Topic: auto to manual trans.
in Forum: C3 Driveline Components
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Lifetime MemberMundelein, IL - USA
Joined: 6/9/2008
Posts: 411
Vette(s): 1978 25 anniversary blue on blue with T-tops.
I was looking to change the trans from an auto to a manual trans in a 78. I found a trans for 500 used. a super T10 4 speed. I am looking to get info on about what it would cost for this to be installed and if anyone has a general idea on a time frame of what it would take to do it.
thanks
Lifetime Member #150
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"Drive it like you stole it"
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Your lookin at a lot of work,bell housing, clutch ,clutch pedal linkage ,which is gonna be a real P.I.T.A.,different drive shaft,transmission cross member,think long and hard b-4 you start,you can buy a complete conversion kit,with everything you need to do it ,BIG BUCKS.give back the 4-speed and get a TH-400 auto
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20219
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Also will need a bracket welded to the frame for the "Z" bar on the clutch linkage.
It's a major job to swap that way, but it can be done if ya have the patience, and time, and....$$$....
It's a major job to swap that way, but it can be done if ya have the patience, and time, and....$$$....
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
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Lifetime MemberMundelein, IL - USA
Joined: 6/9/2008
Posts: 411
Vette(s): 1978 25 anniversary blue on blue with T-tops.
TH 400 Auto. That is something of just a shift kit? How is it mounted and what performance benies does it provide?
Lifetime Member #150
Recent Modifications
"Drive it like you stole it"
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20219
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
The 400 is simply a heavier-duty automatic trans. Your '78 should have the 350 trans in it. They are both 3 speed automatics, but the 400 is just a lot beefier.
You could opt for putting an overdrive trans in there, too. It's a lot easier than doing the auto-to-manual deal, and there are complete "kits" available to do it. You could take a look thru the C3 Driveline Components forum, and see that several of our members have done this.
You could opt for putting an overdrive trans in there, too. It's a lot easier than doing the auto-to-manual deal, and there are complete "kits" available to do it. You could take a look thru the C3 Driveline Components forum, and see that several of our members have done this.
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"
I put a 4 speed in mine and it was not that expensive. Get a vette parts book and look at the items you are going to need and add it up. Then fine a mechanic who can do it and see what he will charge. The labor was around a 1000.00 and close to that for the parts. Then determine if it is worth the cost.
Having completed the conversion you are contimplating 3x I have found using a hydrolic clutch setup out of a mid 90's camaro works extremely well.
Annicorvette
Lifetime member # 35 
I have done it twice. It is not that hard but a long process. There is a no weld/bolt on z bar bracket for a later C-3 available from Corvette Central. I think the hardest part about it is getting the comlpete dash and steering column out. I would do it again rather than have an automatic.
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in Forum: C3 Driveline Components
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