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Converting from auto to 5spd question

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Old Jun 30, 2021 | 11:07 PM
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Default Converting from auto to 5spd question

Can someone direct me to a thread on 5spd conversion. My search skills aren't working apparently.
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Old Jul 1, 2021 | 07:40 AM
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You will have to dig through this pile. They dont let you use numbers in the searches apparently

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rchid=85037018

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rchid=85037018
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Old Jul 1, 2021 | 06:45 PM
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Cliff's notes:

I bought a Tremac 5 speed configured with the shifter in a C3 correct position. You have a removeable auto transmission crossmember so this greatly helps with transmission install. If you've a 3.73:1 or numerically higher differential, the Tremac is easily the way to go. For a 3.08:1,or lower, you'll need a Richmond 5 speed. My opinion about diff gearing. Opinions may differ..

Need to have a frame fitting welded to the frame to support the "Z bar".

Installing the clutch support mechanism on the inside of the firewall will just be sooooo much fun,
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Old Jul 1, 2021 | 10:55 PM
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Thanks I have a 3.36:1
Which one do you recommend
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Old Jul 1, 2021 | 10:58 PM
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Use a hydraulic throwout bearing/clutch master
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Old Jul 2, 2021 | 01:28 AM
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Originally Posted by simon60
Thanks I have a 3.36:1
Which one do you recommend
It's your decision, I'm partial to the Tremacs. They have a nice shift feel with short shift throws. They use the same gear shift lever of a standard factory C3. Heres the gear ratios for the TKX-5 speed

Wide Ratio: 3.27, 1,98, 1.34, 1.00, 0.72
Close Ratio: 2.87, 1.89. 1.28, 1.00, for 5th gear you get a choice of 0.68 or 0.81

Don't know what Muncie you have now, but it could be a M20 wide ratio, which is a common Muncie sold up until 1975.
M20 Wide Ratio: 2.52, 1.88, 1.46, 1.00

The close ratio TKX-5 speed gear ratios pretty much approximate what I'd guess is your present Muncie in the first 4 years and then gives you an overdrive in 5th. In 5th gear, you get a choice. For a 3.36, The 0.68 option gives you an effective rear end of 2.28 (not acceptable) or the 0.81 gives you an effective rear end of 2.72. The effective diff ratio of 2.72 gives you an cruise rpm drop of 20%.

The wide ratio 3.27 gives you a more effective launch rpm, but I think the cruise overdrive ratio (5 gear) may be numerically too low. Since the Muncie approximates your current tranny in the first four gears, and gives you a nice 30% drop in cruise rpm. Maybe you'd like this. But it's your choice.....maybe some other readers have an opinion.

https://shiftsst.com/blog/post/1968-...ctfit-kit.html. Talk to Silver Sport about a recommendation.

Last edited by 68/70Vette; Jul 2, 2021 at 01:37 AM.
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Old Jul 2, 2021 | 09:40 AM
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Originally Posted by 68/70Vette
It's your decision, I'm partial to the Tremacs. They have a nice shift feel with short shift throws. They use the same gear shift lever of a standard factory C3. Heres the gear ratios for the TKX-5 speed

Wide Ratio: 3.27, 1,98, 1.34, 1.00, 0.72
Close Ratio: 2.87, 1.89. 1.28, 1.00, for 5th gear you get a choice of 0.68 or 0.81

Don't know what Muncie you have now, but it could be a M20 wide ratio, which is a common Muncie sold up until 1975.
M20 Wide Ratio: 2.52, 1.88, 1.46, 1.00

The close ratio TKX-5 speed gear ratios pretty much approximate what I'd guess is your present Muncie in the first 4 years and then gives you an overdrive in 5th. In 5th gear, you get a choice. For a 3.36, The 0.68 option gives you an effective rear end of 2.28 (not acceptable) or the 0.81 gives you an effective rear end of 2.72. The effective diff ratio of 2.72 gives you an cruise rpm drop of 20%.

