1961 T-10 with aluminum case

[Mike E.]

I just ran across an aluminum-case T-10 with an assembly date of H1702 (August 17th, 1960, 2nd shift.) I know that in the 61-62 manual (fifth edition) we indicate that up to serial 2400 (October build) could be cast iron/ I don't know how that number was changed for the 5th edition--when I chaired the 3rd and 4th editions, we said 2160, and that is a number that, as I recall, we had a car that bore that out.
Anyway, The questions: 1) Has anyone seen an earlier-build aluminum-case T-10. (This one has a side cover of 6 7 60 ). 2) I've discussed with Bill Clupper--wasn't Corvette the first to use the aluminum-case T-10? Chevrolet passenger cars seemed to have started in 62--Pontiac still later. Does anyone know of an application earlier than in the Corvette?
Thanks!

[Ed Jennings]

Re: 1961 T-10 with aluminum case

MIke, I can't help with the Corvette question, but as for the passenger cars I have a 62 T10 in the shop which has an iron case. Apparently the passenger cars used iron cases well into the MY. Don't remember the date on it. I can look it up if it's of any interest to you.

[Loren L.]

Troublemaker!

At one time I made a note on a T10-1C (aluminum) CAST F2861, assembled WK1612 and stamped with a VIN reference G103336 which does not seem to be a Corvette VIN but also could not be a 1961 in November. Full size Pontiacs asl used from 1960/4, but I have no idea where the cast iron/aluminum cut was/is.

[William C.]

Re: Troublemaker!

Loren, the (admittedly few) Pontiac T-10's I have had my hands on were CI cases into '64.

[Mike E.]

Re: 1961 T-10 with aluminum case

Ed--
Would not only be interested in dates, but in VIN stamping--whether it would indicate Chevrolet, Pontiac, etc.

[Ed Jennings]

Re: 1961 T-10 with aluminum case

Mike, I'll try to get those numbers for you this weekend. Maybe you can tell me what it is.

[Ed Jennings]

Re: 1961 T-10 with aluminum case

Mike, here's the markings on the T10.
Main case: 10-1B, Q2, L 21 61
Tail Housing: T10-7B, 11 9 61 (No Bowtie and has two "mounting Feet")
Sidecover: 4-21

Machined surface near sidecover: M41-2

I have no idea what this is supposed to fit, assume a passenger car, but maybe not a Chevy? It is a spare for the 62 Vette, but not even 100% sure it will fit without changing out the tailshaft housing.

[John H.]

Re: 1961 T-10 with aluminum case

Possible replacement? My references show the T10-1B main case used in Corvettes from 6/59 through 11/60, and the T10-7B tailhousing used in '60 and '61 (replaced by the T10-7D for the '62 model year).

[Verne Frantz]

Re: 1961 T-10 with aluminum case

Mike,
I meant to respond much sooner, but I had a problem with Netscape.
I've collected a lot of early T-10 info and can some light here.
I have not heard of or seen an aluminum case as early as August '60. You didn't actually mention that it was the T10-1C case, but I assume it is. Perhaps Colvin'a book has the blueprint with a legend indicating the date of release to production? I do not know when the Corvettes received their 1st aluminum cases, but the passenger cars received them across the board in '62 (no iron cases in '62 passenger cars at all). But the first use of the T10-1C case in passenger cars was the '61 409. The first 409s were installed in January '61 (late, I think). These did not receive the VIN derivitive. That practice began in '62, but only on the 300hp and up engines and the 4-spds if so equipped.
Loren's T-10 with the G103336 VIN was from a passenger car built at Framingham, MA. Ed's '62 trans with no VIN could have been installed in a passenger car with the 250hp 327, (or could have been a service part)
In any "case", I'd say you have a very early T10 piece, which "might" be applicable to one of the first '61 409s. (and that doesn't exactly mean it's worthless!)
Verne.

[Ed Jennings]

Re: 1961 T-10 with aluminum case

Can you ID the CI 62 T10 I described a couple of posts up?

[Verne Frantz]

Re: 1961 T-10 with aluminum case

Ed,
I wish I could be more sure about the original application of the iron case '62 trans you have, but I'm not that well versed on the other car lines. I know that cases which were identical (size, shape and fit) to the Chevrolet 4-speeds found their way into Ramblers, Pontiacs, Olds and Studebakers, perhaps more. Some clues might be found by checking the spline count on the main shaft and the gear ratios within, then comparing to those other manufacturers' specs.
As for whether it will "fit" a Corvette, yes the T10-7B tail has both mount pads. Coupled with the T10-1B case, it will bolt in, and the tail has mounting holes in the right location for the Vette shifter. But if you decide to use it, be sure to check the output spline so you'll know if your driveshaft yoke will work.
Sorry I couldn't ID it any better.
Verne.

[Ed Jennings]

Re: 1961 T-10 with aluminum case

Thanks, Verne. I haven't counted teeth, but it looks just like any other T10. I'll count next time i have a few minuets to spend in the shop. Without the "bowtie" is it a pretty good assumption that this trans originally did not come in a Chevy product? My thinking is that a Pontiac would be the next most likely candidate.