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Topic: Would like to replace auto trans. with manual on my 77

in Forum: C3 Driveline Components


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Would like to replace auto trans. with manual on my 77 (1/9)
 9/11/10 8:52am
fowler12
Former Member

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Toledo, OH - USA

Vette(s):
1977 auto.L48 383 stroker


Joined: 2/22/2007
Posts: 175

I am giving consideration to swapping my auto. transmission on my 77 to a manual 5 spd.  I would like anyone's input, advice, suggestions on whether or not to do this.  What can I expect the cost to be and what are the pro's and con's of doing this if?  Thanks to all for your insight and helping me make a decision whether or not to do this!
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Would like to replace auto trans. with manual on my 77 (2/9)
 9/11/10 12:57pm
eboLifetime Member
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Holland Patent, NY - USA

Vette(s):
#1 *1980 White, Red interior 14,000 mile #2 *1980 Red, Oyster interior 93,000 miles Resto project car, rebuilt to 383 stroker


Joined: 6/3/2008
Posts: 4420

Matt, while at Carlsile I noticed a real sharp 1980 Pearl white vette behind the C3VR tent. What drew me to it was the reflection of sun comming from the underneath of the hood. I started talking to the owners and said as soon as my shift is over in the booth I want to check out your ride. When I went over the car was detailed to the max, we started talking and he told me it was originally an automatic. I asked him how big of a job to change it over, he bought the whole kit from Tremec, said that the hardest part was getting the pedal set up in, it bolts right up but it's a lot of work upside down on your back. I also asked him how much and it said $4,500. or so.
I decided I'd wait and invest the money in the next vette that already will be a stick.
Hope that helps. I'm sure the tremec site will have lots of info.
Good Luck!Smile
Evil Smileebo


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Evil Smileebo
Would like to replace auto trans. with manual on my 77 (3/9)
 9/11/10 1:54pm
fowler12
Former Member

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Toledo, OH - USA

Vette(s):
1977 auto.L48 383 stroker


Joined: 2/22/2007
Posts: 175

Ebo, thanks for the insight.  I also too was once told about Tremec.  However, I did not realize it would be that expesive to convert!  Think I will follow suit and spend the money on a vette later down the road with a manual!  Thanks again
Would like to replace auto trans. with manual on my 77 (4/9)
 9/11/10 3:35pm
Jaws79Lifetime Member
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Sykesville, MD - USA

Vette(s):
1979 Corvette Coupe Corvette Light Blue Midnight Blue interior Mirrored Glass T-tops


Joined: 4/27/2008
Posts: 4238

You know, a lot of folks on this site have converted their automatic to the 700R overdrive style and have been real happy with it. Just a thought!
 
Barry
 
Ermm


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Would like to replace auto trans. with manual on my 77 (5/9)
 9/12/10 12:09am
philip
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Marana, AZ - USA

Vette(s):
1982 Silver Blue


Joined: 4/8/2010
Posts: 104

The transmission itself is not expensive and sometimes the convenience of the kit will cost a lot more than finding the parts yourself.
You will need the following parts
Pedals and linkages...$460
Transmission TKO 600..$2200
Bell housing...$229
Crossmember...$179
Flywheel and clutch assembly..$250 - $400 depending on intended usage
Drive shaft..$300
Total $3600 - $3800.
I have the TKO 600 in my Nova and enjoy driving the car very much. The transmission shifts smooth, the ratio change between gears is perfect and the overdrive nets me 20 mpg at 75 mph on the freeway with 3.73 rear gears.
philip2010-09-11 21:09:47
Would like to replace auto trans. with manual on my 77 (6/9)
 9/13/10 11:59am
VetteSpecialties
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Mounds View, MN - USA

Vette(s):
70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe


Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031

I made a complete parts list for a customer, pasted below.  As you see, to convert to a factory correct 4-speed set up would cost under $3,000 with all new parts.  We occasionally part out a car and sell the complete conversion used for $1,500.

Larry

Part                                cost

pedal assembly            $250.00

clutch pedal rod            $21.00

bell crank                       $79.95

bottom rod                    $14.95

fork                                 $74.00

flywheel                          $129.00

pilot bushing                 $5.00

clutch kit                        $164.95

transmission                 $1,000.00

shifter bracket               $58.00

shifter                             $249.95

front yoke                      $149.00

driveshaft?                    $169.95

console plate                $19.95

bellhousing                    $229.00

bu light switch               $69.95

bu linkage                     $9.00

bu bracket                     $9.95

shift boot inner              $24.95

linkage springs             $10.85

shift boot console         $36.95

transmission mt brkt    $36.00

bell housing cover        $26.75

safety switch               $64.95

safety sw rod                $11.00

                                         $2,915.05

Would like to replace auto trans. with manual on my 77 (7/9)
 9/13/10 12:58pm
yostusota
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York, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1969 daytona conv. all original 350 350 380 4 sp w/air..and hard top


Joined: 5/18/2010
Posts: 1518

I hate to say this but at carlisle they had the 5 speed manual trans kit for sale late Saturday for 1,300..I almost bought one to sell on EBay..it wasn't tremec though it was the other one that I can't remember the name now..they really had a hard time selling stuff there this year..I would stick with the auto.. if you want it to shift like a stick put a full manual shift kit in it..it shifts like a monster and you can run the gears like a stick..not really recommended for a driver though..Gil Younger makes some good ones as well as B&M..they are cheap and easy to install..depending on which kit you only have to drop the valve body..
Rich

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Re: Would like to replace auto trans. with manual (8/9)
 9/3/11 11:21am
CFL34Lifetime Member
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NEWARK, DE - USA

Vette(s):
1972 CORVETTE CLASSIC WHITE BLACK DELUXE LEATHER 1975 CORVETTE CONVERTIBLE W/ HARDTOP IN STEEL BLUE-SILVER LEATHER INTERIOR


Joined: 7/29/2003
Posts: 52

is the driveshaft and the crossmember a necessity in doing the swap out
Re: Would like to replace auto trans. with manual (9/9)
 9/4/11 8:54am
lukesvetteLifetime Member
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HOWELL, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.


Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812

My brother's shop is just finishing up a 64 conversion to a 5 spd Keisler. He's in Butler Pa close to the Ohio border if you're looking for a shop to do the install...
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