keithl1967

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

CaseyJones

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.

keithl1967

what are the "best" (by best, I mean bast value) parts houses for vette restoration?

I can rattle multiple camaro vendors, but this is all new to me...

MelWff

did you notice the vendors on the left side of the screen? Depends on what you are looking for but Willcox and Zip are two of the best general vendors.

keithl1967

I did...but my question was which are the best...

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!

John Holmes

Dead on correct.

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.

Dustup7T2

Consider that your question is very subjective. One man's trash could be another man's treasure, you know?

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.

Scott Marzahl

Can't go wrong with Paragon Corvette and their stick with us discount either.

hugie82

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!!!

Scott Marzahl

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.

Gale Banks 80'

I second this motion. There catalog is by far the best and You will end up using it to order all Your Parts no matter who You get them from.

Gale Banks 80'

Depending on what Your plan is You could buy a complete 5 or 6 speed conversion kit from Keisler and others.

MIKE80

Find something like this maybe and swap it in. That's what I did.

http://longisland.craigslist.org/pts/4043687386.html

keithl1967

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...

BNS75VET

check out this web page
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.

69ttop502

Don't forget Dr. Rebuild for parts.

keithl1967

What manual transmission originally came in a '77? Super T10?

qwank

I pieced my kit together with mostly used parts and went with a used Richmond 5 speed.

iokepakai

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.

Phil Zell

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,