I was just wondering if anybody has ever switched a 1980 auto to a 4-speed. If so what factors are involved? Any suggestions or comments welcome!

crane corvette has a kit to do this. http://www.cranescorvette.com/shifters.htm just scroll down a little on their page

Thanks!

I swapped my th350 to 5 Speed Richmond last winter. It takes time and patience to do it right. You'll need the following: pedal set up
Clutch rods
Z Bar
Clutch Fork
clucth
bellhousing
tranny

There's more I'm sure but can't remember everythign now.

You'll need to weld the Z Bar bracket to the frame. You'll need to make a hole for the shifter to come up. A hole for the clucth rod from pedal is also required.

Other than the obvious (transmission, bell housing, Z-bar and pedals), Corvette Central has great pictures of all the small parts you will need. They also make the bracket for an 80+ to mount the z-bar to the frame that bolts on (no welding). On a pre 80 model one will have to separate the exhaust at the crossmember to get the pipes out so crossmember can be removed. It must come out so the automatic can be removed. Probably the most important batch of parts are all the small ones; these make a professional job of the switch. Good luck; if you don't care about matching numbers, it will make a fun ride out of your car.

Oh yes, don't forget the starter. The automatic transmission starter is different and won't fit in the hole.

Ken C said: Oh yes, don't forget the starter. The automatic transmission starter is different and won't fit in the hole.

I would like to add to Ken C's reply which is a important point of the swap.

If you are going to use a 14" 168 tooth flywheel, the starter housing bolt holes (2) for mounting to the engine will be offset.
Or the 12 3/4" 153 tooth flywheel, the bolt holes will be straight across from each other.

You MUST check your engine block to see if it is machined with both bolt hole patterns or one of the two.
This will be a factor for which flywheel/starter combo you will use.

Good Luck, Sarge