Richmond 5 speed
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Binghamton NY
Richmond 5 speed
Considering replacing my 4 speed with a Richmond 5 speed from Jegs. Curious if anyone has any experience with the unit: #836-7070526B
http://www.jegs.com/i/Richmond-Gear/...rentProductId=
It will be going into a 76 with a new small block 430 HP/ 425 TQ.
Any feedback would be appreciated.
http://www.jegs.com/i/Richmond-Gear/...rentProductId=
It will be going into a 76 with a new small block 430 HP/ 425 TQ.
Any feedback would be appreciated.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,625
Likes: 4
From: Miami FL
my friend & I with his 75 vette literally just did this swap a month ago replacing his 4spd muncie with the richmond.
0.77 is not much of an overdrive, but for a direct fit swap that can be done in less than 8hrs on a lift it is not bad either
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...cie-trans.html
- you can fairly easily get the muncie out without removing/cutting the crossmember if you are on a lift
- cutting out the crossmember is a must installing the richmond unless you completely remove all shifting mechanism and then have some fancy tools to get up in there to assemble after it is installed
- using a 200R4 crossmember from bowtie makes life a LOT easier after spending a good hard 2hrs removing it and grinding down the old welds where it use to attach to make it nice & smooth. they sent us a 700R4 but we had to cut & re-weld it to make clearance for the tail shaft yoke. I have 200R4 in my ride and it would have worked better
- We did not remove the clutch/bellhousing. just slide the old out and gently wiggle the new in
- shifter comes up in perfect stock location
- no need to recut/adjust driveshaft length
- all fits really nicely and looks stock/factory almost
- be sure to get some grade 8 hex bolts for mounting the trans to the bellhousing. The casting on the richmond case is such that you can get a wrench or socket around the bolts on the drivers side but passenger side you are okay. Also you can grind down the case a little for clearance to get a socket around the bolt head
0.77 is not much of an overdrive, but for a direct fit swap that can be done in less than 8hrs on a lift it is not bad either
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...cie-trans.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 19
I've got the 6 speed which is almost identical.
Richmond offers a variety of ratios, pick ones that work with your motor and rear end.
It's pretty much a direct bolt in. The only mod needed is a lower trans mount. Lots of people reweld their crossmember. I don't weld and my crossmember was not removable, so I just made a lower profile rubber mount instead.
If you want an original looking interior, get a 67 vette Hurst shifter T handle. It will bolt up to the Long shifter.
Richmond changed owners a while back. Prices and availability have been all over the place. Be sure to shop around, ie Jegs, Summit, SDparts, Pace, ebay etc. I found several hundreds price differences.
Sdparts has a really good price on the 6 speed:
https://sdparts.com/details/richmond-gear/rg7021626aa
Richmond offers a variety of ratios, pick ones that work with your motor and rear end.
It's pretty much a direct bolt in. The only mod needed is a lower trans mount. Lots of people reweld their crossmember. I don't weld and my crossmember was not removable, so I just made a lower profile rubber mount instead.
If you want an original looking interior, get a 67 vette Hurst shifter T handle. It will bolt up to the Long shifter.
Richmond changed owners a while back. Prices and availability have been all over the place. Be sure to shop around, ie Jegs, Summit, SDparts, Pace, ebay etc. I found several hundreds price differences.
Sdparts has a really good price on the 6 speed:
https://sdparts.com/details/richmond-gear/rg7021626aa
Last edited by Garys 68; Dec 10, 2013 at 10:03 AM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,905
Likes: 962
From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.
I've got the original Doug Nash 5spd that this transmission is modeled after. The exterior dimensions are significantly different from a Muncie. Installing the transmission is rarely fun. I preferred to not cut my frame crossmember so I always pulled my engine if I needed to do trans/clutch work. The installation directions said that the trans could be installed without cutting the crossmember but the tunnel space in my car was still too small to maneuver the trans back far enough to get the input shaft into the bellhousing.
Once it's in the car it's a decent, durable transmission. The extra gear is nice for allowing a decent cruising RPM.
Once it's in the car it's a decent, durable transmission. The extra gear is nice for allowing a decent cruising RPM.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
tsw71 has one, he is running one of the aftermarket stock appearing shift handles like I have in my 78.
