Quick 4+3 question
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 541
Likes: 1
From: Freeport FL
Quick 4+3 question
Hi all-
Newbie here. I have read the faq and read the old posts till my eyes bugged out so as to try not to ask you all the same old tired questions.
That being said: I am going to pick up my new toy Saturday. It is a 1985 coupe with a ZZ4 engine and a 4+3 tranny. I am sure that I will be asking for plenty advice in the future, but for now:
I have seen one or two people mention using the clutch when engaging/disengaging the overdrive. Is this necessary? or reccomended?
Newbie here. I have read the faq and read the old posts till my eyes bugged out so as to try not to ask you all the same old tired questions.
That being said: I am going to pick up my new toy Saturday. It is a 1985 coupe with a ZZ4 engine and a 4+3 tranny. I am sure that I will be asking for plenty advice in the future, but for now:
I have seen one or two people mention using the clutch when engaging/disengaging the overdrive. Is this necessary? or reccomended?
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 20,178
Likes: 0
From: middle of nowhere Pa
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by Droshki
Hi all-
Newbie here. I have read the faq and read the old posts till my eyes bugged out so as to try not to ask you all the same old tired questions.
That being said: I am going to pick up my new toy Saturday. It is a 1985 coupe with a ZZ4 engine and a 4+3 tranny. I am sure that I will be asking for plenty advice in the future, but for now:
I have seen one or two people mention using the clutch when engaging/disengaging the overdrive. Is this necessary? or reccomended?
Newbie here. I have read the faq and read the old posts till my eyes bugged out so as to try not to ask you all the same old tired questions.
That being said: I am going to pick up my new toy Saturday. It is a 1985 coupe with a ZZ4 engine and a 4+3 tranny. I am sure that I will be asking for plenty advice in the future, but for now:
I have seen one or two people mention using the clutch when engaging/disengaging the overdrive. Is this necessary? or reccomended?
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,614
Likes: 3
From: Richmond Va
Cruise-In VI Veteran
I asked the Guru (Gordon Kilabrew) and he said it was basically a matter of preference. It is designed to be used just like an auto so you can do it either way. I use the clutch more than not. I have had to replace the O/D unit already. Make sure you change the filter religously every 10k miles. MAM has them for $19.99 Cheaper than the $3300.00 for parts and labor to have it replaced.
Bob
Bob
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Recommended, particularly when shifting out of overdrive.
In my 85, I bump it in and out of overdrive while on the throttle (although the 84, 85 engage smoother). Haven't had any trouble with the overdrive to date. Works great for coming out of turns, or blowing past someone on the freeway. Would love it even more if I had wired a switch up to the steering wheel for it.
I drove an 87 though, and dropping it out of overdrive would literally chirp the rear tires, because it'd shift so quick the motor couldn't speed up fast enough.
You can also buy the filter at your local parts store for $10 or so. Fram 1024 is one p/n. Ask for a FMX filter for a 69 Ford Ranchero with the 5.8L.
In my 85, I bump it in and out of overdrive while on the throttle (although the 84, 85 engage smoother). Haven't had any trouble with the overdrive to date. Works great for coming out of turns, or blowing past someone on the freeway. Would love it even more if I had wired a switch up to the steering wheel for it.
I drove an 87 though, and dropping it out of overdrive would literally chirp the rear tires, because it'd shift so quick the motor couldn't speed up fast enough.
You can also buy the filter at your local parts store for $10 or so. Fram 1024 is one p/n. Ask for a FMX filter for a 69 Ford Ranchero with the 5.8L.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 1
From: Hartland WI
it is an auto tranny
I've heard people complain about them - but never understood why - any insights?
Would it be a viable swap into an '88 (from an automatic)?
Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
4+3 = 4 speed manual plus 2 speed automatic overdrive.
1st
2nd
2nd+OD
3rd
3rd+OD
4th
4th+OD
I would not recommend it for a swap. It'd cost you almost as much as a ZF6 swap, and is less reliable. I like it's function better than a 6 speed though.
1st
2nd
2nd+OD
3rd
3rd+OD
4th
4th+OD
I would not recommend it for a swap. It'd cost you almost as much as a ZF6 swap, and is less reliable. I like it's function better than a 6 speed though.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 1
From: Hartland WI
I see - now I get it - thanks 
Since I do a lot of highway driving I thought maybe the 4+3 might be a better compromise.
I've kinda figured a ZF6 was the way to go if I decide to make the swap - but it looked like maybe 4+3's were less expensive. Since I can't afford either right now anyway I guess we'll just keep saving for the 6.
Since I do a lot of highway driving I thought maybe the 4+3 might be a better compromise.
I've kinda figured a ZF6 was the way to go if I decide to make the swap - but it looked like maybe 4+3's were less expensive. Since I can't afford either right now anyway I guess we'll just keep saving for the 6.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 541
Likes: 1
From: Freeport FL
Thank you for the replies. I did not want to begin my second Corvette experience by blowing up the 4+3,especially from what I have read so far about them ($$$).
Does anyone know about the bushings in the linkage on the shifter? The previous owner says that they are about shot. Where should I get parts, and can I access them from underneath or will I be pulling panels from inside the car?
Does anyone know about the bushings in the linkage on the shifter? The previous owner says that they are about shot. Where should I get parts, and can I access them from underneath or will I be pulling panels from inside the car?
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