C1 & C2 Corvettes General C1 Corvette & C2 Corvette Discussion, Technical Info, Performance Upgrades, Project Builds, Restorations

[C1] Going to the dark side...5 speeds

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 20, 2026 | 12:48 PM
  #1  
jforb's Avatar
jforb
Thread Starter
Drifting
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1,369
Likes: 1,017
From: Sierra Vista, AZ
Default Going to the dark side...5 speeds

My wife gave me a birthday present, it arrived today. We'll see how this goes.





The car has a mostly stock 250 hp engine, and 3.08 gears, along with an early Muncie. There's a Lakewood scattershield in the car already. I plan to either pull the engine or just let it hang and move forward a bit while installing the new one. The new transmission is the wide ratio, I think 3.27 low, .72 od.
Reply
Old Apr 20, 2026 | 01:06 PM
  #2  
Limp's Avatar
Limp
Drifting
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 1,650
Likes: 1,078
From: Florida
Default

The 327 low should work well with your 308's... Although the 289 first gear in the close ratio TKX is alot lower than the factory 4 speed 1st gear......
How did your car work with the Muncie from a dead stop????
Reply
Old Apr 20, 2026 | 01:52 PM
  #3  
Dad's '66 427's Avatar
Dad's '66 427
Melting Slicks
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 2,040
Likes: 2,226
From: Bellevue, WA
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Default

My Birthday is in July...... I have made copies of your initial post and I will leave them laying around the house......

Keep us posted on progress!!!!!
Reply
Old Apr 20, 2026 | 02:05 PM
  #4  
Tampa Jerry's Avatar
Tampa Jerry
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Active Streak: 60 Days
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,545
Likes: 1,977
From: Temple Terrace Florida
Default

Nice gift. What is the final overdrive gear of the transmission? Jerry
Reply
Old Apr 20, 2026 | 02:09 PM
  #5  
55chevr's Avatar
55chevr
Instructor
All Eyes On Me
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 138
Likes: 47
From: Franklin Square, NY
Default

I think the 5 speed is the way to go. Planning on it for this summer project


Joe
Reply
Old Apr 20, 2026 | 03:06 PM
  #6  
jforb's Avatar
jforb
Thread Starter
Drifting
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1,369
Likes: 1,017
From: Sierra Vista, AZ
Default

Originally Posted by Limp
The 327 low should work well with your 308's... Although the 289 first gear in the close ratio TKX is alot lower than the factory 4 speed 1st gear......
How did your car work with the Muncie from a dead stop????

It's a pain to get moving, I have to pay attention to slipping the clutch. Not very fun in traffic jams, either.

The OD is 0.72, which should knock the 70 mph cruising rpm down from 3000 to about 2200.
Reply
Old Apr 20, 2026 | 03:17 PM
  #7  
Limp's Avatar
Limp
Drifting
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 1,650
Likes: 1,078
From: Florida
Default

Originally Posted by jforb
It's a pain to get moving, I have to pay attention to slipping the clutch. Not very fun in traffic jams, either.

The OD is 0.72, which should knock the 70 mph cruising rpm down from 3000 to about 2200.
According to AI, the Muncie M20 wide ratio had a 252 1st gear, while the M21 and M22 both had 220 first gears.... Whichever one you had, you should see a huge improvement with starting from a stop, on top of the reduced rpm in OD.........

Last edited by Limp; Apr 22, 2026 at 07:44 AM.
Reply
Old Apr 20, 2026 | 04:20 PM
  #8  
jforb's Avatar
jforb
Thread Starter
Drifting
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1,369
Likes: 1,017
From: Sierra Vista, AZ
Default

That's what I was thinking.

I'm pretty sure my Muncie is an early one (1964) with a slightly different low gear ratio of 2.56, than the later "wide ratio" 2.52 units.

Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Apr 20, 2026 | 05:06 PM
  #9  
Corvette4me!'s Avatar
Corvette4me!
Pro
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 667
Likes: 340
From: Oklahoma
Default

I had the TKO in my 62 up until 2 years ago when I replaced it with a 700r4. I have 4:11 gears, so the first gear shift with the 3:27 was pretty quick, but it launched like a rocket and the OD really tamed the 4:11 on the highway.
Reply
Old Apr 20, 2026 | 05:20 PM
  #10  
jforb's Avatar
jforb
Thread Starter
Drifting
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1,369
Likes: 1,017
From: Sierra Vista, AZ
Default

Having 3.08 gears, I'll still be in first for a while!

Hopefully I'll continue to be able to run a clutch pedal for a while yet, I'm only 65. And my joints all still work OK.

