? Not much experience with them but I do like the way they shift. Was contemplating a six speed for my 427 c-2. Anyone made the swap ? Thanks jr
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 13,634
Likes: 3,581
From: NorCal
You're welcome.
FYI here's the Keisler site where you can read all about it. http://www.keislerauto.com/gm/corvette.html
FYI here's the Keisler site where you can read all about it. http://www.keislerauto.com/gm/corvette.html
Racer
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 491
Likes: 12
From: Los Altos Hills, CA
The two six speeds out there are the Richmond and the Tremec T-56. The Richmond is a single overdrive that fits pretty will in the Vette. I believe there are several forum members with that tranny. It has been around a long time and is an older design.
The T-56 is a six speed with two overdrives and is the transmission that is being used in Vipers, Vettes, Cobra Mustangs and many other applications. It is a late generation design with an internal rail shifter. Louie is right, it is a big box, and won't fit in a C2 unless you have a very big hammer. I am assuming Keisler could not find an easy way to get one in the C2. I have a C2 with a T-56 using the old style Muncie bell-housing and mechanical clutch. The installation was very involved. Other C2 owners have dropped in a late generation LS motor and T-56 which has a shorter bell-housing and hydraulic clutch. They reported less problems than I had.
If I had to do it over, I'd probably opt for the Keisler. However, now that I've already sweated over it, I do enjoy the T-56.
The T-56 is a six speed with two overdrives and is the transmission that is being used in Vipers, Vettes, Cobra Mustangs and many other applications. It is a late generation design with an internal rail shifter. Louie is right, it is a big box, and won't fit in a C2 unless you have a very big hammer. I am assuming Keisler could not find an easy way to get one in the C2. I have a C2 with a T-56 using the old style Muncie bell-housing and mechanical clutch. The installation was very involved. Other C2 owners have dropped in a late generation LS motor and T-56 which has a shorter bell-housing and hydraulic clutch. They reported less problems than I had.
If I had to do it over, I'd probably opt for the Keisler. However, now that I've already sweated over it, I do enjoy the T-56.
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Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 363
Likes: 0
From: Lincoln NE
Keisler 5 Speed
I just had the Keisler 5 speed installed in my '61. If you want to know more talk to Bob at B & M Motors in Knoxville, TN. They do a lot of the Keisler installs. He could answer a lot of questions. Very helpfull and do good work. 865-922-7111.
I would recommend them HIGHLY. They are a great team and I would go back to them again. They did a ZZ4 install along with the 5 speed in my '61. Bob and his boy even waxed mine one weekend while it was there.
Tell them Hello for me.
Dave
I would recommend them HIGHLY. They are a great team and I would go back to them again. They did a ZZ4 install along with the 5 speed in my '61. Bob and his boy even waxed mine one weekend while it was there.
Tell them Hello for me.
Dave