He had to have it cut down and re-welded to look right height wise. (pic is of my 78, but the shift handle is the same)
He had to have it cut down and re-welded to look right height wise. (pic is of my 78, but the shift handle is the same)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 38
From: Fremont CA
The Richmond is same transmission as Doug Nash 5 speed just reworked over the years. Modern times things have changed, the Hurst shifter which once was a decent product isn't a good choice any more (quality issues) the Long Enterprises shifter is an EXCELLENT product but will entail surgery of your transmission hump and shifter location is a little "off". Pricing a overdrive 5 speed can be more expensive than the ROD 6 speed transmission I have never figured out why this is, the ROD 6 speed is again a decent product but shifting will never quite be a smooth as a common shift rail transmission (T-56/TKO)
To get a Doug Nash 5 speed into a C3 Vette with welded in Xmember, without movong the motor forward, you are required to pull tail housing off then remount it in the car, not a fun proposition
Doug Nash was quite popular during the late 70's early 80's and Doug Nash did engineer the 4+3 transmission of the C4 Corvette. I'm interested in hearing more about Kiesler SS700 but, it seems that transmission is a "unicorn" with not many installations/feedback as of yet.....
To get a Doug Nash 5 speed into a C3 Vette with welded in Xmember, without movong the motor forward, you are required to pull tail housing off then remount it in the car, not a fun proposition
Doug Nash was quite popular during the late 70's early 80's and Doug Nash did engineer the 4+3 transmission of the C4 Corvette. I'm interested in hearing more about Kiesler SS700 but, it seems that transmission is a "unicorn" with not many installations/feedback as of yet.....
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,905
Likes: 962
From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.
The Richmond is same transmission as Doug Nash 5 speed just reworked over the years. Modern times things have changed, the Hurst shifter which once was a decent product isn't a good choice any more (quality issues) the Long Enterprises shifter is an EXCELLENT product but will entail surgery of your transmission hump and shifter location is a little "off". Pricing a overdrive 5 speed can be more expensive than the ROD 6 speed transmission I have never figured out why this is, the ROD 6 speed is again a decent product but shifting will never quite be a smooth as a common shift rail transmission (T-56/TKO)
To get a Doug Nash 5 speed into a C3 Vette with welded in Xmember, without movong the motor forward, you are required to pull tail housing off then remount it in the car, not a fun proposition Doug Nash was quite popular during the late 70's early 80's and Doug Nash did engineer the 4+3 transmission of the C4 Corvette. I'm interested in hearing more about Kiesler SS700 but, it seems that transmission is a "unicorn" with not many installations/feedback as of yet.....
To get a Doug Nash 5 speed into a C3 Vette with welded in Xmember, without movong the motor forward, you are required to pull tail housing off then remount it in the car, not a fun proposition
Doug Nash was quite popular during the late 70's early 80's and Doug Nash did engineer the 4+3 transmission of the C4 Corvette. I'm interested in hearing more about Kiesler SS700 but, it seems that transmission is a "unicorn" with not many installations/feedback as of yet.....
I've got the Long shifter on my Richmond 6spd in my C4 and it's worlds smoother than the Hurst on my Nash 5spd.
The first time I tried to install the 5spd I removed the tailhousing (as the directions suggested), but the case height was the issue (too high) and it wouldn't fit between the crossmember and the tunnel roof. I ended up loosening everything up and lifted the body a couple inches to get the transmission in. Every other time I needed to pull the transmission I just pulled it out attached to the engine.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 19
The Richmond 5 speed (OD) and 6 speed (ROD) come with the Long shifter, so don't worry about that.
The 5speed (Doug Nash, 1:1 5th) does not.
BTW, if mine ever has to come out, I'm cutting the crossmember.
Oh yeah, mine was an LS swap with an ROD but I've seen others with SBC/BBC that needed to adjust the pinion angle to match the motor/trans angle.
Pic of the 67 Husrt handle on the Long shifter.
The 5speed (Doug Nash, 1:1 5th) does not.
BTW, if mine ever has to come out, I'm cutting the crossmember.
Oh yeah, mine was an LS swap with an ROD but I've seen others with SBC/BBC that needed to adjust the pinion angle to match the motor/trans angle.
Pic of the 67 Husrt handle on the Long shifter.
Last edited by Garys 68; Dec 11, 2013 at 11:04 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
I'm running the Long shifter in mine with a 5th gen Camaro Hurst stick. I love the trans, I would have went with the 6 speed if I was to do it over again though, I would like one more gear for cruising at 85mph.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,000
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From: New York
Pro
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 708
Likes: 28
I thought that the Richmond 6 speed still just had one overdrive gear and 5th was their 1:1 ratio?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 62
From: Kona Hawaii
Did a ROD 6spd swap from a TH350 auto.Here's the write up:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...am-change.html
I have since replaced the Bowtie 700R4 crossmember with a GForce 700R4 unit.All that was needed to make it fit was a little trimming off the trans mount and redrill the holes.It bolted right up in place of the auto crossmember.Changed out the cam to a retro roller cam and lifters.Best upgrades on the vette without a doubt.As suggested above match the trans to your rear gears..Shoot for a 10:1 1st gear ratio.1st gear 3.28 X 3.08 rear gear = 10.1:1 recommened start off ratio....Richmond offers different ratio's to work with your rear gear....Pic's of the Gforce crossmember installed:
[IMG]
[/IMG]
[IMG]
[/IMG]
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...am-change.html
I have since replaced the Bowtie 700R4 crossmember with a GForce 700R4 unit.All that was needed to make it fit was a little trimming off the trans mount and redrill the holes.It bolted right up in place of the auto crossmember.Changed out the cam to a retro roller cam and lifters.Best upgrades on the vette without a doubt.As suggested above match the trans to your rear gears..Shoot for a 10:1 1st gear ratio.1st gear 3.28 X 3.08 rear gear = 10.1:1 recommened start off ratio....Richmond offers different ratio's to work with your rear gear....Pic's of the Gforce crossmember installed:
[IMG]
[/IMG][IMG]
[/IMG]
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Mustang OK
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My only experience with the Richmond 5sp is in the factory 5sp Cutlass that I ordered new. I replaced the original GM B-W 5sp (after going through 3 of them) back in the late 80s with the Richmond. I build a W30 spec 455 Olds and haven't touched the Richmond since. Although, I've replaced 1 or 2 clutches (don't remember for sure).
The A-body cars have a lot more room as well as multi-position cross members, so it was much easier to install in the Cutlass. The Richmond has taken everything I've thrown at it.
The A-body cars have a lot more room as well as multi-position cross members, so it was much easier to install in the Cutlass. The Richmond has taken everything I've thrown at it.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,691
Likes: 206
From: Loveland, CO
I've installed two Keisler Tremec 500's, one in my '69 and another in my '73. Their kits are designed for our cars with no cutting crossmembers or hacking the tranny shifter hole. I couldn't be happier. Complete kit would be about the same as just transmission quoted above.
Ralph
Ralph
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 62
From: Kona Hawaii
Before deciding on the Richmond 6spd,I looked at all the transmissions that are available. With my 3.08 rear gear I needed at least a 3.XX first gear and a not to tall OD gear.The TKO500 does have a 3.27 1st gear but the 2nd gear ratio 1.98 was spaced to far for my taste.I had a Mustang with the same ratio's and hated the 1-2 upshift,too much RPM loss.Same issue with the 700R4 Auto OD.Also the TKO500 5th gear OD .64 wouldn't work well with my 3.08 rear gears.The Richmond 6spd was a great match for my car and where I drive.The extra gear is a real plus with that 3.08 rear gear....I really love this trans......
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 19
I'm with you on this. It's a matter of getting the ratio you want.
Cant do that with many other transmissions.
Cant do that with many other transmissions.
Before deciding on the Richmond 6spd,I looked at all the transmissions that are available. With my 3.08 rear gear I needed at least a 3.XX first gear and a not to tall OD gear.The TKO500 does have a 3.27 1st gear but the 2nd gear ratio 1.98 was spaced to far for my taste.I had a Mustang with the same ratio's and hated the 1-2 upshift,too much RPM loss.Same issue with the 700R4 Auto OD.Also the TKO500 5th gear OD .64 wouldn't work well with my 3.08 rear gears.The Richmond 6spd was a great match for my car and where I drive.The extra gear is a real plus with that 3.08 rear gear....I really love this trans......