auto to 5 speed
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
auto to 5 speed
My father has a 70 stingray automatic trans and wants to convert it to a 5 speed manual. Where would i be able to get the best deal for a complete changeover kit. The car is fully restored but he wants to shift.
Any info would really help.
Any info would really help.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Keisler has a complete kit for this change over. It is not cheap but it is complete.
http://www.keislerauto.com/home.html
http://www.keislerauto.com/home.html
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 13
From: San Angelo TX
Originally Posted by ososlow
My father has a 70 stingray automatic trans and wants to convert it to a 5 speed manual. Where would i be able to get the best deal for a complete changeover kit. The car is fully restored but he wants to shift.
Any info would really help.
Any info would really help.
Put a 3.55 ratio in the rear and it will be faster than the 5 speed.
(Unless your the best shifter around)
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,652
Likes: 80
From: Lakeland Florida
Check with some of the information or drawings and see if there is a ball stud that is supposed to connect to the engine block for the clutch linkage. If there is then check your engine block to see that this hole exists. If it does not, then there will be a problem connecting the linkage.
Unless the aftermarket kits have some type of work around with this.
kdf
Unless the aftermarket kits have some type of work around with this.
kdf
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 5
From: Japan
The Keistler kit is somewhere around $3500 and it includes a hydraulic clutch setup. I pieced together a Muncie four-speed for my '70 coupe using OEM clutch linkage. The bellhousing, flywheel, starter head, clutch fork, and trans came from ebay and the clutch and shifter came from Summit. About $2000- you get what you pay for....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville Tennessee
You can put a hyd clutch in for around $120.00 using GM parts. There are several choices for 5 speed trannys. Keisler has the most comprehensive kits. Several of us have installed Mustang T5 5 speeds that work great and are cheap if you have the mechanical ability and desire to do it yourself.
Bernie
Bernie
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 534
Likes: 2
From: Cookeville TN
Hello -
The guys are right. We have a COMPLETE conversion kit for that Vette
I'd be happy to answer any questions you have, so please give me a call on my direct line 423-773-9789.
Happy motoring!
The guys are right. We have a COMPLETE conversion kit for that Vette
I'd be happy to answer any questions you have, so please give me a call on my direct line 423-773-9789.
Happy motoring!
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville Tennessee
I bought a master and slave cylinder for a 1985 one ton chevy truck. I used a steel 18 inch brake line to connect them and a resevoir from Coleman racing, although any resevoir would work. A chevy bellhousing and clutch fork match up. Te master cylinder has the correct angle to match the clutch pedal perfectly; all you have to do is cut the rod on the master cylinder, thread it to make it adjustable to mate to the clutch pedal. Really easy!
Bernie
I forgot to say that any auto store carries these in stock; Autozone NAPA, etc.
Bernie
I forgot to say that any auto store carries these in stock; Autozone NAPA, etc.
Last edited by BerniesVette; Jun 29, 2006 at 10:09 PM. Reason: Additional Information
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,638
Likes: 3
Originally Posted by ososlow
My father has a 70 stingray automatic trans and wants to convert it to a 5 speed manual. Where would i be able to get the best deal for a complete changeover kit. The car is fully restored but he wants to shift.
Any info would really help.
Any info would really help.
I quit doing that cause guys hell bent on doing it cheap - called me all sorts of names - particularly after I couldn't resist the "I told you so - several times" comments I posted when they were on their upteenth post 6 weeks later trying to solve fitment issues and compatability of parts issues.
If you have very good mechanical skills and knowledge - and a shop where you can fabricate - with a lift etc - and you have time - go for it!
If you want to do the swap and get back on the road - the Keisler is a great option.
we switched an 82 from auto to the keisler TKO 500 - and have been very pleased with the results - we roadrace and beat the heck out of the thing - for the past year - and no tranny issues at all!
Carl Johansson
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Originally Posted by roger55
I'd keep the automatic for originality....
Since the '70 is otherwise original, you would devalue the car with this swap. Remember: that '70 came out of the shortest C3 production run on record.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,116
Likes: 156
From: Mid West
Cruise-In III Veteran
I used all stock components (new and refurbished) purchased from several of the major catelogs (Ecklers, GM, Mid America, ...) except for the tranny and shifter. Purchased a Richmond 5 spd and Hurst shifter. Everything fits like factor.
Three things to note:
1) I had to cut my 76 floor board for the shifter ... not sure about a 70 floor pan.
2) You'll have to get the shifter linkage frame bracket welded on in the correct location. Not terribly difficult if you know how to weld. Just build up the linkage, trial fit, tack weld the bracket, remove z-bar so the heat doesn't damage the grease seals, then fully weld the bracket in place.
3) You'll have to either heavily modify the brake pedal or get a new one for a manual car.
Three things to note:
1) I had to cut my 76 floor board for the shifter ... not sure about a 70 floor pan.
2) You'll have to get the shifter linkage frame bracket welded on in the correct location. Not terribly difficult if you know how to weld. Just build up the linkage, trial fit, tack weld the bracket, remove z-bar so the heat doesn't damage the grease seals, then fully weld the bracket in place.
3) You'll have to either heavily modify the brake pedal or get a new one for a manual car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville Tennessee
I have to agree that the Keisler is the best way to go. Unless you are hard headed and like doing things cheaply and your own way like me. Keisler is the easiest swap you can make and going with a hydraulic clutch makes it even easier. Like Carl said, if you don't weld, have a decent shop and good mechanical experience and ability, go with Keisler. Having said that, if I build the engine with strong low end torque I may go with a T56 six speed next with a lower rear gear. This means more modifying; but for me, it is what I enjoy doing. Good luck with your project. You have a wealth of information avaiable to you on this forum with everyone willing to help you!
Bernie
Bernie
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 322
Likes: 0
From: knoxville tn
Complete Kit
Originally Posted by sl7557
ososlow:
"Classic Chevy 5-Speed" also has a complete "no cut" 5-speed conversion kit for Corvettes.
Look them up on google or yahoo
Good luck
"Classic Chevy 5-Speed" also has a complete "no cut" 5-speed conversion kit for Corvettes.
Look them up on google or yahoo
Good luck
Keep in mind Classic Chevy does not have all the components for a complete install from auto,you will still have to source pedals, linkage and several other parts. We have a complete and total kit minus the 3 quarts of GM syncromesh fluid good luck
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,857
Likes: 959
From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.
Originally Posted by roger55
I'd keep the automatic for originality.
Put a 3.55 ratio in the rear and it will be faster than the 5 speed.
(Unless your the best shifter around)
Put a 3.55 ratio in the rear and it will be faster than the 5 speed.
(Unless your the best shifter around)
If you want originality, keep the auto. If you want fun go for the manual.
(69 427 5 speed)
(84 355 6 speed)
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 18,640
Likes: 121
From: Farragut,TN
go with the 5 speed manual shift. since the car in question is an automatic it has a removeable transmission support and if you go with the keisler kit with the hydraulic clutch it should be a no brainer. i've seen a keisler conversion in a c-2 looked factory.
The ORIGINAL and bestest
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 10,009
Likes: 240
From: Toronto Ontario
Toronto Events Coordinator
Originally Posted by GENE-KEISLER SALES
Keep in mind Classic Chevy does not have all the components for a complete install from auto,you will still have to source pedals, linkage and several other parts. We have a complete and total kit minus the 3 quarts of GM syncromesh fluid good luck