76 4 speed conversion speedo cable
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 16
Likes: 3
76 4 speed conversion speedo cable
Hello. I'm ready to complete my 4 speed conversion and I have a question on the speedo cable. Can I keep the stock turbo 350 cab;e, or do I need to obtain a one piece cable?
Thanks
Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,742
Likes: 1,384
mfd1
Not really sure why you are asking so I'll just share this:
On my 68 I added about a 10" to 12" extension from mid-america (was supposedly for a tach cable extension) just to insert a VSS for my GM 730 ECM. Speedometer worked just fine. Matter of fact it is still on there because I'm too lazy to remove it and that extra foot of speedo cable made the routing more "relaxed" (don't have that ecm anymore is what I mean).
I would just go ahead and try it.
Not really sure why you are asking so I'll just share this:
On my 68 I added about a 10" to 12" extension from mid-america (was supposedly for a tach cable extension) just to insert a VSS for my GM 730 ECM. Speedometer worked just fine. Matter of fact it is still on there because I'm too lazy to remove it and that extra foot of speedo cable made the routing more "relaxed" (don't have that ecm anymore is what I mean).
I would just go ahead and try it.
Last edited by carriljc; Jul 16, 2021 at 12:34 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,193
Likes: 176
From: Hillsborough NC
The corvette central site lists a difference in length between the automatic and manual transmissions for 1978 (both without cruise control). The automatic cable is 62 inches long, and the manual is 72 inches long. (Pretty sure your tranny came from a 78, specifically the one in my avatar 
)
For a 76 automatic, it lists two cables upper (42 inches) and lower (24 inches) which gives a total length of 66 inches. Might be just short enough to get you angry.
The specific cable for a 76 4-speed is 70 inches long.
I think you might need to purchase the manual cable as the combined length of your automatic upper and lower is shorter than either manual cable. The super T-10 (pretty sure your new tranny is a super T-10) was available in both years.
Would suggest getting the specific manual cable for a 76.
Best of Luck!
)For a 76 automatic, it lists two cables upper (42 inches) and lower (24 inches) which gives a total length of 66 inches. Might be just short enough to get you angry.
The specific cable for a 76 4-speed is 70 inches long.
I think you might need to purchase the manual cable as the combined length of your automatic upper and lower is shorter than either manual cable. The super T-10 (pretty sure your new tranny is a super T-10
) was available in both years.Would suggest getting the specific manual cable for a 76.
Best of Luck!
Last edited by SLVRSHRK; Jul 16, 2021 at 05:08 PM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,175
Likes: 3,986
From: Connecticut, USA
One thing, if you bought a used 4 speed, did you check on the driven gear needed for your rear gear? If your 4 speed was used for a 3 series gear you probably just need to get the plastic gear but if it was used for a 4 series gear then the drive gear may have to be replaced. I am building an M22 out of a M20 now for a 411 gear, both the drive and driven gears had to be replaced.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
sounds like you bought silver shark's trans. since it is out, pull the tail housing and see what drive gear is there and do homework on what drive and driven gear are correct for your rear ratio. replace the seal and bushing in the tail housing.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Regarding your original question about the speedo cable: if the transmission end of your cable will reach the point on the new trans where it is to be mounted, the present cable should work just fine. The cable 'designs' for manual and automatic cars are the same configuration.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,193
Likes: 176
From: Hillsborough NC
The transmission is a 4-speed Super T-10 (close ratio option) that was removed from my 78 (I rebuilt it several years ago). The rear end was a 3.70. I believe it was a 3 series gears, but GTR1999 can verify because he rebuilt it a few years ago as well .
.