Another auto 2 manual conv (77)
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Crisfield Maryland
Another auto 2 manual conv (77)
Good morning ~
Ok I'm doing a conversion from stock th350 to muncie m20. Ive read a lot of forums about this and got some really good info - especially the pics w measurements for where exactly the zbar frame bracket needs to be welded on. Thanks. I do need clarification on one specific thing and possible help with other stuff later on: Is the zbar specific to the Vette or are there other zbars that will fit? Probably best to get the one that is just for the Vette, to make sure geometry is correct, yes?
I do have clutch pedal assembly, clutch pedal pushrod, flywheel, bellhousing, clutch disc, pressure plate, zbar frame bracket, m20 trans.
I need: zbar, clutch fork (which seems also to be Vette specific), throwout bearing, zbar to fork pushrod, springs, shifter kit & linkages.
I have done: removed old brake pedal assembly (along w dash, etc - which has caused me to do some rewiring of old wires and running new brake lines, master cylinder etc), removed old transmission, cooling lines, kickdown, etc.
I love to buy old stuff and refurbish myself, but sometimes its better to buy new. Id rather save some money and not deplete the wedding funds, but then again, better to get this stuff b4 I get married, huh!
Any parts for sale, advice, answer about specific zbar, etc, let me know! Thanks
Ok I'm doing a conversion from stock th350 to muncie m20. Ive read a lot of forums about this and got some really good info - especially the pics w measurements for where exactly the zbar frame bracket needs to be welded on. Thanks. I do need clarification on one specific thing and possible help with other stuff later on: Is the zbar specific to the Vette or are there other zbars that will fit? Probably best to get the one that is just for the Vette, to make sure geometry is correct, yes?
I do have clutch pedal assembly, clutch pedal pushrod, flywheel, bellhousing, clutch disc, pressure plate, zbar frame bracket, m20 trans.
I need: zbar, clutch fork (which seems also to be Vette specific), throwout bearing, zbar to fork pushrod, springs, shifter kit & linkages.
I have done: removed old brake pedal assembly (along w dash, etc - which has caused me to do some rewiring of old wires and running new brake lines, master cylinder etc), removed old transmission, cooling lines, kickdown, etc.
I love to buy old stuff and refurbish myself, but sometimes its better to buy new. Id rather save some money and not deplete the wedding funds, but then again, better to get this stuff b4 I get married, huh!
Any parts for sale, advice, answer about specific zbar, etc, let me know! Thanks
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Crisfield Maryland
Status Update
http://www.akakool.com/Corvette/
When I removed the dash to get to the brake booster nuts, I decided to do some rewiring. I am installing 2 new fuse blocks and getting rid of the old firewall connection and glass fuse block. Then when I actually removed the brake booster, I decided to replace the booster and master cylinder. I disassembled the master cylinder and found that it was slightly pitted so I am replacing. So... after that decision I made another, and replaced the brake lines as well, along with the proportioning valve. Every metal area I touched, I sanded and painted. I cut out a place in the trans tunnel for the manual shifter. Sanded/painted crossmember, pedal housing, and bellhousing - as you can see from the pictures. The dogs handed me wrenches.
I decided to get a brand new z-bar and clutch fork. No unexpected problems there. I just need to get the z-bar bracket welded to the frame and order my shifter. Any recommendation? Hurst competition plus? Anything cheaper/used?
Will hopefully update someday later. If anyone needs pictures, ask me.
When I removed the dash to get to the brake booster nuts, I decided to do some rewiring. I am installing 2 new fuse blocks and getting rid of the old firewall connection and glass fuse block. Then when I actually removed the brake booster, I decided to replace the booster and master cylinder. I disassembled the master cylinder and found that it was slightly pitted so I am replacing. So... after that decision I made another, and replaced the brake lines as well, along with the proportioning valve. Every metal area I touched, I sanded and painted. I cut out a place in the trans tunnel for the manual shifter. Sanded/painted crossmember, pedal housing, and bellhousing - as you can see from the pictures. The dogs handed me wrenches.
I decided to get a brand new z-bar and clutch fork. No unexpected problems there. I just need to get the z-bar bracket welded to the frame and order my shifter. Any recommendation? Hurst competition plus? Anything cheaper/used?
Will hopefully update someday later. If anyone needs pictures, ask me.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Hurst Comp Plus shifter is the only way to go. Miles ahead of the OEM frame mounted PoS, IMCO.
You did get the Corvette specific fork, right?
Don't forget to check the C3 Parts forum for other bits you need. Sometimes you'll see pretty much a whole conversion kit posted for sale.
Oh, and IMHO if you follow thru and do things right you're about to make one of the best mods you'll ever make.
BTW, what's your diff's FDR?
...and, if you're honestly worried about being able to spend money on your hobbies after you get married, you might want to delay the nuptials until you reach an understanding. Else, for your sake I hope you were kidding. Corvettes (and everything else) get a lot harder to afford post divorce...
You did get the Corvette specific fork, right?
Don't forget to check the C3 Parts forum for other bits you need. Sometimes you'll see pretty much a whole conversion kit posted for sale.
Oh, and IMHO if you follow thru and do things right you're about to make one of the best mods you'll ever make.
BTW, what's your diff's FDR?
...and, if you're honestly worried about being able to spend money on your hobbies after you get married, you might want to delay the nuptials until you reach an understanding. Else, for your sake I hope you were kidding. Corvettes (and everything else) get a lot harder to afford post divorce...
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 76
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From: Crisfield Maryland
Hurst Comp Plus shifter is the only way to go. Miles ahead of the OEM frame mounted PoS, IMCO.
You did get the Corvette specific fork, right?
Don't forget to check the C3 Parts forum for other bits you need. Sometimes you'll see pretty much a whole conversion kit posted for sale.
Oh, and IMHO if you follow thru and do things right you're about to make one of the best mods you'll ever make.
BTW, what's your diff's FDR?
...and, if you're honestly worried about being able to spend money on your hobbies after you get married, you might want to delay the nuptials until you reach an understanding. Else, for your sake I hope you were kidding. Corvettes (and everything else) get a lot harder to afford post divorce...
You did get the Corvette specific fork, right?
Don't forget to check the C3 Parts forum for other bits you need. Sometimes you'll see pretty much a whole conversion kit posted for sale.
Oh, and IMHO if you follow thru and do things right you're about to make one of the best mods you'll ever make.
BTW, what's your diff's FDR?
...and, if you're honestly worried about being able to spend money on your hobbies after you get married, you might want to delay the nuptials until you reach an understanding. Else, for your sake I hope you were kidding. Corvettes (and everything else) get a lot harder to afford post divorce...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
3.55 is a great all around gear, tho with the M20 and a SB 1st might seem just a wee bit tall. Otherwise IMHO you'll be quite happy with it.
Good ones are rare. Keep her spoiled and she shouldn't have any reason to want you to change.
...BTW, she got a sister?
Good ones are rare. Keep her spoiled and she shouldn't have any reason to want you to change.
...BTW, she got a sister?
Last edited by TheSkunkWorks; Mar 28, 2010 at 09:30 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 76
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From: Crisfield Maryland
Shifter
Is this the shifter I need for the M-20?
They don't have a kit just for the M-20, but they do for M-21. The only difference between M-20 and M-21 are the internal gears, correct?
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CMB-13-0059/
Then there is this that comes up for 77 corvette:
http://www.summitracing.com/search/B...E/?Ns=Rank|Asc
But - will that kit work with an M-20??? It says it's for an M-22.
They both seem expensive, too.
Help? Thanks
They don't have a kit just for the M-20, but they do for M-21. The only difference between M-20 and M-21 are the internal gears, correct?
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CMB-13-0059/
Then there is this that comes up for 77 corvette:
http://www.summitracing.com/search/B...E/?Ns=Rank|Asc
But - will that kit work with an M-20??? It says it's for an M-22.
They both seem expensive, too.
Help? Thanks
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 76
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From: Crisfield Maryland
I found this in the parts section. Will this work?
Thanks
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-p...s-shifter.html
Thanks
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-p...s-shifter.html
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
I did the keisler 5 speed and kit for my A-M.
One of those Kit places could sell you the weld on frame side metal of the Z-bar and engine pivot ball.
with the vacuum booster and MC out of the way welding it was no problem. Just set it all up square and C-clamp in place. On my 79 I unscrewed my brake line block and bent it out of the way just for welding then restored it to it's original pos.
One of those Kit places could sell you the weld on frame side metal of the Z-bar and engine pivot ball.
with the vacuum booster and MC out of the way welding it was no problem. Just set it all up square and C-clamp in place. On my 79 I unscrewed my brake line block and bent it out of the way just for welding then restored it to it's original pos.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 76
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From: Crisfield Maryland
I would love to get a 5-speed, or maybe even 6.
But... the only reason I'm not right now: $$$
At least after this project, I'll have all the parts installed and ready to go for any manual trans.
I've got a standard clutch kit - are there any recommendations for a good, possibly better, clutch?
But... the only reason I'm not right now: $$$
At least after this project, I'll have all the parts installed and ready to go for any manual trans.
