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I'm collecting parts for putting together my 76. It was originally a 4 speed car, its a roller at the moment.
Now, I'm building this car as a daily driver. I'm not building it to race, or for shows, etc. So high priced, high performance is not necessary.
The engine is a SBC 358 that has been lightly modded with forged pistons, port and polished heads, a performance cam (Comp 268H), and an edelbrock intake with an edelbrock 750 carb. It also has 305HO heads and dished pistons. I got the engine in a trade, the build sheet theoretically places it at just under 400 horse.
Question is, what to mate it up with? I'm a modest mechanic, I don't know everything, but I know enough to get into trouble. Heh Heh. But trannys have always been where I drew the line, Ive never worked on one, usually pull and replace or take in for a rebuild. So I'm not sure what the frame will accept easily, and will align with the shifter position. I have access to a T-5 from an S-10, but I'm not sure if A. It will line up, and B. if it can take the HP without detonating. Thoughts, suggestions?
Put a TKO 500 in mine and the bellhousing was no issue at all. Mine lined right up but I've heard people had problems. The biggest problem for me was driveline vibration. I had to get a CV driveshaft made from driveshaftshop.com. That fixed it for the most part but there is still some at certain speed but that could be anything. 5th gear rules, I can't believe I was driving around in fourth now that I have another gear. It made the car useful and I can actually get 22 or better on the highway.
All told it was pretty expensive though, if you plan to keep the car then go for it if you can afford it. If you think you're gonna sell it you better add up what you've got into it because 76 corvettes aren't going for much these days
I love the little World Class T5's...... yeah I know they aren't the best trans out there, but for the last 7 years mine has been trouble free in my 77. It's behind a 454-400HP. So far so good.
Mine was from the 80's Camaros and Firebirds, not sure about the S-10 version. As far as the shifter location goes it will be to far over to the right. You can do 2 things, leave it there on the right side or make an offset for the shifter to look correct.
I have both. 2 consoles tops and 2 shifters. It's just 4 bolts to swap, but the Hurst short throw shifter is fantastic.
With your power probably somewhere in the 3s think a T5 would be fine
clutch dumping sticky tires speed shifting isnt its friend but for most fun driving wouldnt worry about it. Cheap way to an OD trans
Had a friend with an Fbody 5 spd in a heavy 56 wagon with a 383 he regularly ran it at 1/8 mi drags thing never broke, should have
Transmission suggestions
