Swapping the SM465 for a Car style 4 speed

[794spdcustom]

Well swap that sucker in and share the progress and fun driving after the fact

Thanks Double dingo, Winter is setting in here so in the next month or so I will yank the engine and tranny. Going to freshen the 350 bolt on the tranny and then see what I run into.

 

[Ricko1966]

Thanks for all of your replies fellas. I do have a bellhousing from the Muncie we put in my sons Nova so that is all good. Seems to me the biggest issues may be the crossmember, finding a yolk for the Saginaw, perhaps driveshaft fitment and replacing the tunnel. I have heard that these are replaceable and some are bolted in??

 

[794spdcustom]

It falls back to, if you can find one of those coveted grooved input-shafted transmissions. I only see them without grooves, so those are for the low gear rear end vehicles, such as 4.57 or 4.10 or 3.90. I bet 3.90 gears are a blast for twisty roads.

The transmission I have has three grooves in the input shaft, I believe this denotes a 3.50 first gear.

 

[DoubleDingo]

The transmission I have has three grooves in the input shaft, I believe this denotes a 3.50 first gear.

That will definitely help for taking off from a stop. I thought those were just unicorns, but it's good to know there are still some out there.

 

[rt66paul]

Remember that the shifter handle you use with be very low, since they are made for cars, not trucks. If you have short arms, you will have to extend the length of the shifter arm. It won't be easy to shift and if extended, it won't be a short shift(unless you modify the tabs on the trans, which can cause other problems).

 

[75Monza]

I used a set of Cadillac buckets in mine to clear the shifter since it hit the stock bench seat. Also used a hurst comp plus with a t handle since it was taller and easier to reach.

 

[Ricko1966]

Remember that the shifter handle you use with be very low, since they are made for cars, not trucks. If you have short arms, you will have to extend the length of the shifter arm. It won't be easy to shift and if extended, it won't be a short shift(unless you modify the tabs on the trans, which can cause other problems).

The Saginaw shifter bolts to the transmission tail shaft make a simple new bracket to move the shifter where you want it.or put a longer stick on it. Covered in Dec 7th