How involved is putting a 4-speed in an auto C3?
11-12-2018, 08:51 PM
#1
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
How involved is putting a 4-speed in an auto C3?
Title says it all. Is a conversion pretty straightforward or do you have to do some re-engineering?
Last edited by brassplyer; 11-12-2018 at 08:52 PM.
11-12-2018, 09:51 PM
#3
Le Mans Master
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You are starting off with a removable cross-member- so you are already a step ahead of the factory manual frame as far as installing/removing the transmission.
11-12-2018, 11:08 PM
#4
Le Mans Master
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All the parts are bolt in and no fabricating or re-engineering should be necessary. Which is not to say that you're going to find it an easy job (depending on your mechanical ability and experience).
11-12-2018, 11:09 PM
#5
Instructor
I have been gathering parts for the same thing. In my research, it seams that that the biggest challenge is having to remove the dash and steering column to change the pedal assembly. As stated previously, Silver Sport is one of the companies to talk to. They offer a 100% complete auto to manual conversion kit with top quality parts.... it does cost a few $$$'s though. Currently, all I need now is the actual transmission and drive shaft to make the swap possible.
11-13-2018, 06:59 AM
#7
Melting Slicks
- If you have a steel floor board, you will have to cut an opening in it for the shifter and fab a small cover plate.
- Depending on if you buy a kit or not, and which transmission you go with, you might have to rework the bolt on rear transmission mount (not the entire x-member, just the small bracket that bolts to the x-member).
You can swap the pedals by just removing the steering column and support brace. You don't have to remove the entire dash, just loosened the driver's side for some room to work. Didn't have to disconnect anything like gauges or switches. I did remove the drivers seat so I could lay on my back and work under the dash.
Last edited by Jason Staley; 11-13-2018 at 07:03 AM.
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11-13-2018, 07:57 AM
#8
Dementer sole survivor
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you will need the bracket that is welded to the frame that the Z bar pivots on. the other end pivot on the ball stud that you screw into the block.
weld on
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Corvette-C3...kut:rk:14:pf:0
there is a bolt on for later years but the link doesntwork. i found one at Ecklers
heres a parts breakdown from Keen parts
https://keenparts.com/CorvettePartsD...&diagram=34017
weld on
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Corvette-C3...kut:rk:14:pf:0
there is a bolt on for later years but the link doesntwork. i found one at Ecklers
heres a parts breakdown from Keen parts
https://keenparts.com/CorvettePartsD...&diagram=34017
Last edited by Rescue Rogers; 11-13-2018 at 08:11 AM.
11-13-2018, 08:04 PM
#9
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Some excellent info here, thanks to all!
11-14-2018, 12:15 AM
#10
Race Director
I just received my auto to manual kit from Silver Sport Transmissions.
I also thought they were pricey until I started comparing their kits to other manufacturers kits and tried to research and find all the necessary parts to do the swap.
SSTs kit includes everything needed and they modify the transmission case so there is absolutely no cutting of the trans tunnel and their shifter fits without cutting for clearance.
Their kit includes the flywheel, clutch, bell housing, trans of your choice, pedal assembly, shifter, new shifter plate, drive shaft and all the small needed pieces and hardware.
Everthing I received is top quality.
Call their customer service techs and check their web site.
I also thought they were pricey until I started comparing their kits to other manufacturers kits and tried to research and find all the necessary parts to do the swap.
SSTs kit includes everything needed and they modify the transmission case so there is absolutely no cutting of the trans tunnel and their shifter fits without cutting for clearance.
Their kit includes the flywheel, clutch, bell housing, trans of your choice, pedal assembly, shifter, new shifter plate, drive shaft and all the small needed pieces and hardware.
Everthing I received is top quality.
Call their customer service techs and check their web site.
11-14-2018, 05:55 AM
#11
Instructor
It’s very straight forward. Did this last winter. I got no mechanical skills or such. The worst part is the pedal assembly but if you remove the steering column it’s no problem. I think it took me somewhere between 20-30 hours total. All I can say is do it! Totally worth it !!
11-14-2018, 11:00 AM
#12
Race Director
Why a 4-speed?
If you are going to do all the work anyway, why not replace the auto with a 5-speed and get the advantages of an overdrive gear?
If you are going to do all the work anyway, why not replace the auto with a 5-speed and get the advantages of an overdrive gear?