original Muncie vs 5speed?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 284
Likes: 16
From: St Louis MO http://1972corvetterestomod.blogspot.com/
original Muncie vs 5speed?
So I've never had my '72 454cu.in. on the highway and it is down to bare frame now as I restore it. The original Muncie M20 came packaged with the car but needs a rebuild, so I'm at a crossroad... rebuild the Muncie or go 5speed trans with overdrive. Would be cool to have the numbers matching drive train back but also want a comfortable highway cruiser. I found a RPM calculator on the web and it says I should expect about 3000 RPM at 70mph with 3.36 gears. So those of you with the original 4 speed... what is that driving experience like? Manageable for short highway runs? Thanks! 
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,879
Likes: 38
From: Los Gatos CA
You want original or modern OD transmission?
The modern trans shifts better, is stronger and has the benefits of overdrive!
The original came with the car and is period correct.
I want original, but that's just me.
It's your car...
The modern trans shifts better, is stronger and has the benefits of overdrive!
The original came with the car and is period correct.
I want original, but that's just me.
It's your car...
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 81
From: Hamilton Virginia
Theres another post going on right now talkng about what is Old School. This is where I would show my old school colors.
I am old school. nothing better than listening to my big block/side pipes cruising at 70 mph, 3000 rpms. I love the sound,vibration, I have considered changing my rear ratio, but just do not want the trade off.
I vote rebuild the 4speed, and keeping it old school.
I am old school. nothing better than listening to my big block/side pipes cruising at 70 mph, 3000 rpms. I love the sound,vibration, I have considered changing my rear ratio, but just do not want the trade off.
I vote rebuild the 4speed, and keeping it old school.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 284
Likes: 16
From: St Louis MO http://1972corvetterestomod.blogspot.com/
Theres another post going on right now talkng about what is Old School. This is where I would show my old school colors.
I am old school. nothing better than listening to my big block/side pipes cruising at 70 mph, 3000 rpms. I love the sound,vibration, I have considered changing my rear ratio, but just do not want the trade off.
I vote rebuild the 4speed, and keeping it old school.
I am old school. nothing better than listening to my big block/side pipes cruising at 70 mph, 3000 rpms. I love the sound,vibration, I have considered changing my rear ratio, but just do not want the trade off.
I vote rebuild the 4speed, and keeping it old school.
sending you a PMIt's a tough one for me. I'd likely do the modern OD trans without a moment's hesitation if money were no object, but it is an expensive mod for sure. I might have to go old school on this one and pretend I don't know any better!
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 57
From: Mundelein Illinois
I do a lot of road trips, car has been to NJ, TX , KY, TN, OK, PA, IL, WI, MN. so a 5 speed made sense for me. I would of gone 6 speed if possible. I keep my 4 speed in the basement. I think overdrive in these cars is the best upgrade. If your not going 80 on the highways around here, go will cause a collision. Driving around town 4 speed was great
Remember the car is quieter on the highway with 5 speed, motor is not screaming. If you like all that noise. leave it in 4th and when you get tired of it (When the wife is with) go to 5th. Best of both worlds.
Just my 2 cents
Last edited by spedaleden; Nov 22, 2014 at 07:54 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,795
Likes: 434
From: Aarhus, Denmark
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 167
Likes: 2
From: BLACKSBURG VA
4speed vs 5 speed
I rebuilt my Muncie 4 speed and put a Gear Vendors Overdrive behind it followed by 3:55 gears. The motor is a 496 BB with 635 hp. GVO goes for $3,000.00 which is less than the 5 speed. This combination allows you overdrive in 2nd,3rd,and 4th gear. It is rock solid and more fun to drive than anything I have been in.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
The Muncie 4 speed is not a problem for me but the stock shifter has to go. That's what makes it feel like you are driving a truck. It will be replaced with a Hurst Competition Plus shifter . A world of difference in smoothness.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 534
Likes: 6
From: Cave Creek AZ
