4sp to 5sp
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 415
Likes: 0
From: Sugar Hill GA
4sp to 5sp
I thought there was a discussion thread on 5sp's for c3's but I can't find it. Anyone recall or have any experience with replacing a 4sp trany with a 5sp. I have a 68 Vette 327 and would like to swap out the 4sp.
thanks in advance.
thanks in advance.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 7
From: Brazos TX
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Since Dave hasn't chimed in yet check out ddecart's website http://home.comcast.net/~ddecart/Transmission.html
I am in the prelimanary stages of this conversion as well. I'm actually looking for a transmission at the moment. Also, SIGNGUY and others have done the Keisler conversion kit.
I am in the prelimanary stages of this conversion as well. I'm actually looking for a transmission at the moment. Also, SIGNGUY and others have done the Keisler conversion kit.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,426
Likes: 1
From: VetteMOD
St. Jude Donor '05-'07
I am in the process of doing this right now. Tonight I came to the conclusion that the best place to cut the crossmember is inside the exhaust tubes (I am doing this with the body on). I think I could make a 6 inch cut inside the tubes and the trans is only 4.5 wide at that point.
Zwede, I saw a past post of yours when you were doing this and couldn't figure out how to keep from cutting the floor. I still can't figure out how you could cut it without wasting the floor and I think cutting inside the tubes is the answer (the trans tunnel is above). Sure would like to know if anyone has done this.
lthrneck: I would be happy to provide details of how this is done. I have a 68 also and I plan to document this swap. Also, most people consider this the biggest improvement that they have made to thier cars. The old Muncies are noisey with imprecise shifting and run out of gear at 50 mph. A TKO 500 is sweet.
Zwede, I saw a past post of yours when you were doing this and couldn't figure out how to keep from cutting the floor. I still can't figure out how you could cut it without wasting the floor and I think cutting inside the tubes is the answer (the trans tunnel is above). Sure would like to know if anyone has done this.
lthrneck: I would be happy to provide details of how this is done. I have a 68 also and I plan to document this swap. Also, most people consider this the biggest improvement that they have made to thier cars. The old Muncies are noisey with imprecise shifting and run out of gear at 50 mph. A TKO 500 is sweet.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Got a 5 speed in mine also. I installed mine without cutting the crossmember. It is probably going to make future work on the clutch harder but I don't figure I will have to be in there for a long time.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,938
Likes: 1
From: San Diego CA
Originally Posted by Eddie 70
Got a 5 speed in mine also. I installed mine without cutting the crossmember. It is probably going to make future work on the clutch harder but I don't figure I will have to be in there for a long time.
matching #'s = no cutting. 
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 42,487
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SPARTAN
CI 3-4-5-6-8-9-10 Vet
CI-9 AutoX Winner
CI-3 Go Kart Champ
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11
Originally Posted by burners
Since Dave hasn't chimed in yet check out ddecart's website http://home.comcast.net/~ddecart/Transmission.html
I am in the prelimanary stages of this conversion as well. I'm actually looking for a transmission at the moment. Also, SIGNGUY and others have done the Keisler conversion kit.
I am in the prelimanary stages of this conversion as well. I'm actually looking for a transmission at the moment. Also, SIGNGUY and others have done the Keisler conversion kit.
I'm here now! Took a couple of weeks to do the whole thing, but it's in and working flawlessly! Absolutely the best possible thing I could have done to my car.
Woah! Lots of pics to add to that site still! Forgot that i hadn't yet done that!
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,360
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From: Plano TX
Originally Posted by BBShark
Zwede, I saw a past post of yours when you were doing this and couldn't figure out how to keep from cutting the floor. I still can't figure out how you could cut it without wasting the floor and I think cutting inside the tubes is the answer (the trans tunnel is above). Sure would like to know if anyone has done this.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 42,487
Likes: 47
SPARTAN
CI 3-4-5-6-8-9-10 Vet
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CI-3 Go Kart Champ
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11
Same here. Sawzall, a few different blades, on my back, under the car. Got a few nicks in the floor, but nothing major. Besides, who's going to crawl under there and critique my work? 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 7
From: Brazos TX
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Originally Posted by ddecart
Got a few nicks in the floor, but nothing major. Besides, who's going to crawl under there and critique my work?
. Dave, what is the diameter of the front bearing support on the transmission? Did you cut the hole in your aluminum plate with a hole saw?
Racer
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
From: Chambersburg PA
Keisler credability
I have been thinking about the swap for a long time and ran into the Keisler guys out at the Carlisle Mopar show. The system looks like a no-brainer. My question is the credability of the company. They want a $1000 down and a 12 week leadtime. I am very hesitant to let go of that kind of cash and get NOTHING in return for three months. The kit looks pretty simple and its not like there isnt demand sufficient to put a few systems in inventory. Has anyone worked with them...how was your experience. They have unsatisfied customers posting on their own web page...that is a little scary for a company asking for $1000 down payment.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
I bought mine from a forum member who had the kit and decided on something different so I did not have to wait. As far as them stocking they have sold everything they make. They are growing way faster than they can handle. That is why the lead time is so big. The demand is far more then they can handle. They are adding space and employees but they are so far behind they can't catch up. I have had to deal with them for a few minor things and they have been fine.
As far as cutting the crossmember I debated on this for a while. After looking at it I thought it is going to be wayyy easier with the member out of the way. It is not a big deal to cut it and the install is much easier. The way they want you to do it there is little room to install the clutch bellhousing and trans with it all up there at one time. It can be done but I like to make it easier on myself. I'm glad I did it this way.
As far as cutting the crossmember I debated on this for a while. After looking at it I thought it is going to be wayyy easier with the member out of the way. It is not a big deal to cut it and the install is much easier. The way they want you to do it there is little room to install the clutch bellhousing and trans with it all up there at one time. It can be done but I like to make it easier on myself. I'm glad I did it this way.
Last edited by Gordonm; Aug 18, 2004 at 04:24 PM.