Reply
Old Apr 20, 2026 | 05:34 PM
  #11  
JF in MI's Avatar
JF in MI
Melting Slicks
Pro Mechanic
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,271
Likes: 1,770
From: Central Michigan
2023 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Default

I think you made the right choice. My '60 came with a Muncie M21 which had the same close ratio as the original BW. It had a 3.70 rear and while it was sweet once moving it was a PIA in clutch slipping getting it going. I got the TKX 'close ratio' which has a lower 1st gear than the M20 wide ratio. Launch is much more controllable and the 'long' ratio you got should work real nice with 3.08. I got the .68 OD and I cruise around 2400-2500 rpm at 70-75 on the interstate which puts me in a more efficient torque range and my milage goes up to 24mpg.
Reply
Old Apr 20, 2026 | 07:02 PM
  #12  
Nick I.'s Avatar
Nick I.
Heel & Toe
All Eyes On Me
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 21
Likes: 43
From: Colorado
Default

"Yeah, it's got a big-block, four-speed, and 4:11s."

Latin for: Yeah, I don't drive my Corvette much."
Reply
Old Apr 21, 2026 | 11:14 PM
  #13  
jforb's Avatar
jforb
Thread Starter
Drifting
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1,369
Likes: 1,017
From: Sierra Vista, AZ
Default

The new transmission is in place. Still some parts to put back on the engine. Quite a bit of work to install this thing, I've been at it two days

Kind of tight around the shifter, I might call up SST and see what they suggest, per the instructions. The shifter hole in my car had been cut larger then completely filled in, so I'm not really sure how big it should be, and they say it should not require trimming.



Reply
Old Apr 22, 2026 | 07:48 AM
  #14  
Limp's Avatar
Limp
Drifting
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 1,650
Likes: 1,078
From: Florida
Default

Did you index your bellhousing?? A MUST DO with a Tremec transmission
Reply
Old Apr 22, 2026 | 09:31 AM
  #15  
jforb's Avatar
jforb
Thread Starter
Drifting
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1,369
Likes: 1,017
From: Sierra Vista, AZ
Default

I didn't "index" it, but I did check the runout of the scattershield center hole when I installed it a couple years ago, 0.004 TIR.

Reply
Old Apr 22, 2026 | 03:09 PM
  #16  
jforb's Avatar
jforb
Thread Starter
Drifting
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1,369
Likes: 1,017
From: Sierra Vista, AZ
Default

It's mostly back together, and driving. Speedometer is off a bit, I have a few Ford speedo gears so I think I can get it fixed. And the hole in the floor is a bit tight , and the (wrong) boot I have on the chrome floor plate doesn't fit over the rubber boot that's on the SST shifter. So that will take some fiddling.

But I like the ratios, I went for a little drive to Bisbee, it sure is different. Easier to get going, and it will actually pick up speed going down highway grades in OD. So I can downshift to 4th and get back my engine braking

Overall, a pretty nice setup.

Reply
Old Jun 9, 2026 | 04:22 PM
  #17  
jforb's Avatar
jforb
Thread Starter
Drifting
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1,369
Likes: 1,017
From: Sierra Vista, AZ
Default

After 500 miles, it's still working, and still fun to drive.

First oil change...like panning for gold...



Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Going to the dark side...5 speeds

Old Jun 9, 2026 | 04:33 PM
  #18  
6T7L71CPE's Avatar
6T7L71CPE
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,837
Likes: 497
From: Florida
Default

Yep, that's what the oil looked like from my TKO's first change.
Reply
Old Jun 10, 2026 | 12:26 PM
  #19  
jimh_1962's Avatar
jimh_1962
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,368
Likes: 875
From: Norcal CA
2018 C1 of Year Finalist
Default

Originally Posted by Nick I.
"Yeah, it's got a big-block, four-speed, and 4:11s."

Latin for: Yeah, I don't drive my Corvette much."
I have a 327 with M21 and 411s. I drive it all of the time. So far I put 1500 miles on my old ride after the winter rebuild.
Reply
Old Jun 10, 2026 | 01:13 PM
  #20  
jforb's Avatar
jforb
Thread Starter
Drifting
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1,369
Likes: 1,017
From: Sierra Vista, AZ
Default

I only put 30k miles on my 62 with M20 and 3.08 gears, before going to the dark side. Been on any long trips? like 5k miles in a week or so?
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:27 PM.

story-0
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 most overrated Corvette track packages ever.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:46:45


VIEW MORE
story-1
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

Slideshow: Every 2027 Corvette engine explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:16:31


VIEW MORE
story-2
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-08 19:53:43


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE