Automatic to 6 speed
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: New Hampshire There's nothing like a 'Vette
Just curious, why ditch your 700R4 for a 350? Don't get me wrong, a 350 is an excellent unit, but a 700 can be just as strong if built right and you have the added benefits of a lower 1st gear and an overdrive. As far as the 6 speed goes, lots of people have done the automatic to manual conversion; do a little searching on here and you'll find numerous threads about it. Like most mods, it depends on how much $$$$ you are willing/able to spend. You say you have a friend with "all the stuff". If that means all the parts from a junked C4 then it's more a question of your own ability. If a task of that nature is within what you're able to do, then it would make for a fun project! Keep us posted. Also, welcome!
Last edited by mikenfl; Apr 18, 2013 at 09:38 AM. Reason: Addition.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,882
Likes: 234
From: Bangkok, Thailand
I did this once in my 68 Charger - same conditions. I had "everything" I needed. It was way more work than it was worth.
If you had a donor car in the driveway next to your and did all the work yourself, it might be worth it.
Consider though, I recently got a NEW transmission from the dealer for $2100 including installation - with a 3 year/100,000 mile warranty. Pretty tough to beat that deal.
If you had a donor car in the driveway next to your and did all the work yourself, it might be worth it.
Consider though, I recently got a NEW transmission from the dealer for $2100 including installation - with a 3 year/100,000 mile warranty. Pretty tough to beat that deal.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: Gay WV
I did it once in an old s-10,and It wasn't that bad,but I had the whole complete junker on hand the biggest pain was hanging my pedals,and trimming my floor.....If your friend has the whole car,I would consider it,and if he's replaced the clutch,and things fairly recently then all the better..But if he only has the transmission,flywheel,and bellhousing laying around you will be spending a lot on new clutch,pressure plate,throw out,and slave,and master cylinders.not to mention the hassle of trying to hunt down pedals,and brackets,,The fact that you even considered a 3speed auto makes me think you just want to get your car going as inexpensivly as possible..If you don't have acess to everything to do the switch,you will be better of,In my opinion to take your tranny out and take it to have it fixed....I also don't know if you would have to butcher your transmission tunnel if you switched......Good Luck
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Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
....with both. Why? I think it depends on YOU and what is considered "easy" and "hard" to each individual. *I* did the swap on my '83 Trans Am 20 years ago...from 700 to a BW T5, and i thought it was pretty easy. I expected to have to cut a hole in the floor for the shifter and drill holes for the master cylinder in the firewall, and I expected those things to be a PITA...and they were. The 'Vette would be way easier as you're cutting FRP/SMC instead of stamped steel. Other than that, every thing was pretty much R&R with factory parts that I obtained from a salvage yard. The only "hick up" I had was that I got a bell housing w/a "straight" trans flange, and the T5 needed an F-body only bell housing with a tilt toward the driver, of the trans flange. One more trip to the salvage yard and that was fixed. For me? Basically "easy"...especially for what I got afterward; better power, more fun driving, no more auto trans's losing gears, etc. my vote: Worth it.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 14,924
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From: Merritt Ils Fl