Automatic to 4 or 5 speed??
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
For me, I first got rid of the PS after it very nearly steered me into a telephone pole across opposing traffic, but the bonus was the improved feel/feedback which outweighed the additional steering effort at low speeds. At first, I just cut the belt to free up the steering and get home safely. In addition to removing the pump, piston and such, replaced the pitman and relay rod (aka drag link), and I'd urge moving the outer tie-rods to the "slow" position (if no bumpsteer kit).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
If really wanting a manual and maybe considering another car, think paint and interior quality would top the list. Have a friend with a 79' L-82 Muncie 4 speed 3.73 axle car and did the Keisler 5 speed TKO swap. He's not exactly Mr. wrench, but did it himself, and the highway cruising results are pretty sweet. He kept everything removed, so shouldn't hurt value a bit.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 710
Likes: 2
From: Raynham MA
Good point. I won't throw anything away, just in case someone wants it someday.
So is it true that my cross member is removable? Can you tell because all 76 L-82's have them? Guess when I get home I can take a look too.
A removable cross member means I don't have to pull the engine from what I understand.
So is it true that my cross member is removable? Can you tell because all 76 L-82's have them? Guess when I get home I can take a look too.
A removable cross member means I don't have to pull the engine from what I understand.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,575
Likes: 1
From: Tuttle OK
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Yes. I had one built locally - it was a lot cheaper than ordering one.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
I wouldn't worry much about the drive shaft, as pretty much a given when doing a tranny swap, so just factor in the cost. From experience, going from a TH350 to 700R4 requires a shorter shaft, and have a local shop that re-does the stock unit for $150 buck's. Maybe not a bad idea keeping the old shaft and have a new one made up for yor purpose, so the next owner has all the original parts. Pretty sure the next owner, after diriving an od tranny, will just let this stuff rot in a basement corner anyway, but all the original parts will be there.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 710
Likes: 2
From: Raynham MA
Question on the 4 sped vs 5 speed vs 6 speed.
I used to have a 2002 with a 6 speed. Very easy to shift, nice to drive.
Is a 4 speed going to be like this? Or a 5 speed? As far as driving around town on back roads? If I went 4 speed, is there one that is better than the other for ease of shifting, clutch, etc? What do you all recommend?
I used to have a 2002 with a 6 speed. Very easy to shift, nice to drive.
Is a 4 speed going to be like this? Or a 5 speed? As far as driving around town on back roads? If I went 4 speed, is there one that is better than the other for ease of shifting, clutch, etc? What do you all recommend?
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Question on the 4 sped vs 5 speed vs 6 speed.
I used to have a 2002 with a 6 speed. Very easy to shift, nice to drive.
Is a 4 speed going to be like this? Or a 5 speed? As far as driving around town on back roads? If I went 4 speed, is there one that is better than the other for ease of shifting, clutch, etc? What do you all recommend?
I used to have a 2002 with a 6 speed. Very easy to shift, nice to drive.
Is a 4 speed going to be like this? Or a 5 speed? As far as driving around town on back roads? If I went 4 speed, is there one that is better than the other for ease of shifting, clutch, etc? What do you all recommend?
Others will have to speak to aftermarket C3 5 & 6-speeds (Richmond SS 5-speed w/OD on my wishlist), but IMHO you won't find a sweeter 4-speed than the Muncie with a Hurst Comp+ shifter (OEM shifter is a PoS). The heavier T-10 can't quite match it shift for shift, and I'd definitely rate the Muncie/Hurst setup above the ZF 6-speed in my former C4 ('92), except for the latter having those extra ratios.
Can't necessarily recommend that the dual-disk clutch setups I'm looking at this time around would suit you, but in the past have had better driveability experiences with diaphragm type pressure plates than with B&B's (3 forks). In any event, suggest you do yourself and your driveline a big favor and stay away from heavier flywheels (I run a 15#). Hope that's worth $.02
