Transmission decisions

[bevdan]

Hey everyone, new guy here with some decisions to make. I am currently helping my son with his 86 c-10 project he bought a few months ago and we are trying to decide on the tranny. The truck is set up for manual transmission with fluid clutch. He wants to keep it standard but I don't have and can't find a fluid bell housing and the only standard tranny I have is Saginaw 4 speed. I have a Turbo 350 and 700r4 on hand. The engine is an 86 350. What are some of your thoughts pros and cons of conversion and tranys? Thanks and sorry for long post.

 

[gpmorgan]

Welcome Danny. I like the auto trans idea myself.

 

[John81287]

Pop that turbo 350 in there!


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[bevdan]

The 350 is my choice also,. Anybody have auto brake peddles?

 

[marks86]

nv4500!

 

[HotRodPC]

If it were me, I'd be going with the manual, but that's cuz I've been belly aching for a manual truck for so long and all 7 of my current trucks are auto.

Are you trying to cheap out as least as possible? Is time more of the factor or what? Do you have the Auto flexplate, starter, torque converter and correct length driveshaft? The conversion to auto can be just as much as finding the bellhousing. Obviously you don't have a SM465 trans either? What about the clutch kit? Not knowing what you have and don't have or current situation, a bit tough to say for sure.

 

[bevdan]

I have everything flexplate, converter etc.. Except the automatic peddles for the auto conversion The only thing driving my decisions is ease and availability of parts. Not very many of these parts around my area. They have all been crushed. The truck already has the slave cylinder and master cylinder in place. I don't have a transmission or the bellhousing. My son bought it without motor or transmission. I have to 350's ready to drop in. One with th350 and one with 700r4. Just seems easier to stay with manual.

 

[bevdan]

I also don't have automatic column. Would go with floor shifter?

 

[gpmorgan]

If you decide on the 350 or 700 trans, you can get a cable operated floor shifter. I think B&M makes one for a truck.

 

[Boone83K10]

When in doubt always go with manual. Auto guys want manual and manual guys convert to auto. Viscous cycle!

 

[HotRodPC]

I wish you were closer. I'd certianly swap an Auto Column for a Manual. B&M makes several shifters. I'd go with the Quicksilver or Mega Shifter. Pricey but worth every dime. Ratchet shifters. Both of those are also 3 and 4 speed compatible where most are either or. They both are also forward and reverse pattern compatible. You could also do the cheapo $89 shifter.

You don't have to change pedals. Just remove the clutch pedal. This way if he ever does decide to go back to manual, he's already got the propert hardware and just put the clutch pedal back in.