American Powertrain transmission group buy
05-23-2012, 07:51 PM
#481
Melting Slicks
Ok - picked up my car just now and drove it around 4 miles home (have to bring it back in the morning for some tweaking) but wanted to share my initial thoughts. Shifting is definitely something to get used to but I am sure that won't be a problem after a while. Going from 2nd to 3rd will either go to 5th by accident or you hit a wall unless you shift with the palm of your hand. I am sure after 30 or 40 shifts it will become a more natural shift (hopefully). The shifter is definitely higher and needs to be dealt with. AP told me that the top of the ball should be 6" tall from the console plate as measured on a very original '69. Mine is now 7.5" tall. Going to call AP in the morning and see what they can do about it. I don't like their solution of going with a 63-67 shifter handle which they said is I believe is 2 inches shorter because then it will be too low. Can't really provide much more feedback because I can't put some miles on the car but hopefully tomorrow will be able to do so. They replaced the AP clutch with a McLeod which feels real good and pretty close to the original. Haven't even had the damn thing on the highway yet but assuming the get the tweaks done tomorrow I will definitely have some more feedback for you guys.
05-23-2012, 08:31 PM
#482
Drifting
Was just speaking to a fellow c3 friend down here and talking about how we are all masochists 
I think I realized that getting stressed out about my car keeps me from getting stressed out from other crap. I will post an update as soon as I hopefully put those miles on tomorrow.
I think I realized that getting stressed out about my car keeps me from getting stressed out from other crap. I will post an update as soon as I hopefully put those miles on tomorrow.
05-23-2012, 08:49 PM
#483
Melting Slicks
Was just speaking to a fellow c3 friend down here and talking about how we are all masochists I think I realized that getting stressed out about my car keeps me from getting stressed out from other crap. I will post an update as soon as I hopefully put those miles on tomorrow.
I think I realized that getting stressed out about my car keeps me from getting stressed out from other crap. I will post an update as soon as I hopefully put those miles on tomorrow.
05-24-2012, 07:04 AM
#484
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Jan 2003
Location: Doha
Posts: 2,876
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6 Posts
St. Jude Donor '08
Ok - picked up my car just now and drove it around 4 miles home (have to bring it back in the morning for some tweaking) but wanted to share my initial thoughts. Shifting is definitely something to get used to but I am sure that won't be a problem after a while. Going from 2nd to 3rd will either go to 5th by accident or you hit a wall unless you shift with the palm of your hand. I am sure after 30 or 40 shifts it will become a more natural shift (hopefully). The shifter is definitely higher and needs to be dealt with. AP told me that the top of the ball should be 6" tall from the console plate as measured on a very original '69. Mine is now 7.5" tall. Going to call AP in the morning and see what they can do about it. I don't like their solution of going with a 63-67 shifter handle which they said is I believe is 2 inches shorter because then it will be too low. Can't really provide much more feedback because I can't put some miles on the car but hopefully tomorrow will be able to do so. They replaced the AP clutch with a McLeod which feels real good and pretty close to the original. Haven't even had the damn thing on the highway yet but assuming the get the tweaks done tomorrow I will definitely have some more feedback for you guys.
05-24-2012, 01:12 PM
#485
Drifting
Pouring rain here and don't know if it will stop today to get her out. Will give an update when the rain stops and I can drive more.
Hamad- clutch leg effort is maybe slightly more than the original but not bad at all.
Here is a pic of the shift plate that I am not crazy about. The original one is raised and much clearer.
Hamad- clutch leg effort is maybe slightly more than the original but not bad at all.
Here is a pic of the shift plate that I am not crazy about. The original one is raised and much clearer.
05-24-2012, 05:34 PM
#487
Drifting
Sun came out here for a bit so I got to take her out. Have to say that the most frustrating thing about the transmission is going from 5th to 4th. It definitely isn't a natural shift motion and hit reverse once which wasn't too pleasant. The 2nd to 3rd is also not a natural motion but easier to get used to - hit a wall maybe twice out of 15 or 20 shifts to 3rd. I went from a dead stop maybe around 15 times and once or twice started out in 3rd for a second because 1st is really over to the left a bit - don't see this as a problem as it will be easy to get use to. All in all, the most bothersome thing is definitely 5th to 4th and although I am sure we will all get use to the motion, the fear of hearing the grind to reverse is a bit nerve racking and going to be on my mind every time I downshift to 4th.
05-24-2012, 05:41 PM
#488
Melting Slicks
Sun came out here for a bit so I got to take her out. Have to say that the most frustrating thing about the transmission is going from 5th to 4th. It definitely isn't a natural shift motion and hit reverse once which wasn't too pleasant. The 2nd to 3rd is also not a natural motion but easier to get used to - hit a wall maybe twice out of 15 or 20 shifts to 3rd. I went from a dead stop maybe around 15 times and once or twice started out in 3rd for a second because 1st is really over to the left a bit - don't see this as a problem as it will be easy to get use to. All in all, the most bothersome thing is definitely 5th to 4th and although I am sure we will all get use to the motion, the fear of hearing the grind to reverse is a bit nerve racking and going to be on my mind every time I downshift to 4th.
05-25-2012, 02:36 PM
#489
Drifting
Just an update on the shift handle for you guys. Daniel at AP is shipping me a 63-67 handle which he said is 1.5 inches shorter and sounds like the perfect fit. Thought he told me 2.5 inches before and I told him that would be too low. Anyway, they charge your credit card around $80 and credit back when you send the other shifter back. Not too pleased with them charging me for their mistake even if they credit me back but at least it looks like they can get us the correct size shifter. Will let you all know.
Billy- I would love to hear too about anyone's experience with that plate solution and what is involved with installation.
Billy- I would love to hear too about anyone's experience with that plate solution and what is involved with installation.
05-25-2012, 02:40 PM
#490
Le Mans Master
AP posted up on Facebook a picture of about 100 transmissions in stock. (ok maybe not that many, but it looks like they have more then 20 lol)Hopefully the rest of you guys get yours soon.
I was promised a call back on Monday about my parts return. It's now Friday and I have heard nothing. I guess I'll have to call them again.
I was promised a call back on Monday about my parts return. It's now Friday and I have heard nothing. I guess I'll have to call them again.
05-25-2012, 06:53 PM
#491
Drifting
AP posted up on Facebook a picture of about 100 transmissions in stock. (ok maybe not that many, but it looks like they have more then 20 lol)Hopefully the rest of you guys get yours soon.
I was promised a call back on Monday about my parts return. It's now Friday and I have heard nothing. I guess I'll have to call them again.
I was promised a call back on Monday about my parts return. It's now Friday and I have heard nothing. I guess I'll have to call them again.
05-25-2012, 07:09 PM
#492
Le Mans Master
No call back here either.
05-26-2012, 09:59 AM
#498
Melting Slicks
other then that it looks the same. did you get the shorter shift lever? And is your shift lever ball black or chrome? I got black with mine,i didnt ask for it.
05-26-2012, 10:12 AM
#499
Burning Brakes
you guys made me nervous.. i took more pics.. .
05-27-2012, 01:26 PM
#500
Drifting
Just wanted to give another update to you guys. Had the car out today and was cruising on the highway and have to say that although I was nervous about 5th to 4th, I think I have it down pat now. Think it is just a matter of getting enough shifts under your belt and then no problem. 2nd to 3rd didn't have one problem either. Was real nice to be running 2200 rpms at 70mph and be able to cruise at even higher speeds with no problem.