4-speed to auto
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 272
Likes: 3
From: Marion Ia
4-speed to auto
lots of threads going the other way. I know I will take some heat, but at 60 years old and need 2 hips I may need to do the un-thinkable. what all would I need to do this? thinking 200r4
Last edited by Petes73; Feb 10, 2014 at 07:09 PM.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,968
Likes: 44
From: East TN
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,797
Likes: 1,707
From: Summerville SC
Figure a shifter, center console for auto shifter,trans & converter and probably a crosssmember. Not sure about the driveshaft. I am switching out the old 350 trans to a 200R and the crossmember and driveshaft don't have to be changed, not sure of the 4 sp set up. You shouldn't have any problem finding someone to take the 4 sp set up from you. I am an old fart too and I've been shifting things ( including big semi's) for my entire driving life. Nothing to be embarassed about. Embrace your 60 years of life by going to Mickey D's and getting a Senior Coffee!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,117
Likes: 104
From: charlotte north carolina
i swapped a th400 into my 72. using a th400 made the swap easy, because all the parts needed(shifter, control cables, coolant lines) were stock gm and wouldn't need any modifications. i didn't even have to change the crossmember because i pulled the motor and changed the radiator. you'll need to modify the trans tunnel on the pass side foot area to clear the vacuum modulator.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Yes, I have to agree with MIKE80 that this situation would best be addressed thru a little horse trading. And, in any event, I'd think the number of threads "going the other way" should be a pretty good indication of how the greater market would view your swimming upstream on this one, with no flaming necessary. JMHO
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 272
Likes: 3
From: Marion Ia
Thanks for the input. I knew about the cross brace and the need to replace. If I was going to a 5 speed no one would suggest I trade for a different car I'm not sure what the difference is. I have been working on this car for 12 years and I'm sure I would get the short end in horse trading. New top end, exhaust, bushing replaced, brakes done new paint and carpet. Trans and some interior is all that is left to do
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,000
Likes: 299
From: New York
How did you like the 4spd ? Was it driving at a comfortable level in 4th gear ? I ask because a lot of members will scream and dance use an o/d but if you have a low ratio rear axel and a carb you will be a lot happier with a 3spd like the 400 as mentioned above.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,229
Likes: 656
From: Thunder Bay
I am nearing completion of swapping out the 700R4 in my '79 in favor of a Tremec 5 speed. Many times during the process I thought "I'm glad I'm not doing this the other way around." I think it would be much harder to convert a 4 spd to an automatic. Not to discourage you, but I'm with the guys who are suggesting you trade up (down?) to a car that already has an automatic.
That would certainly be easier than swapping the transmission.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 272
Likes: 3
From: Marion Ia
I think it will be both the left and right hip. going in for the checkup tomorrow. As far as the 4 speed I have 3.36 gears so it was not too bad. If my old body was in better shape it would be a 5 speed I would put in. I do like a manual 
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
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From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
my car was born as a '72 vert, been all through it, nothing is stock, not nothing....willing to photo/send pix of what is now....you can see the changes easy with comparison to your car....
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,518
Likes: 37
From: The Woodlands Texas
I can help you out. I'm going from a Th400 to an LS3/5spd. I've got all the parts including the tranny and driveshaft.
I've completed the conversion. I would just need to remove the tranny from the old motor.
I've completed the conversion. I would just need to remove the tranny from the old motor.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 385
Likes: 3
From: Leesburg VA
It can be done. My 74 was converted at some point in its life. The motor, and most likely the TH350 trans came out of a 78 Camaro according to the numbers on the block. Much of the manual transmission linkage is still in the car and will be used someday when I change it back to a stick. The cross member in my car is still welded in, it does not appear to have been modified.
I am not saying that it won't be difficult, but its your car and you should do what you want to it.
John
I am not saying that it won't be difficult, but its your car and you should do what you want to it.
John
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
From: Arlington VA
Oooh oooh - pick me, pick me!
I have a '73 BB with stock tranny, and have been considering going to a 4 (or 5) speed. I forgot since starting this reply if your 4-speed is a muncie (or what year). Could be interested in swapping.
Good luck at doc's. Mom got knees replaced and it was magic! Father-in-law got his hip replaced and also awesome. To my own detriment (in not getting to swap out with your 4-speed), I second the motion to get a new hip. It's WAY better :-)
Good luck at doc's. Mom got knees replaced and it was magic! Father-in-law got his hip replaced and also awesome. To my own detriment (in not getting to swap out with your 4-speed), I second the motion to get a new hip. It's WAY better :-)