C3 auto to manual Conversion
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 421
Likes: 27
From: Harrisburg PA
C3 auto to manual Conversion
Hello All:
I am new to the corvette forums.
I have my eyes on a '77. My only real reservaiton about the car is that it is an auto trans.
I have converted my '67 Camaro form auto to manual, and it was pretty straightforward.
Is the swap in a 'vette just as straightforward, and are parts readily available for the swap?
Thanks,
Keith
I am new to the corvette forums.
I have my eyes on a '77. My only real reservaiton about the car is that it is an auto trans.
I have converted my '67 Camaro form auto to manual, and it was pretty straightforward.
Is the swap in a 'vette just as straightforward, and are parts readily available for the swap?
Thanks,
Keith
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,503
Likes: 33
From: McGrady NC
St. Jude Donor '15-'16
That has been done many times and is well documented here on the forum. Use the search bar and you'll find an abundance of information. Parts are not necessarily hard to find, but can be pricey.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 421
Likes: 27
From: Harrisburg PA
A random list does not necessarily mean anything...There are several vendors for camaro parts that I know have terrible service (fomr the last 20 years experience in dealing with different vendors) and poor parts, so I do not deal with some...I assume the same for corvette parts as well--certainly some are better to deal with than others...that's all I was asking...
I'll take a look at wilcox and zip
Thanks!
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 218
Likes: 5
From: OR
A random list does not necessarily mean anything...There are several vendors for camaro parts that I know have terrible service (fomr the last 20 years experience in dealing with different vendors) and poor parts, so I do not deal with some...I assume the same for corvette parts as well--certainly some are better to deal with than others...that's all I was asking...
Many of use:
Corvette Central
Corvette America
Eckler's Corvette
Mamo Corvette Parts
These, along with Wilcox and Zip are the major players.
I have purchased significanlty from the first 3 and to a lesser degree from the last 3, mostly with no complaints.
A little snafu here and there but they've always been remedied quickly and to my satisfaction.
My experience only.
Terrorizing Orange Cones
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,572
Likes: 17
From: Northern CO
The vendors listed to the left have many years of support and experience providing help to CF members. This is where the search function of this forum is your friend so please feel free to use it, to gain information.
The two vendors you listed will be a great start. Good luck.
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Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 49
From: Bridgewater nj
Your budget will dictate which way you go. The good news is you did a camaro and to do your vette is almost the same! If it was me, I would break down a parts list and see what's out on eBay. Ei; pedal assembly, column, Z bar, shifter, driveshaft yoke and maybe a 4 speed from a reputable seller.
Then compare to the kits offered by vendors. If you're getting close to the price of a kiesler 5 speed overdrive kit, you won't regret the extra money spent for it!!!
Then compare to the kits offered by vendors. If you're getting close to the price of a kiesler 5 speed overdrive kit, you won't regret the extra money spent for it!!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,359
Likes: 428
From: Seattle Area WA
With a 77 auto it probably has a 3.08 rear end, richmond 5 speeds are practically a drop in installation. I'd also look at the corvette salvage yards like J&B Corvette as a start.
Last edited by Scott Marzahl; Oct 11, 2013 at 06:52 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,720
Likes: 554
From: Seattle Washington
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,968
Likes: 44
From: East TN
Find something like this maybe and swap it in. That's what I did. 
http://longisland.craigslist.org/pts/4043687386.html
http://longisland.craigslist.org/pts/4043687386.html
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 421
Likes: 27
From: Harrisburg PA
Thanks for the tips to those with constructive feedback...I'll check out a few of the vendors and see where I land..
Just trying to get a good idea if costs and process were similar to the Camaro swap...sounds like they will be..maybe some additional cost just because it's a "corvette" LOL...
Now I just need to get my hands on the car first...
Just trying to get a good idea if costs and process were similar to the Camaro swap...sounds like they will be..maybe some additional cost just because it's a "corvette" LOL...
Now I just need to get my hands on the car first...
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Thanks for the tips to those with constructive feedback...I'll check out a few of the vendors and see where I land..
Just trying to get a good idea if costs and process were similar to the Camaro swap...sounds like they will be..maybe some additional cost just because it's a "corvette" LOL...
Now I just need to get my hands on the car first...
Just trying to get a good idea if costs and process were similar to the Camaro swap...sounds like they will be..maybe some additional cost just because it's a "corvette" LOL...
Now I just need to get my hands on the car first...
corvettec3.ca/index.htm
Binnie did has done a great write up on converting a 77 auto to manual as well as several other mods. He has been a great resource.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 62
From: Kona Hawaii
Swapped in a Richmond 6spd trans.It's a bolt in with a GForce 700r4 crossmember and a little trimming of the trans mount.As stated you most likely have a 3.08 rear gear so the Richmond's 3.28 first gear will give you a great start off ratio.It'll will feel quick off the line & with the six gears you'll always be in the powerband.The 6th gear OD will give you nice cruising RPM's on the hiway.The Richmond 6spd is close to the same length as a TH350 so you can use the same driveshaft with a TH400 yoke.I had a few problems after my install with the lousy Z bar bracket! The metal was soft and flexed.Replaced with a beefier unit made by forum member V8RANGER.The trans is not cheap but in my opinion is worth the cost.Having 6 gears is awesome! Total cost for my swap was close to 4.5K.....Here's a pic of old and new trans....
[IMG]
[/IMG]
Crappy bracket next to beefy one
[IMG]
[/IMG]
Gforce crossmember,new exhaust system coming soon
[IMG]
[/IMG]
Stock looking shifter Richmond shifter plate:
[IMG]
[/IMG]
Was a great project! Vette is so much more fun to drive.
[IMG]
[/IMG]Crappy bracket next to beefy one
[IMG]
[/IMG]Gforce crossmember,new exhaust system coming soon
[IMG]
[/IMG]Stock looking shifter Richmond shifter plate:
[IMG]
[/IMG]Was a great project! Vette is so much more fun to drive.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,874
Likes: 7
From: l In
There is only 1 Corvette house on this site that will actually do something for you and their prices are good also. Never have I seen Paragon post a video as to how to repair or replace something. Willcox Corvette,