63 4 spds and shifters

[Frederick W.]

As many know, in 63 the 4 spd transmission was the Borg Warner T10, until about May 1963. After early May 63 and on through to later years, the Muncie M21 was installed.
My car is a mid-May 63 build and has the Muncie with an aftermarket Hurst shifter (installed in the early 60s). I'm thinking of returning to original.

Question:
I know the 63 had a black shift ball and different shifter than the 64 and later, which had a chrome shift ball.
What about the late 63 cars with the Muncie? Did they have the black ball/shifter or the later/64 style?

thanks
Fred

[Tracy C.]

Re: 63 4 spds and shifters

Hi Fred,

Late 63 Muncies used the same shifter and ball as the early Borg Warner units. The linkage used on both was different. .I seem to remember this info is covered in Nolan's book.

tc

[Stuart F.]

Re: 63 4 spds and shifters

I agree on the shifter being the same as I have had both (a B/G and a 63 Muncie). My 63, however, was delivered with a white shift ball. For many years I did not know the difference as my previous experiences with Vettes were with white shift balls. I concluded, many years later, that my shift ball was swapped out by someone at the dealership before I took delivery. The car sat there an extra week until I could get back on leave from the Army. This also caused the dealership to double stamp the delivery date on the tag, an anomoly that has caught many a keen eye ever since.

Stu Fox

[Timothy B.]

Re: 63 4 spds and shifters

I wish someone would expand on the differences of the shifting linkage between the Muncie and T-10.

On my early 63 W/ T-10 the back up linkage fits easier when installed into the shifter opposite the pics in AIM. It will install the other way but not as relaxed. I have always wondered about this..

[Bob R.]

Re: 63 4 spds and shifters

I just installed a Muncie set up in my May 63. I was able to find an original 63 shifter with the linkage. The linkage must have been for a Borg Warner because the linkage would not line up with the transmission the arms were the wrong legnth. I had to order the Muncie linkage from Long Island Corvette. The parts are different legnths and the bends are different. they are not interchangable. The shifter is the same for both.
You do have the reverse link in facing the wrong way I don't know if this would cause a problem shifting.

[Timothy B.]

Re: 63 4 spds and shifters

Bob,

The shift in/out of reverse is actually very smooth, much better than the opposite direction. I wonder about the reverse lever being correct on the transmission but they all look the same to me..

I think first/second and third/fourth are correct, they work fine. I remember reading something in the AIM as there is a part # change, I just can't remember if the change is for the Muncie. I will have to look again..