auto transmission
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
auto transmission
I have a 1976 C3 with a 4 speed. Would like to convert to an auto transmission. friend has a turbo 400 I can have. Will it change my rpms to more or less. What changes will I need to make? My reason for change is due to my health. Any input will be appreciated.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 22
From: Marina CA
The biggest obstacle is your car has a welded in cross-member for the 4 speed and the automatics have a bolt in cross-member. Either you convert the cross-member or go with an aftermarket such as Bow Tie Overdrives. If you don't convert to a bolt in type you'll be pulling the engine and installing the T-400 and engine together. You'll have to convert your pedal box to eliminate the clutch pedal, do some floor pan modifications for the shifter and install the kick-down switch assembly on your throttle linkage under the dash.
I'm sure others that have gone down this road can elaborate more.
I'm sure others that have gone down this road can elaborate more.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
derek...not everyone
Ken Decker
while you will get a bunch of cats not helping but saying keep the stick they missed you said health has a bearing and after all it's YOUR car build it your way,
You will need the auto shifter and cable, no big deal,
You will need flex plate and correct for your engine and driving style convertor, that needs some research,
you will need a radiator with auto tranny cooler or add an auto tranny cooler.
Here is my build thread and the way the tech did my cross member conversion that I came up with, I like it,
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...m-project.html
Ken Decker
while you will get a bunch of cats not helping but saying keep the stick they missed you said health has a bearing and after all it's YOUR car build it your way,
You will need the auto shifter and cable, no big deal,
You will need flex plate and correct for your engine and driving style convertor, that needs some research,
you will need a radiator with auto tranny cooler or add an auto tranny cooler.
Here is my build thread and the way the tech did my cross member conversion that I came up with, I like it,
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...m-project.html
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
I didn't catch the health thing. All the more reason he may wanna sell it and get one with auto already in it, or trade somebody. At least worth looking into...
Last edited by derekderek; Sep 22, 2015 at 05:22 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
FYI, My '71 was a muncie car, 336 rear, I cut the support, had a buddy weld in some 2" angle, and fore/aft bolts on each end, I cut the bottoms out of the exhaust pipe loops, and reinforced the top structure, so the exhaust comes off easy.....the 200 r4 trans for the OD....sets on the cross support directly.....I just got a 5 buck HUEST chrome shifter shaft, bolted it to the stick shift linkage, took the proper length shifter rod to the trans, and screwed an 8 ball on top.....COOL!!!!!
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 30
From: Los Angeles CA
did that on my c4 and regretted it, how often/much do you drive it?
if not too much leave it alone and buy yourself a ratty automatic car, i know it's a weird comment, but really consider it....
if not too much leave it alone and buy yourself a ratty automatic car, i know it's a weird comment, but really consider it....
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
I doubt he needs 2 vettes. He would probably be able to get better auto car with money from his clutch car. He wants to drive a nice vette, not something looks like a project he is just starting to redo...
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Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
I don't like these wheels I better sell my 69 and buy a 69 with the wheels I like...
The fellow didn't say he wanted to drive some "other" car with an auto he wants to drop an auto in his c3 so why not help with that rather than spew your opinions of what you want in your car on his build?
I do not know about the fellow who started this thread but in my case I would never sell a car to get something like the tranny or engine or anything I wanted as an "option", GM didn't make the c3 I wanted so I am making it, it's hard to find a nice c3 that meets ones critiera if I had a car I knew and liked never would I get all involved with selling it and hunting and buying something else...way more time trouble and money than a simply tranny swap......
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,084
Likes: 786
From: Lebanon Township New Jersey
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
A lot of work...
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 30
From: Los Angeles CA
if health is an issue, pushing the left pedal would be a lot easier and crawling around the vehicle for months if not years to get it done; if ever.
breaking your back in the process, one thing for sure is it will be down for months if not years and then you will regain your health from not having to drive a stick or at all
a lot of work yes
breaking your back in the process, one thing for sure is it will be down for months if not years and then you will regain your health from not having to drive a stick or at all
a lot of work yes
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
I appreciate all the input.I have lost some mobility in my left leg. The most viable option is an auto transmission. I have been building cars since I was a teenager. I enjoy looking at the finished product. The time to build /convert to auto is about one month. working at my own pace. This is my first Corvette project.I am confident that I can do the necessary work.
I have installed Vintage air and an aluminum 3 core cross flow radiator. Car is solid and in very good condition.
AS fror trades, The few I have done, I always end up on the short end of the stick.
I have installed Vintage air and an aluminum 3 core cross flow radiator. Car is solid and in very good condition.
AS fror trades, The few I have done, I always end up on the short end of the stick.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,397
Likes: 1,226
From: Tampa Florida
The ORIGINAL and bestest
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 10,009
Likes: 240
From: Toronto Ontario
Toronto Events Coordinator
Ken, I converted my 72 from a TH400 to a 5 spd several years ago, and I still have the auto trans related parts. Let me know if you are interested, and I will put together a list of what I have and a price.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,705
Likes: 983
From: Orlando FL
There it is! Sooner or later, SOMEBODY comes through!
I LOVE this forum.... the members are great!
