Conversion to Keisler 5-Speed

**Patrick H.** · April 20, 2009, 05:21 PM

Re: Conversion to Keisler 5-Speed

Peter,

I'd have to ask how many miles do you drive the car each year, and what do you hope to gain? Also, which rear end gear do you currently run?

If we knew those answers it would help.

Patrick

**Peter B.** · April 20, 2009, 05:34 PM

Re: Conversion to Keisler 5-Speed

Dear Patrick,

I put about 500 miles a year on the car, it has a 3.36 rear end. I'm looking for better acceleration off the line and lower rpm's at cruising. Maybe what I should be looking for is an already modified driver.

Peter

**Wes S.** · April 20, 2009, 06:16 PM

Re: Conversion to Keisler 5-Speed

If you do decide to convert look at Classic Chevy 5 speeds in Carlsbad, CA.
They use a hurst shifter that sits lower on the transmission, giving more tunnel clearence.
Wes

**Peter B.** · April 20, 2009, 06:46 PM

Re: Conversion to Keisler 5-Speed

Wes,

Thanks for the info...Their web site info appears to be similar to Keisler, I like that they're in California, I'll take a closer look.

Pete

**Patrick H.** · April 20, 2009, 06:49 PM

Re: Conversion to Keisler 5-Speed

Originally posted by Peter Bittenbender (47207)

Dear Patrick,

I put about 500 miles a year on the car, it has a 3.36 rear end. I'm looking for better acceleration off the line and lower rpm's at cruising. Maybe what I should be looking for is an already modified driver.

Peter

Peter,

Realize that it's a lot of $ per mile if you're driving 500 miles/year.
40 years ago (heck 20 years ago) the rpms didn't bother anyone or the cars. Now that we're used to double overdrive gearing and very quiet cars we suddenly have the urge to change the old cars to run like the new ones.

Unless you drive all highway miles or do a lot of some type of racing, if it were my car I'd just enjoy it as-is. Both of my old cars have 3.36 rear gears and have driven long distances without a problem.

Patrick

**Brian M.** · April 20, 2009, 06:52 PM

Re: Conversion to Keisler 5-Speed

Leave it alone. JMHO

**Peter B.** · April 20, 2009, 07:16 PM

Re: Conversion to Keisler 5-Speed

Patrick and Brian,

Thanks for your responses. I've been going back and forth on this for awhile. I grew up in the 50's / 60's and hard acceleration off the line is in my dna at this point. But...this car is original and I just can't quite get past the fact that if I do this it won't be. I searched for it for almost three years back in the late 70's. Found it in an aircraft hanger in Chico, California, in 1980...didn't even try to negotiate, just gave the man his asking price of $12k. I think the answer is to find something else that satisfies the need for speed and preserve the car for what it is...not what I can make of it. I've never taken it thru any kind of judging, but I've gone thru it with the NCRS manuals and I think it would do well...maybe that's where it's future lies.

Thanks again.

Pete

**Henry A.** · April 20, 2009, 07:52 PM

Re: Conversion to Keisler 5-Speed

My 2 cents...if you plan to keep the car forever or a very long time, make the transmission change and enjoy the car. Keep the original trans and if you do need to sell you can reinstall. The trans change is going to make the car more driveable and if that will get you to use the car more...make the change. I just put on in my 63 SWC and love the change. Either way is a good decision.

**Joe R.** · April 20, 2009, 08:07 PM

Re: Conversion to Keisler 5-Speed

Peter,

The conversion to a Keisler 5 speed can be very satisfying but it can also be a nightmare. A real nightmare!

You might want to consider using a new body mount kit before you start to install the Keisler. There have been some cars that have settled a little too much for a Keisler to fit properly. I believe that Keisler even includes shims in their package now and some instruction on raising the body slightly above stock position.

The experience I've had with installation is limited but very unpleasant and would never try it again without giving the body at least a 3/4" lift job.

JR

**Peter B.** · April 20, 2009, 08:25 PM

Re: Conversion to Keisler 5-Speed

Joe,

Thank you for the heads up on body settlement. If I go ahead with this it will be done in a shop. I'll at least be able to discuss this with them although it sounds like Keisler is aware of the problem.

Thank you to all for your opinions and insight.

Pete

**Bill C.** · April 20, 2009, 08:35 PM

Re: Conversion to Keisler 5-Speed

Originally posted by Joe Ray (1011)

Peter,

The conversion to a Keisler 5 speed can be very satisfying but it can also be a nightmare. A real nightmare!

You might want to consider using a new body mount kit before you start to install the Keisler. There have been some cars that have settled a little too much for a Keisler to fit properly. I believe that Keisler even includes shims in their package now and some instruction on raising the body slightly above stock position.

The experience I've had with installation is limited but very unpleasant and would never try it again without giving the body at least a 3/4" lift job.

JR

I agree, a nightmare. I did not like the gear spread either. Yes, it was nice at 60-90 MPH, but I did not care. I know the customer was unhappy with the end result also.

LOTS of clearance issues, fresh frame off with all new mounts and still had interference issues and driveshaft balance issues to overcome.

I would not recommend to anyone, play with rear ratios for performance mods, your L-79 would be super with a 3:70 assuming you have a CR trans.

The 3:36 is nice with a WR trans, but if thats the case and you are still unhappy, try 3:55's
Bill

**Peter B.** · April 20, 2009, 09:47 PM

Re: Conversion to Keisler 5-Speed

Bill,

The hype from the trans providers all sounds too good to be true. I was hoping for comments pro and con from from members that had made the change. Sorry it didn't go well for you, but I appreciate the insight. I love the sound of a small block winding up, maybe a change of rear end gears is a better way to go.

Thanks for the response.

Pete

**Joe C.** · April 20, 2009, 09:51 PM

Re: Conversion to Keisler 5-Speed

Originally posted by Peter Bittenbender (47207)

I've been with the NCRS for a couple of years and have received quite an education from the member forums. I've participated some, but do not have the knowledge base that provides a lot of insight on these cars. I have a 67 L79 Coupe and have been considering an upgrade to a Keisler TKO-500 5-speed (.68 OD). The car is numbers matching with 71,000 miles. My concern is the impact the change would have to the value of the car. Performance improvements aside, am I going down a bad road with this idea, or is it sufficient to retain the original transmission in the event I ever sell it (not very likely). I value the opinions provided here and would appreciate any thoughts pro or con.

To hell with the kiester, put this in instead:

http://www.richmondgear.com/07pdfs/RG21.pdf

OR:

Change the gearset to convert to a W/R gearbox. This will not drop your cruise RPM, however.

**Bill C.** · April 20, 2009, 09:58 PM

Re: Conversion to Keisler 5-Speed

Originally posted by Peter Bittenbender (47207)

Bill,

The hype from the trans providers all sounds too good to be true. I was hoping for comments pro and con from from members that had made the change. Sorry it didn't go well for you, but I appreciate the insight. I love the sound of a small block winding up, maybe a change of rear end gears is a better way to go.

Thanks for the response.

Pete

Peter,
Was not my car so I was getting paid for the aggravation, but it was still disappointing. If you like to wind it up, definitely stick with the 4 speed.

The 5 speeds "wind out" to quickly for me and you just do not get the same feel of the long pull between gears in a 4 speed, that's the fun!

Bill

Conversion to Keisler 5-Speed

Conversion to Keisler 5-Speed

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment