Richmond 6 Speed Installation

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Jul 18, 2002 | 05:16 PM

darkcarn85

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Richmond 6 Speed Installation

I'm considering the Richmond 6 spd conversion from my 4+3. In the Eckler's catalog it mentions that it is necessary to remove the "transmission tunnel shield". What exactly is that, and why is it there? Is it a safety item? Thanks

Jul 18, 2002 | 05:52 PM

Rich B.

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From: Lockport NY

Re: Richmond 6 Speed Installation (darkcarn85)

Quote:

..."transmission tunnel shield". What exactly is that...?

Beats me. I've presently got a 4+3 open for shifter work, and have no idea what that shield is.

Maybe they're talking about the cavity where the 4+3 shifter bolts in? There would be no need for it with a remote shifted trans like the Richmond...But you would have to close the hole off.

Hey, if you do this, I'd like to buy the old cavity you cut out. Mine is in pretty poor condition. It's only 1/16" fiberglas; about 10" long x 10" high and ~4" deep.

Jul 18, 2002 | 06:14 PM

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Re: Richmond 6 Speed Installation (Rich B.)

I read about an install in Corvette Fever I think. They had to cut the trans tunnel a little to make room for the shifter. In the mag it looked like pretty minor stuff. However, someone who has actually installed one can obviously give you a better idea of what needs to be done. Just my $.02.

Jul 18, 2002 | 11:21 PM

6 speed Sid

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From: New Bern NC

Re: Richmond 6 Speed Installation (topjimmy87)

I believe cutting the transmission "hump" is all that is required. Sid.

Jul 19, 2002 | 05:00 AM

ol,RJ

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From: NewCastle IN. USA

Re: Richmond 6 Speed Installation (6 speed Sid)

the entire recessed area (that the current shifter is mounted in) of the transmission tunnel has to be cut out. Its about 10" by 12". then you have to fabricate a cover and mount a shifter boot to seal off that area.
Is your motor stock? and do you plan to keep it that way? if so then the ZF 6spd would be a better choice gear ratio wise.
If you plan on mod'n the motor then the richmond's just as good a choice. but I'd get richmonds standard gear ratio's (3.27= 1st gear, .76 = 6th) or the optional (3.01 = 1st gear, .62 = 6th). I don't care for the custom ratio's that Ecklers has them build (the 3rd thru 5th gears are too close together in my opinion).
RJ

Jul 19, 2002 | 07:15 AM

Rich B.

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From: Lockport NY

Re: Richmond 6 Speed Installation (ol,RJ)

Quote:

I believe cutting the transmission "hump" is all that is required. Sid

The 4+3 has no "hump".

Quote:

Right on. It's worth noting that the 6-speed shift lever will not exactly be in the same spot as the 4+3, so be prepared to be creative in your fabricating. Your patch (for the cavity) and the new shifter hole need to be nice & tight; there's a *lot* of heat wants to come up through these holes.

That Corvette Fever article was very good.

Jul 19, 2002 | 08:23 AM

darkcarn85

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Re: Richmond 6 Speed Installation (Rich B.)

Thanks for all the advice!

I had always shied away from the ZF because I had read that a good size piece of the tunnel had to be cut away. I know I can find a ZF cheaper than a new Richmond. The engine is and will continue to be mildly modified. AFR 190's, big mouth manifold and runners, roller rockers and a mild cam going in this winter. Nothing the 4+3 can't handle, but I just never feel confident taking it on long trips anymore.

I can't seem to find the Corvette Fever article in their archives or my collection.

Thanks again :cheers: