If you are converting to a manual I would go to a 5 speed overdrive manual.
Can a auto/manual conversion be done?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 573
Likes: 3
From: Grand Blanc Michigan
Can a auto/manual conversion be done?
I have a 1970 Convertable 454ci with an automatic transmission.
I plan to do a body off restoration with the intentions of it being a driver, not a show only.
Now I am only considering the possibility of converting the transmission type from a automatic to a 4 speed manual.
I know it would require the trans, bell housing, clutch, linkage, shifter, console, different pedals.
Did I miss anything? Would this be too much of a headache to do?
I know it would not be original, but the cost of making this a perfectly restored... ready for Bloomington show is keeping from doing the perfect restoration. Therefore why not make it a little niceer to drive, and have some fun with?
Is the 4 speed conversion a crazy idea?
I plan to do a body off restoration with the intentions of it being a driver, not a show only.
Now I am only considering the possibility of converting the transmission type from a automatic to a 4 speed manual.
I know it would require the trans, bell housing, clutch, linkage, shifter, console, different pedals.
Did I miss anything? Would this be too much of a headache to do?
I know it would not be original, but the cost of making this a perfectly restored... ready for Bloomington show is keeping from doing the perfect restoration. Therefore why not make it a little niceer to drive, and have some fun with?
Is the 4 speed conversion a crazy idea?
NCM Grand Opening Veteran
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,979
Likes: 384
From: South of giving a damn
St. Jude Donor '11, '17
Kind of. It's do-able, but if I were going to the trouble, I'd stick a 5 or 6 speed in there. Unless you have the 4 speed parts just laying around already. I believe that Keisler has a kit for this.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,812
Likes: 4
From: Gig Harbor Wa
Not at all. It really isn't that hard to do and you pretty much hit the different components you need. Ask around in the for sale section as someone may have just done the manual to auto conversion and has everything you need.
Are you set on a 4 speed. A 5 speed would be just as much work and you would get the benefit of an overdrive gear. Nice for that 454.
Are you set on a 4 speed. A 5 speed would be just as much work and you would get the benefit of an overdrive gear. Nice for that 454.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 534
Likes: 2
From: Cookeville TN
Thank you for the recommendations fellas
Keisler Engineering does have an automatic to 5 speed manual conversion kit for your Vette. When she's done she'll look just like stock 4 speed car, but will cruise down the Interstate at 2,300 RPM's!
I'd love to tell you about the conversion and answer your questions
Keisler Engineering does have an automatic to 5 speed manual conversion kit for your Vette. When she's done she'll look just like stock 4 speed car, but will cruise down the Interstate at 2,300 RPM's!
I'd love to tell you about the conversion and answer your questions
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 5
From: Japan
If you want to go the low-buck route I've compiled an accurate parts list for converting a small-block to a muncie four-speed; it shouldn't be too much different than a big-block other than the "Z" Bar and maybe the bellhousing. Email me if you'd like to see it. If you do have the $$$ for the Keistler conversion that would be the much better route though- very clean and tidy without the ebay fright AND you get a five-speed.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,342
Likes: 7
From: Connecticut
I dont care if you go 4 speed, 5 speed or 10 speed..... DO IT
I cannot stand to see a V8 Sports car with an auto ... just takes the fun out of it
I have converted dozens of GM auto's to Standard including a 1970 Olds Cutlass Supreme 350 Rocket which I was told "It couldnt be done" because the depth of the crankshaft would not accommodate a pilot bushing... they were correct.
I had a friend measure the hole in the end of the crank which was wider and shallower than any pilot bushing produced........ So he machined one for me
I had to cut 3/8" off the input shaft of a Muncie
Used a Pontiac GTO Bell housing, pedals ect:
It worked great!
Sad part is I was rear ended about 2 months later which totaled the car.
I cannot stand to see a V8 Sports car with an auto ... just takes the fun out of it
I have converted dozens of GM auto's to Standard including a 1970 Olds Cutlass Supreme 350 Rocket which I was told "It couldnt be done" because the depth of the crankshaft would not accommodate a pilot bushing... they were correct.
I had a friend measure the hole in the end of the crank which was wider and shallower than any pilot bushing produced........ So he machined one for me
I had to cut 3/8" off the input shaft of a Muncie
Used a Pontiac GTO Bell housing, pedals ect:
It worked great!
Sad part is I was rear ended about 2 months later which totaled the car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville Tennessee
Bob's right, just do it. The best swap I could have done for my car and me! The 5ht gear overdrive is really the way to go if you are serious about driving it a lot. It makes the car more enjoyable to drive and saves a few bucks on gas as well. Most of us have gone to the hydraulic clutch setup. It is smoother, easier to install and much easier to hold down when stopped.
Bernie
Bernie
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From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
if you purchase the parts seperately, you may have to change one u Joint on the drive shaft...on my 68, the auto and manual trans U joints are different sizes. Not sure if that is the case with yours.