I would like to consider a converson from a stock M 20 transmission in my 1976 to a 5 speed? Is there a bolt-on replacement from Borg Warner of Muncie that fits? Do I have to change the mounts? I have a Centerforce 11" clutch for a 26 spline shaft, I think? With the new ZZ-4 and the  hot cam set up my thinking is that maybe the transmission shoud be replaced? Or should I leave it alone and see what happens? No strip street only..Ideas?? Who has a 5 speed transmission in their vette?...Terry spielman538450.878287037

Have you seen this site? Can't seem to open the C3 example

http://www.fivespeedtransmissions.com/tr-3550.html

You can also check here: www.classicchevy5speed.com jeffmort38451.3251851852

I put a TKO-600 from www.classicchevy5speed.com  last year.  It's a direct bolt on to your clutch you have now. I cut the crossmember & moved it back about 2"s, because the TKO is longer. The hole in the floor has to be inlarged & the driveshaft has to be shortened. I found a local to cut & balance the shaft for $75.00. Found a Mustang shifter handle & use the TKO Stainless Ball. You can go with the TKO-500 with .82 5th gear or the TKO-600 with a .64 5th. I chose the THK-600 because of the low RPM's for cruising & I needed a tran's to handle 600' of TQ. Give them a call as they are very helpful...it was a fairly simple swap. It's like driving a different car.

Alan

Alan-

 Good to hear that you are enjoying your new TKO and thanks for the kind words. The overdrive does make your Coirvette a different car to drive.

To clarify, the TKO500 has a .68 5th and there are 2 TKO600 (.82 5th & .64 5th). Also, while cutting the crossmember is optional (makes the install easier) we now have all of the kit parts needed to complete the swap (custom offset shifter for stock shift handle placement within the console, custom xmember bracket, driveshaft, stock looking shift handles, etc.).

I will be posting an install write up for my '68 soon that will help expalin this install in greater detail.

Jeff

 

I have a Keisler 5 speed unit in mine, but it is the TKO500. It was just a bolt in affair. The trickiest part is getting the bellhousing and transmission input shaft lined up at the same time. Still not that big of a deal.

 No cutting was needed at any point in this install on my car. 

Hi,  also have a Keisler TKO in a 1978 model,  had to cut the crossmember after about an hour an half worth of trying to get it in without cutting it.  After stepping back and regrouping, it was better for me to have cut it.  Also, you may want to consider the slip yoke that is similar to the corvette's, with the U-jount straps... the yoke that came with my tranny had to have the joint caps pressed in while in the car... and knowing how much "room" there is to work with under the car, I opted for the other yoke.. now, in about 30 minutes i can have the tranny out and on the floor.  You'll enjoy it..

Stingrayjim brings up some excellent points. Choosing to cut the crossmember, while not necessary, is an option that many C3 owners have chosen in order to more easly install/remove the transmission. Here is a picture of one way I have seen tis done: http://www.classicchevy5speed.com/images/C3%20Vette%20remove able%20crossmember.jpg

Also, the quick release slip yoke is another part that makes life easier. Here is a picture: http://www.classicchevy5speed.com/images/Corvetteslipyoke.JP G.

You may find some additional ideas here: http://www.classicchevy5speed.com/68_82_corvette_transmissio n_install_notes.htm.

Jeff

 

Another question?now that I have purchased a TKO600 5-speed and the ZZ 4 engine has a centerforce clutch, do I need to worry about a scattershield bellhousing? Or will I be safe with the stock bellhousing that came with my corvette? I do not intend to drag this vehicle street and Highway only..Terry

Terry

I thought about a scattershield also, but it's a pretty tight fit in there & if you're not racing or draging on the street I wouldn't worry about it. I installed half shaft loops which are a very good idea as the half shafts do break & can destroy your vette. They are pretty easy to install & I think cost around $100.00. I also had a drive shaft loop installed with the old  muncie ,but had to take it off because it was to tight with the TKO. I'll have to make some mods to put that back in the future.

Alan