C1 Transmission installation w/wo shifter?

[Rick C.]

I just completed installation of my new clutch assembly and am ready to reinstall my transmission.

The transmission is an early model Muncie, and I am installing a new Hurst shifter purchased from Corvette Central.

Can anyone advise as to whether I can install the transmission WITH the shifter installed on it, or if I have to install the shifter after the transmission is in place? Or is it possible to pre-install and adjust the shifter, remove it, install the transmission, then put the shifter back on? (confusing I'm sure).

I know that when I initially removed the transmission there was very little clearance for the installation, and I'm not sure there's room to adjust the shifter after everything is back in the car.

I check previous posts, those focused on installing the engine and transmission at the same time.

Thanks everyone.

[Christopher R.]

Re: C1 Transmission installation w/wo shifter?

I'm not familiar with the Hurst shifter that Corvette Central sells. Is it the one where the stick bolts on? If so, you can install the transmission with the shifter attached. Just unbolt the stick. Then attach the stick from the top - from inside the passenger compartment.

If not, you adjust the shifter on the transmission with the transmission out of the car. Tape or otherwise secure the rods so that you don't lose the adjustment. Remove the shifter (carefully so as not to disturb the adjustment of the rods). Install the transmission without the shifter. Then install the shifter and the speedometer cable with the transmission hanging down in the back as much as you dare. You'll need a jack to hold up the back of the transmission. Let it down as much as possible before you install the crossmember mount. Watch that the engine mounts aren't too stressed. Watch that the distributor, shielding, and spark plug wire mounts don't hit the firewall. Watch that the fan doesn't hit the shroud. Installing the shifter and speedometer cable is much easier if the transmission is hanging down. It's very difficult to get at the transmission once it's up in the tunnel. When it's hanging down, it's not too bad. After you get the shifter and speedo cable in, then jack up the back of the transmission and install the mount.

[Stuart F.]

Re: C1 Transmission installation w/wo shifter?

Are you doing the installation with the car on jack stands or on a lift? There are unique considerations for each method.

Stu Fox

[Rick C.]

Re: C1 Transmission installation w/wo shifter?

Thanks guys!

The shifter has the removable shifter stick. I believe it attaches with two bolts. So that sounds like it will be easier than expected.

Also, I am doing the installation on a lift. What should I consider using that method?

Thanks for the quick replies.

Rick

[Christopher R.]

Re: C1 Transmission installation w/wo shifter?

A lift!? You're using a lift!? When I did this we had to put the car on jackstands; place the transmission on your chest; and, crab across the floor on your back to get the transmission in place. All the while fighting off sabre-toothed tigers and woolly mammoths. Ah well, we had it tough.

But that was a while ago. Now that I think about it, I'm not sure if the shifter stayed in place when I took the transmission out. I know that type of shifter can stay attached when the engine and transmission combo goes in and out. I know one time I had to unbolt the bell housing (but leave it in place) to get enough wiggle room for the nose of the tranny to get in.

If you've got a lift, try it with the shifter in. If that doesn't work, take the shifter off. It's not that big of a deal with a lift. Reason you might have to take the shifter off is that sometimes you need to twist and turn the transmission to get it in place. If so, sometimes the shifter will prevent you from doing that.

Even if you have to take the shifter off, install it as I posted before, with the tail of the transmission hanging down.

[Rick C.]

Re: C1 Transmission installation w/wo shifter?

Thanks. That helps put it into perspective. You're right, with the lift there's not much effort lost by trying it with the shifter first.

And it is humorous as to how times have changed. I've had my 60 since 1975, and I certainly recall the last time I took the transmission out. You've described the process well. For our 25th wedding anniversary, my wife bought the lift for me (of course she got jewelry). Your post caused me to ask her what kind of cool car item will I get this year??? (it's our 30th). And of course she asked me about jewelry again. (guess I'd better start shopping)

The lift was primarily purchased to gain storage space for the corvette, but it certainly is great for service. I'm making some changes to my car since it isn't a numbers matching so that it will be more enjoyable to drive, and thus I'll get it out more often.

Thanks again.

[Stuart F.]

Re: C1 Transmission installation w/wo shifter?

Yes, the lifts are great. On your project though, It will be very helpful for you to have a screw jack if you intend to lower the engine rear. As you can't very well see if you are impinging anything (fan, distributor & shielding, etc., you may want to consider removing anything that may get damaged or in the way. Then, of course, if you don't have a transmission jack (and why would you as you don't do automatics, right?) you will need a buddy to help you lift it into place. Sure, you can do it yourself, but it's hard to both lift it and move it around to engage it. I've done them both ways (on ground and on lift) and it still comes down to the trick of engaging the input shaft with the driven disc. That's where your wife can come in useful, Ha! Send her up topside and if you get a balky engagement, have her push in the clutch pedal which will allow the disc to free up just as you give it that last eungh! Works for me. Seems no matter how careful you align the driven disc with the tool or an old shaft, it still needs a little fine movement. Good Luck.

Stu Fox