I've got a standard clutch kit - are there any recommendations for a good, possibly better, clutch?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 76
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From: Crisfield Maryland
New Discovery
I have a new discovery. After looking at some of the pics I took when I did some work in 2006, I saw a picture of the differential. The casting #s on it are: 0A280W7E1
According to resources, the 0A means I have a 3.08:1 rear end! I did not know.
2 random resources:
http://corvette-world.com/corvette_1...tification.php
http://corvettec3.ca/axle.htm
Can anyone confirm this?
It looks like the old th-350 had 2.52 1st?
Any opinions on the M-20 and 2.52 1st setup? Dif gear change?
According to resources, the 0A means I have a 3.08:1 rear end! I did not know.
2 random resources:
http://corvette-world.com/corvette_1...tification.php
http://corvettec3.ca/axle.htm
Can anyone confirm this?
It looks like the old th-350 had 2.52 1st?
Any opinions on the M-20 and 2.52 1st setup? Dif gear change?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 76
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From: Crisfield Maryland
http://www.akakool.com/Corvette/
I got the frame bracket welded on!
Painted some parts - VHT caliper paint - good stuff.
Got the pedal assembly in.
Got the wiring mostly done - new fuse blocks in place.
New brake booster and master cylinder.
I got the frame bracket welded on!
Painted some parts - VHT caliper paint - good stuff.
Got the pedal assembly in.
Got the wiring mostly done - new fuse blocks in place.
New brake booster and master cylinder.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Crisfield Maryland
Decided to go with steel bellhousing, but not sure which one.
I see this one on speedway, but who makes it?? Will the alignment be way off? Is it quality????
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Explos...sing,5213.html
Then there is the lakewood:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/LAK-77-150/
Anybody actually have that speedway one or know anything about it?
Item #:
5158653
I see this one on speedway, but who makes it?? Will the alignment be way off? Is it quality????
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Explos...sing,5213.html
Then there is the lakewood:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/LAK-77-150/
Anybody actually have that speedway one or know anything about it?
Item #:
5158653
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
My own preference is to go with an SFI bell and plate for any type of high perf application.
Regardless of what bell you get, follow thru and check it for concentricity and being parallel with the crank. Even high dollar ones often need offset dowels...
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 76
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From: Crisfield Maryland
Here's an update for the project---
Transmission is in and I'm shifting thru the gears!
Everything bolted right in and fit, no problems. I dialed in the bellhousing and bought a Centerforce dual friction clutch. I got a good deal on a Hurst comp + from a forum member & it shifts great. I love the shifter/clutch combo~
I cut the hole in the metal floor for the shifter just a bit too big, but I riveted in a steel piece and installed a lower boot. I'll put up new pics sometime. By the way, my tedious examination of the wiring scheme paid off - my fuse blocks are working fine... relief. When I got back from the first test drive, I discovered a drip from the rear of the car... fuel return rubber hose busted... So I dropped the tank, cleaned, treated/painted, new hoses, sanded/painted undercar/frame area, new pickup strainer, etc, put tank back in and went back to driving.
Very happy.
Transmission is in and I'm shifting thru the gears!
Everything bolted right in and fit, no problems. I dialed in the bellhousing and bought a Centerforce dual friction clutch. I got a good deal on a Hurst comp + from a forum member & it shifts great. I love the shifter/clutch combo~
I cut the hole in the metal floor for the shifter just a bit too big, but I riveted in a steel piece and installed a lower boot. I'll put up new pics sometime. By the way, my tedious examination of the wiring scheme paid off - my fuse blocks are working fine... relief. When I got back from the first test drive, I discovered a drip from the rear of the car... fuel return rubber hose busted... So I dropped the tank, cleaned, treated/painted, new hoses, sanded/painted undercar/frame area, new pickup strainer, etc, put tank back in and went back to driving.
Very happy.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 76
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From: Crisfield Maryland
Pictures
Here are some more pics of the project:
http://www.akakool.com/Corvette/
Also includes pictures of differential mount cushions, gas tank, wheel hubs, etc.
http://www.akakool.com/Corvette/
Also includes pictures of differential mount cushions, gas tank, wheel hubs, etc.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 971
Likes: 45
From: Middlesex NJ
I just saw your post and it reminded me of engine swap a buddy did a while back.
I cant tell for sure, but your flywheel bolts look new. I hope you got flywheel bolts for a flywheel and didn't reuse the flexplate bolts? The flex plate bolts are about 1/4 - 3/8" shorter than they need to be for a flywheel.
What diameter is your brake booster? It seems to be smaller than a stock 9"?
I cant tell for sure, but your flywheel bolts look new. I hope you got flywheel bolts for a flywheel and didn't reuse the flexplate bolts? The flex plate bolts are about 1/4 - 3/8" shorter than they need to be for a flywheel.
What diameter is your brake booster? It seems to be smaller than a stock 9"?