Home page
SPONSOR AD SPONSOR AD

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

in Forum: C3 Driveline Components


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

Posted: 9/11/10 5:52am Message 1 of 9
Former Member
Send PM
Toledo, OH - USA
Joined: 2/22/2007
Posts: 175
Vette(s): 1977 auto.L48 383 stroker
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!


SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)

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

Posted: 9/11/10 9:57am Message 2 of 9
Profile Pic
Lifetime MemberLifetime Member
Send PM
Holland Patent, NY - USA
Joined: 6/3/2008
Posts: 4422
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
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




Click on image for larger view!

LIFETIME MEMBER 151
Evil Smileebo

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

Posted: 9/11/10 10:54am Message 3 of 9
Former Member
Send PM
Toledo, OH - USA
Joined: 2/22/2007
Posts: 175
Vette(s): 1977 auto.L48 383 stroker
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

Posted: 9/11/10 12:35pm Message 4 of 9
Profile Pic
Lifetime MemberLifetime Member
Send PM
Sykesville, MD - USA
Joined: 4/27/2008
Posts: 4240
Vette(s): 1979 Corvette Coupe Corvette Light Blue Midnight Blue interior Mirrored Glass T-tops
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



"Down on the Boardwalk...

(Click image to see a larger version}
 
Lifetime Member #181

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

Posted: 9/11/10 9:09pm Message 5 of 9
Former Member
Send PM
Marana, AZ - USA
Joined: 4/8/2010
Posts: 104
Vette(s): 1982 Silver Blue
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

Posted: 9/13/10 8:59am Message 6 of 9
Former Member
Send PM
Mounds View, MN - USA
Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031
Vette(s): 70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe
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

Posted: 9/13/10 9:58am Message 7 of 9
Profile Pic
Former Member
Send PM
York, PA - USA
Joined: 5/18/2010
Posts: 1518
Vette(s): 1969 daytona conv. all original 350 350 380 4 sp w/air..and hard top
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



My first parade at Carlisle 2010

Re: Would like to replace auto trans. with manual

Posted: 9/3/11 8:21am Message 8 of 9
Lifetime MemberLifetime Member
Send PM
NEWARK, DE - USA
Joined: 7/29/2003
Posts: 52
Vette(s): 1972 CORVETTE CLASSIC WHITE BLACK DELUXE LEATHER 1975 CORVETTE CONVERTIBLE W/ HARDTOP IN STEEL BLUE-SILVER LEATHER INTERIOR
is the driveshaft and the crossmember a necessity in doing the swap out


Re: Would like to replace auto trans. with manual

Posted: 9/4/11 5:54am Message 9 of 9
Profile Pic
Lifetime MemberLifetime Member
Send PM
HOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812
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.
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...


LukesVette Homepage
Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom
101st Airborne(AirAssault!)
God Bless America

Support Our Troops


     

in Forum: C3 Driveline Components


SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)