Auto to 4-speed conversion
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 153
Likes: 10
From: Minneapolis
When you decide to do the swap,choose the right trans to match your rear gear ratio.Shoot for a 10:1 first gear start off ratio.My 3.08 rear gear needs a 3.XX 1st gear.I went with a 6spd Richmond which has a 3.28 first gear.3.08 X 3.28= 10.07 just about perfect! To much first gear and your shifting too soon.To little first gear and your gonna be slipping your clutch.
Another reason I like the Richmond 6spd with the 3.08 rear gear is the gear spreads.The gear ratio's keep the rpm's up on upshift's.If you choose the wrong trans you may be disappointed in the performance and end up change rear gears to get the results you want.Added expense...
If you got a big block with loads of torque,well then it's not a big deal cuz you have all that torque to get you rolling along.
Another reason I like the Richmond 6spd with the 3.08 rear gear is the gear spreads.The gear ratio's keep the rpm's up on upshift's.If you choose the wrong trans you may be disappointed in the performance and end up change rear gears to get the results you want.Added expense...
If you got a big block with loads of torque,well then it's not a big deal cuz you have all that torque to get you rolling along.
OK, Thanks for the tip. I still have a small block, but with a little more HP than the stock 210HP.
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 9
From: Science Bitch! Mississauga, Ontario
Canadian Events Coordinator
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 158
Likes: 3
From: VA/MD
its a big job, and I'm "mechanically inclined" to say the least lol
the pedals are the biggest PITA, theres no short cut, trust me i tried. as said before, the dash, and ssteering have to come out. IDK if your wiper cowl is different than my 72, but that was a breeze with 1/4" air ratchet and deep well socket.
But may I suggest that you buy a manual for the car, I borrowed my old mans 1969 manual. And make sure you have everythign before you start. Luckily for me Zip is 5 minutes from ym house so not having parts wasn't a big deal for me. But if youre not near a store or a good buddy, id make sure you buy the manual, and make sure you have all the little clips and hardware before you start
the pedals are the biggest PITA, theres no short cut, trust me i tried. as said before, the dash, and ssteering have to come out. IDK if your wiper cowl is different than my 72, but that was a breeze with 1/4" air ratchet and deep well socket.
But may I suggest that you buy a manual for the car, I borrowed my old mans 1969 manual. And make sure you have everythign before you start. Luckily for me Zip is 5 minutes from ym house so not having parts wasn't a big deal for me. But if youre not near a store or a good buddy, id make sure you buy the manual, and make sure you have all the little clips and hardware before you start
Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 599
Likes: 16
From: vista CA
I converted TH350 to used T56 and love it, much more fun to drive and the overdrives keep the rpms down cruising 80mph on the freeway. Pedal swap is a PITA as other say. I'd say go for it. You might also want to consider converting to hydraulic clutch 'while your there', depending upon which tranny you go with.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 153
Likes: 10
From: Minneapolis
Sounds like everyone that has done the conversion is happy that they did it........but the pedal is a PITA.
I already have a corvette manual, and my buddy is a professional mechanic, so I do not think that it will be a problem. I will probably do the pedal assembly myself and then get help to lift and install the tranny assembly.
I already have a corvette manual, and my buddy is a professional mechanic, so I do not think that it will be a problem. I will probably do the pedal assembly myself and then get help to lift and install the tranny assembly.