The wide ratio 3.27 gives you a more effective launch rpm, but I think the cruise overdrive ratio (5 gear) may be numerically too low. Since the Muncie approximates your current tranny in the first four gears, and gives you a nice 30% drop in cruise rpm. Maybe you'd like this. But it's your choice.....maybe some other readers have an opinion.

https://shiftsst.com/blog/post/1968-...ctfit-kit.html. Talk to Silver Sport about a recommendation.
He has an auto now judging by the title of the thread.. No muncie unless im missing something.
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Old Jul 2, 2021 | 10:11 AM
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If you go with a Richmond you might want to look into using a Long's shifter instead of a Hurst. It is pricey, but it was a huge improvement.

https://www.gforcetransmissions.com/...peed_Trans.pdf
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Old Jul 2, 2021 | 11:15 AM
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Yes I currently have the stock TH400 and thinking of making it more fun to drive without making any irreversible changes.
I hope silver sport can help me with the gear ratios. Seems like a complete kit is the way to go with hydraulic clutch cylinder add on
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Old Jul 2, 2021 | 12:15 PM
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I bought the complete kit for under $5000. With upgrades like blow proof bell housing, block saver plate, 22 pound SFI steel 168 tooth flywheel, 11 inch clutch, easy on the leg 1100 hp clutch/pressure plate. chromemoly drive line with billet main caps.

i advice against Hydro assisted clutches. It ruins all the petal feel and it's another failure point.

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Old Jul 2, 2021 | 04:31 PM
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Binnie did a great conversion documentation. http://corvettec3.ca/tko.htm
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Old Jul 2, 2021 | 11:59 PM
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Originally Posted by simon60
Can someone direct me to a thread on 5spd conversion. My search skills aren't working apparently.
Here is my T56 magnum 6 speed conversion notes. Changes since first install is to a dual clutch for a lighter clutch pedal.

T56 Magnum Install 78 Corvette. - CorvetteForum - Chevrolet Corvette Forum Discussion
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Old Jul 4, 2021 | 11:13 PM
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Thanks everyone.
There's more to it than I thought.
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Old Jul 5, 2021 | 12:47 PM
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Here's my Richmond 6 speed swap..https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...am-change.html
Best mod on the ol vette ..Most expensive too! Well worth the time & $$ ..The Richmond is same length as the TH350 used the same driveshaft just a new yoke on the trans output..
Pedal assembly was the worst part of the job ..Z Bar bracket on the frame was flexing ,got a stronger one from a forum member.Didn't weld the bracket I drilled and tapped the frame .
Also used a Gforce Trans crossmember .If you have the funds go for a complete kit save you the hassles chasing down parts...Good luck with the project!

Last edited by iokepakai; Jul 5, 2021 at 12:51 PM.
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Old Jul 5, 2021 | 04:39 PM
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Depends what you want to do.
you can go the easy and expensive way ( tremec) they're virtually a direct fit. Same driveshaft, crossmember,... so just cut a hole for the shifter, change the center console plate , add a clutch, bolt or weld the Z bar bracket and wire up the reverse.

Or, do like me and buy a T5 out of a late 80's camaro and get a shorter driveshaft and modify your crosmember. All depends on your skill level and how much your wife let's you spend on the car 😉
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Old Jul 5, 2021 | 11:05 PM
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Originally Posted by simon60
Thanks I have a 3.36:1
Which one do you recommend
I recommend the TKX CR box. 2.87 1st .68 OD
With a 3.36 you'll have 10:1 in first gear, very peppy.
OD will give you 2050 rpm at 70. Very relaxed Hwy cruising.
But probably means you will be in 4th til 60 or more til you got to 5th.
That's not as big a deal as some say, it's what my street car does everyday.

My buddy geared his way different with 4.11s and same trans. He can use 5th gear from 50 rpm up. But has so much 1st it just lights em up very easy.

I just got my TKX last wednesday!
It was 8 week delivery from Silversport.
And the CR/.68 is the only version Tremec is making right now anyway, the other 2 gearsets have an unknown delivery date.

Here is a spreadsheet you can play with ratios if you like:
Attached Files
File Type: xlsx
Gear Ratios.xlsx (43.9 KB, 58 views)

Last edited by leigh1322; Jul 5, 2021 at 11:06 PM.
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Old Jul 9, 2021 | 10:54 PM
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Thanks for the spreadsheet
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Old Jul 9, 2021 | 11:22 PM
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Here is a nice write up on auto to 6 speed. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...on-thread.html
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