We're dealing with 2 different questions here.

Which is the most valuable?
Which on do I like best?

The other question is what happens to the value of my car if I swap the transmission around. Actually that's an easy one. If you change from a PG to a 4-speed you drop the value of your car because it's no longer original. Now we have 3 choices to ponder on the value scale. Which is the most desirable (or valuable).

An original 4-speed
An original PG
An original PG that now has a 4-speed

Richard Newton

 

An automatic in a C1/C2 ?

I can't think about it without throwing up in my mouth a little bit....just add another row of seats in the back and you can make an Impala....

 

I when thru this when I finished mine ,I had a choice to put it back to
the way it was born or go four speed ,I choose to restore the car for what it was .
I think its worth more putting it back to original then putting in a four speed .its a SD marking .
These power guilds were not beaten up nearly as bad as the 3 and four speed cars .In my case its working out have to go in for hip replacement soon ,left one for sure. Plus I did a conversion on my 57 Chevy in the 60 s and had nothing but trouble kept blowing rear ends.

 

If you're going to go through all the trouble of changing a Powerglide to a stick at least add another gear. 5 or 6 speed Tremic is the way to go. They are so much more driver friendly than the old Muncie with the crappy stock shifter.

 

I DO agree with those who have PG cars keeping them original. My '67 Chevelle SS had an automatic-to-Muncie conversion and no matter what I did it never seemed 100% right. Very acceptable when I was done with all the tweaks but not 100% like a factory 4 speed IMO.

 

OP asks a question 4 years ago, and like the Energizer bunny it keeps ticking...

 

Yup! another zombie thread...resurrected from the dead to prey on the living!

 

I got pulled in there also.
I should check my dates better .Things do change with time
just think at that time you could almost afford a SWC .

 

I don't see a downside in responding to older threads, it's fun!

I look at it differently growing up in the C-1 era. Muscle cars were just what the definition depicts; influence, force, strength, might, weight, sway and power as in sheer performance not to be confused with power steering, power breaks, power windows etc. I like to keep my automobiles separate. I really appreciate luxury cars and their refinements, they serve well in today’s market, buuuut there are no exceptions, if you’re looking for comfort & muscle it can be provided, hell they can put anything on today’s automobiles for the right price, but that doesn’t indicate correctness, just laziness in my book. For instance, I love many things in my life, keeping them separate allows me to appreciate each of their experiences and differences.
I appreciated manual or standard transmissions, it was what my father taught me to drive. Every Friday night we had our family gatherings at the dirt track, it was a blast everyone we know was there. I distinctly remember all race cars having manual transmissions. No air conditioning, power windows, cruise control etc., just plain power, and after the race was over for the drive home it was comfort and luxury buuuut never that confusing combination called Musclelux (sounds like a laxative).
As society is ever changing today, we are learning to cope with drastic changes buuuut I have the option to go back in time when I drive my 61 fuelie, it reminds me of a much simpler appreciated time in my life, finding myself going back more & more every week, it’s my nostalgic therapy.

Just my 2 cense.

rustylugnuts

 

It would be nice if BOTH performance (with a manual tranny) and luxury could be bought in an American car------------------------but not today.
Recently, I guess the closest thing to having both is the Cadillac CTS 4dr sedan (or the wagon------my choice) with about a 550hp V8 and a 6sp tranny. But that car is WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY out of my price range. But if I could afford it, that would be the car for me!

 

These cars make ideal prospects to convert over to 5 speed manual. The difference in selling price between auto and factory manual trans equipped cars could easily cover the cost of conversion. The car becomes more fun to drive and remains 'original' (trans, etc. parts retained). .. Best of both worlds.

4 year old thread picks up where it left off..............it's all good!

 

I changed my '66 from a PG to a 4 speed. It had the original PG but a CE block. I figured if it didn't have the original engine the original PG had little to do, if any, with the value of the car. You would be very hard pressed to tell it was changed (it would probably take an "expert") and I did it myself for $1500.00.
Everything works as it should and it does still have the original 3:36 posi.

 

Still relevant. The opinions still hold as much value as when originally posted. But by all means walk all over FTF.

 

Great, now we gotta guy with a talking car.

 

Many do, its of no consequence in the big scheme of things..

 

Keep in mine the original carb dated is rare with the power guild ,the
2 inch exhaust and all the component's that hold it in place.
The neutral safety switch which is almost impossible to find. Very rare
A correct PG corvette is as time goes on is more desirable to the ageing baby boomers.
I have the original PG, and would sell it first that change it up.

 

That is true...and often the kickdown linkage is made from "unobtanium".

I have gradually seen the vintage Mustang crowd embrace automatics as they age and the knees go out. Personally, I may sell my cars if it gets to that point - purely a personal thing though.

 

damnit, I wet my pants on this one,,,,,

 

Hey ! automatics can make your engine talk ,and scream too.

 

So, if it roars through its throat and you are a half second slow in the upshift and one of your pistons launches out of the case and up through your pretty blue hood, we better not hear you cursing your corvette that you love! It's all on you pal...