I am considering installing a 4 speed tranny in my '57 to make driving it more enjoyable. I plan to keep the original 3 speed for any prospective buyer in the future. My question is, what 4 speed tranny should I buy in order to not disturb the original looks and what else would be necessary to complete the conversion such as a shifter or other misc. parts and what would be a reasonable cost estimate to make the change?....thanks
-
-
Re: 4 Speed for '57
Rex,
I know the T-10 will fit, no modifications except the rear trans mount ("U" channel that attaches to the rubber biscuit) is slightly different. Pretty sure the Muncie's fit with no modifications as well. Rear trans mount plate and possibly a different speedo cable is required. Early T-10's had the same 1st gear ratio as your 3 speed + one extra gear in between that and high gear. Wide rato T-10's have a lower 1st gear, not a bad idea (IMO) with 3:70 rear ends, but not the way Chevy engineers originally intended. Regular Corvette shifters will work just fine. It's an easy swap, I can only gove you cost in 1960 dollars ;-). Regards, -
Re: 4 Speed for '57
As Jim indicates, a T10 will naturally fit with the proper mount adapter and a stock shifter, or a Huirst shifter for that matter. A Muncie, which is a better transmission, will fit as well. You will need to use a 62 (or automatic) style mount adapter, and I believe the yoke also needs to be changed for one with the same spline count as the automatic. Hurst makes a shifter for use with a Muncie in a C1, and it can be had with either a Hurst handle or a Corvette look alike handle.
Assuming that you can get a good used Muncie for around $5-600, I would think the whole installation would run around $1K. If you go the T10 route, you will probably pay a little more for the T10. You would still have to buy a shifter, but the yoke would not have to be replaced. Overall, the Muncie would be probably cheaper and a better shifting, more durable transmission.Comment
-
Re: 4 Speed for '57
Rex, You could also use a Saginaw 4 speed (cheaper than a T10 or Muncie)or possibly a T5 5 speed from a Camaro or Firebird. Both have been installed in C1's without modifying the floor pan. FWIW, DaveComment
-
I've never done VETTE conversion, but...
Putting a T-5 in a 65-73 Mustang is a snap, and results in a much more driveable car, ie., lower first gear, OD for the highway, good spread in between. If you can do this in your '57 without cutting, DO IT. üComment
-
Re: 4 Speed for '57
What T5 will fit a C1? That is, what car would the transmission come out of?
Thank you,
VerleComment
-
Re: 4 Speed for '57
Verle,
The T5 would have to be from a GM product (85-92 Camaro or Firebird), as it has the same bellhousing bolt pattern as a Muncie, Saginaw or BW T10. The F-body bellhousing is what tilts the T5 about 15 degrees, for body clearance and shifter positioning. From what I understand, you need to fabricate a short crossmember for the trans mount and offset the shifter, so it will come up thru the floor correctly. I have not done it, but from everything I have heard, no body modifications are needed. FWIW. DaveComment
-
Re: 4 Speed for '57
Dave,
Thank you sir.
VerleComment
Comment