C1 3-speed manual transmission supplier

[Dan D.]

Can anyone out there tell me who was the supplier of the 3-speed manual tranny...introduced in 1955 and I believe was available thru 1969? I think it was Muncie. Thanks

[David S.]

Re: C1 3-speed manual transmission supplier

Early 3 speeds were a cast iron Saginaw unit.

[Tom P.]

Re: C1 3-speed manual transmission supplier

The 3spds used in Chevys were Saginaw, ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLL the way back into the 40s and maybe the 30s. The 66-later REGULAR 3sp (fully synchronized version), NOT the HD 3sp, was also Saginaw. In pass cars, beginning in 55, a 3spOD became available, it was also a Saginaw------------including the 66-later 3spOD versions.

[Dan D.]

Re: C1 3-speed manual transmission supplier

Thanks for the information. Makes me glad I paid my dues. I've been researching on line and I haven't run across this information anywhere so far.
Thanks, again, Dan

P.S. Do you know if the O.D. version was ever available on Corvette?

[Tom P.]

Re: C1 3-speed manual transmission supplier

Something which is rather bewildering to me, is that on the early Chevy forums (ie 49-64) some of those guys refer to the early 3sp trannys as Muncies!!!!!!!! Where in Gods name do those Chevy "knowledgeable experts" come up with an early Saginaw 3sp as a Muncie 3sp?????? Frequently, some of those cases have Saginaw, or the S logo cast right on the case!!!!
Fundamentally, the only difference between a pass car 3sp and the Corvette 3sp is that the Corvette tail housings have a mounting pad and threaded holes for mounting a shifter.

[Mike E.]

Re: C1 3-speed manual transmission supplier

Tom,
Do the shifter arms point one way on a Corvette vs the other way on a passenger car? Up vs down? Help me clear that up in my head.
Mike

[Tom P.]

Re: C1 3-speed manual transmission supplier

Mike,
Well, would you believe it, I have just this minute finished working on an FI (correct restoration---------sorta) 57 Chevy Bel Air 3sp. How about if I go out there and take a close look under the car at the tranny and get back to you.

[Tom P.]

Re: C1 3-speed manual transmission supplier

Mike,
Here is 1000 words. This is the 3sp linkage on the 57 Chevy.
I can only speculate it is the same for all 55-57 Chevy pass cars.


And this is the car.

[David S.]

Re: C1 3-speed manual transmission supplier

Mike & Tom
I have attached a picture of a 3 speed from Corvette #5538

[Tom P.]

Re: C1 3-speed manual transmission supplier

OK, there you have proof positive, Corvette 3sp levers were up, and pass car levers were down. Thus, as we knew (thought we knew) the notch and splines in the shifter shafts were in different positions for Vette 3spds and pass car 3spds.

[Mike E.]

Re: C1 3-speed manual transmission supplier

Tom,
It is a rare day when I know something that you didn't! I'll mark today on my calendar. That is a VERY nice black 57.

[Wayne L.]

Re: C1 3-speed manual transmission supplier

The 55-61 Corvette 3-speeds had a close ratio gear set which was different than the passenger car gear set. I believe the input shaft and the cluster gear were the different parts.
I have not seen any evidence of an overdrive 3-speed originally installed in a Corvette. What some of us did years ago is another story!

[David B.]

Re: C1 3-speed manual transmission supplier

Chevrolet Engineering/Styling installed a 4 speed OD in the XP-755 Jan. 1962. Have been sitting on the Styling blueprints for years with the intent to write a Restorer article but did not think there was that much interest. Apparently Chevrolet did not like the idea of a OD trans in the Corvette. The 3 spd OD was also done earlier but only by private individuals. Also have some prints. As mentioned it was not highly regarded by Chevrolet???