Another automatic to 4-speed swap question
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 85
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From: Miami FL
Another automatic to 4-speed swap question
Hey all,
I've been trying to find out more about what's required to swap from auto to 4-speed. I thought corvettefaq.com had a link but I can't find it anymore. Someone also posted an ad in the classifieds with a list of parts needed but it's gone now. Does anyone has a list of all the parts needed? I'd like to start collecting all the bits and pieces little by little. Thanks.
I've been trying to find out more about what's required to swap from auto to 4-speed. I thought corvettefaq.com had a link but I can't find it anymore. Someone also posted an ad in the classifieds with a list of parts needed but it's gone now. Does anyone has a list of all the parts needed? I'd like to start collecting all the bits and pieces little by little. Thanks.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 293
Likes: 2
From: Warrensburg, MO
Re: Another automatic to 4-speed swap question (4DLuvOfSpeed)
There's lots of info in the forum archives I discovered AFTER I did it blind on my '73. As far as parts, in addition to the tranny, shifter, clutch kit, bellhousing, fork etc, you'll need to get:
1. Pedal assembly
2. Z-bar and linkage rods (pedal to Z, and Z to fork)
3. The cross member tail-housing brace that is welded to a 4-speed car
4. Tranny support mount.
All available through vette salvage operations.
The hardest part of the project was making and welding a frame brace for the Z-bar. You have to have the engine at the right angle to get it right. Everything else is bolt in. Gotta love the interchangability of Chevy. Good Luck
Jimbo
1. Pedal assembly
2. Z-bar and linkage rods (pedal to Z, and Z to fork)
3. The cross member tail-housing brace that is welded to a 4-speed car
4. Tranny support mount.
All available through vette salvage operations.
The hardest part of the project was making and welding a frame brace for the Z-bar. You have to have the engine at the right angle to get it right. Everything else is bolt in. Gotta love the interchangability of Chevy. Good Luck
Jimbo
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: courtenay b.c.
Re: Another automatic to 4-speed swap question (4DLuvOfSpeed)
I to am swapping over to a 4 speed.I have all parts except shifter cams for my saginaw (looking for a muncie).The z-bar to frame bracket is avaliable in repo. e-mail my friends at pacific corvette or pacvette.com. they are a big help.Glenn. :steering: :seeya
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Elyria Ohio
Re: Another automatic to 4-speed swap question (4DLuvOfSpeed)
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 85
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From: Miami FL
Re: Another automatic to 4-speed swap question (glenns75vette)
Thanks for all the info, guys. I've now started hunting down all the parts.
Glenn, exactly where can I buy this z-bar bracket? I emailed Pacific inquiring about this bracket but haven't heard from them. If I get this bracket, does this means I won't have any welding to do throughout the whole swap? That would be the best news so far :yesnod:
Glenn, exactly where can I buy this z-bar bracket? I emailed Pacific inquiring about this bracket but haven't heard from them. If I get this bracket, does this means I won't have any welding to do throughout the whole swap? That would be the best news so far :yesnod:
Racer
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 293
Likes: 2
From: Warrensburg, MO
Re: Another automatic to 4-speed swap question (4DLuvOfSpeed)
If you get the bracket, you'll have to either drill it and the frame or weld it, as there are no holes in Auto frames. I cut a notch out of a small piece of angle iron for the flat part of the z-bar bolt to slide on, then welded it to the frame. Welded or bolted, make sure your engine is at the right angle when you measure and install the bracket. Good luck, it's worth it. Driving a vette with and automatic is like going to the bathroom, and pooping in your pants. JMHO.
JImbo
JImbo
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 47
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From: courtenay b.c.
Re: Another automatic to 4-speed swap question (4DLuvOfSpeed)
I looked up my old invoice and their stock #3814217 .I purchased it about a year ago and paid $15.00 .you still have to weld it on but it has the proper notch cut out to lign up with the z-bar nuckle,and is bent on each side for added strength.Try to phone thier !-800-228- 28571 Glenn.:steering: :seeya
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Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 43,136
Likes: 155
From: Thomson Georgia
Re: Another automatic to 4-speed swap question (hawgn68)
IGood luck, it's worth it. Driving a vette with and automatic is like going to the bathroom, and pooping in your pants. JMHO.
JImbo
JImbo
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Joined: May 2002
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From: Miami FL
Re: Another automatic to 4-speed swap question (glenns75vette)
Update on the bracket:
Both Bob at Pacific Corvette and Art at Van Steel told me that I don't have to buy the bracket since the 4-speed will bolt in to my car if it came with a turbo 350 tranny (is that what my '79 L-48 should have?), no welding required. Sweet news :D I was wondering what year Corvette those of you who had to weld the bracket have?
By the way, I'd like to thank Bob (Pacific) and Art (Van Steel) for patiently answering all my questions over the phone and through emails even when it was obvious that I probably wasn't going to buy anything :thumbs: Will definitely do business with them in the future :cool:
Both Bob at Pacific Corvette and Art at Van Steel told me that I don't have to buy the bracket since the 4-speed will bolt in to my car if it came with a turbo 350 tranny (is that what my '79 L-48 should have?), no welding required. Sweet news :D I was wondering what year Corvette those of you who had to weld the bracket have?
By the way, I'd like to thank Bob (Pacific) and Art (Van Steel) for patiently answering all my questions over the phone and through emails even when it was obvious that I probably wasn't going to buy anything :thumbs: Will definitely do business with them in the future :cool:
