I would like to know what the best way to have overdrive in a 66 427 4
speed car with 3.70 gears would be...what trans will fit with the least amount
of mods and will work great. 6 speed perferred...what experiences have you
had and what works well....thanks :smash:

 

Kevo,

Hope somebody responds to your question...if not I'd research the archives on this.

I too am curious if you can have "jump" from a 3.70 posi and decent revs cruisin' at 65/70 mph.

Jim

 

The easiest one would probably be the 84-86 4+3, next the 6 speed. The hardest thing is the rear X-member and the shifter. I opted for the 700 R4 in the 66 that I am working on. It is doing about 2000 RPM at 60 with a 3:70.

 

I put a Richmond 5 Speed (that is without overdrive) into a 66 Roadster. The Six Speed Richmond is the same overall length BUT it is bulkier. If you car does not have a bolt in crossmember like some of the later Sharks that originally came with Automatics DON"T TRY THE 6 SPEED AT HOME. The 5 Speed is a tough tough fit and the 6 can only be worse. I have to say that the 6 speed with OD would be cool. Have you considered a 5 Speed with say 3:08 or 3:36 gears in the rear. I have a 3:36 rear and the Richmond and it is pretty good in highway and GREAT in the city. #:08 would be even better. Just and idea. If you decide on that route I can give you tips on the 5 Speed swap. It really is not haed just a little tough in terms of clearances.

 

Hi Oman--I would like to hear about the 5-speed install. I have one in the garage and want to put it in my 66 BBcar as soon as it warms up. My email is kaiserp@flash.net -------thanks .

 

I installed the Richmond 5 speed in my '65 convertible. It is not overdrive, but 1:1 in 5th gear. I also changed my rear end gears to 3.08. This is a pretty easy install. Major change was the rear trans mount. ALSO, since this is a tight fit, you must remove the engine to get the trans in or out in a mid year with the standard welded in cross member. I have heard from other forum members that the Richmond 6 speed is the same length of the 5 speed, and if so, it should fit like the 5 speed does.
I also ordered the shifter from Ecklers, as it is the only one that fits the Richmond 5 speed with no modifications to the stock floor or shift plate.
I hope this helps!!

 

The 6 Speed is the same overall length but it is "bigger" back there where 6th gear is. That is where all the linkage and the tail pipes and the crossmember and all those hard pointy things that skin one's knuckles are. I also believe that there is little flexibility as to where the shifter mounts on the 6 Speed and that might be problematic as far as the interior and the console. Don't know but I think there could be "issues" there.

I also don't know about fitting the 6 Speeder in there without removing the motor or at least lifting the motor up and forward. I cannot imagine getting the 5 Speed out without moving the engine. Richmond says install the 5 Speed trans (with the engine on the mounts as usual) without the tail housing then put the housing on after the trans is installed into the clutch. I never tried it and it sure sounds better than pulling the motor or even moving the motor but I fear they are smoking funny weed. Getting the tail housing up into position once the trans is in the car? Even if you pull that off now ya gotta put the linkage onto the trans.

When I put my car together I did it with the engine and trans as one unit and the linkage all set up on the trans minus the shifter handle. It just slipped in no sweat. On the other hand I have never had to service the clutch since the car was built. I bet I am gonna be an unhappy camper if that day comes.

What shifter did you use Blueshark? Do you have the Hurst P/N for the Kit you used? The P/N is on the installation instructions. Was it even a Hurst? I modified the mounting plate that bolts the Hurst to the trans to allow more floor clearance...in effect I lowered the Hurst "box" 1.5 inches by sectioning the mounting plate that attaches to the trans tailshaft.

I used a Hurst kit P/N 407 0009 is there another one I don't know about? I thought Hurst made one Kit for the 5 Speed, perhaps they sell different length levers on the same basic kit? I just chucked my lever and used a dummy Muncie lever for the original look. I can't believe Ecklers has a special kit that is differerent from other Hurst shifters??????


[Modified by TheOman, 4:09 PM 1/21/2002]