I'm starting to collect parts for a swap from an auto to manual in my 79. I did a search and saw that a 93-97 Fbody setup would work. I remember seeing somewhere that a chevy truck setup from the 80's would work as well. Does anybody have any suggestions as to what model bellhousing and hydraulic clutch assembly works (aside from the 93-97)? I'm looking to shave some costs here so any suggestions would help.

What trans are you gonna use? We recently converted an XJ-6 from auto to a T-5, and the customer had a bellhousing w/hyd. throw-out brng setup. It was an aftermarket deal, but it worked our really sweet. I'll try to find out where he got his stuff, and what kind of $$ was involved.

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

 

Keisler has complete conversion kits from auto to 5spd od units, with clutch setup, bell, flywheel and rest,  but they start at around 4k, quite spendy. I've thought of the same thing, but haven't gotten around to research yet. If I do, I'll post and be lookin for yours.

I could get a fully rebuilt Muncie M20 or M21 for around $700. I would then need to add the linkage, speedo cable, neutral switch, well, everything else. I really cannot justify buying a Keisler kit as I drive my car under 2000 miles/yr. 

If you intend to go with a Muncie/Borg-Warner 4 spd. set-up, why not get the complete assy. from a donor car?(salvage yard) It would have eveything you need: trans, bellhousing, clutch linkage, pedal assy., etc. They did put 4spds in '79 Vettes, so the bracket for the clutch cross-shaft should be on the 'donor', but you would need to grind the welds off and then weld it onto your frame.
Time consuming, perhaps, but totally do-able.

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

you can get the bracket from any of the places that sell frame pieces..  bairs..  vetteproducts of michigan..  doc rebuild  to name a few..  saves you te hassle of grinding the old one off and rewelding..

 

 

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http://www.vetteprojects.com/bmv

Is it difficult to weld the piece to the frame with the body on the car?

[QUOTE=problemenko]Is it difficult to weld the piece to the frame with the body on the car? [/QUOTE]

i wouldnt think so... but the body is off of mine so i cant really visualize what would be in the way

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http://www.vetteprojects.com/bmv

Shouldn't be a problem, just have to move a few brake components out of the way.(Lines & proportional valve) A mig welder will be better & easier than a stick, but either will work. Just make sure there's a far extinguisher handy, just in case.
btw: You should verify that your block has a threaded hole by the oil filter to accept the pivot ball for the cross shaft. Adams' Apple38411.8560069444

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

the first pic on both of these pages should give you an idea where exactly it is

http://www.vetteprojects.com/cthulhu/images/frame-off/chassi s3/chassis3.html

http://www.vetteprojects.com/cthulhu/images/frame-off/chassi s2/chassis2.html

 

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http://www.vetteprojects.com/bmv

and btw..  the bracket is 25.00$ from dr rebuild..  (part # 3851220)

i looked in the bairs catalog and didnt find it but they probably have it as well.

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http://www.vetteprojects.com/bmv

Thanks for the good advice guys. I'm travelling on business the rest of the week and will check out the parts when I get a chance. 

Hello Forum Members:  Please report any progress on your hydraulic clutch installation on your C3.  I am looking for additional information and possibly resources for a firewall hydraulic clutch conversion kit to support an ROD installation with Lakewood 15000 bell housing and Mcleod throw-out bearing/adjuster & spacer.  McLeod informed me yesterday the C3 firewall can not support a hydraulic clutch.  If your firewall was reinforced, please share any tips and cautions.  Thank you, David

There are lots of C3's running around with hydraulic clutch kits in them. I just finished up a LS6 Gen III engine with a kit from American Powertrain. The kit had stiffener plates that sandwich the firewall. Plus there isn't a lot of force being exerted on the pedal to disengage the clutch. 

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GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
TKO500 5 spd.

You know, it occurs to me that I had an episode with the bellcrank anchor on my '81 when we were up in Carson city for the '07 Gathering. The nylon ball that supports the outboard side (left) of the clutch pedal linkage broke off but, lodged against itself and was still barely functioning. When we got back home I dug in, and when I pressure washed the grease out of the way I was surprised to find two bolts anchoring that piece down to the frame. I took it to a friend who rewelded it stronger than stock, and I just rebolted to the frame, SWEET ! My '78s both are auto. trans. so I have nothing to compare for that year.

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Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again.

 
                             Click to see larger views!

 OOPS ! But if you're going hydraulic, you won't be worried about any of that.

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Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again.

 
                             Click to see larger views!

Sarge81:  Thank you for the American Powertrain lead! 

Glad I could help ya. 



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GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
TKO500 5 spd.