Muncie 4-speed or 5-speed Conversion?

[czizza]

I had a ST10 behind my 409 SBC in my 79Camaro and I broke the transmission 3 times ... I got a TKO500 on Craigslist with a drive shaft for a Cutlass. I got lucky because it was 1000.00 dollars for the stuff.

The conversion for me was super easy, I had a manual clutch and a 521 bell housing and a 28 spline input shaft. My floor needed a little cutting as my shifter was from the cutlass but the transmission fit in the tunnel with no issues. I got an SST crossmember and the drive shaft from the cutlass had to be shortened. I was out the same day I stated the install.

http://www.nastyz28.com/threads/tko-500-install-scored-on-craigslist.297319/

 

[G72Zed]

To the OP, assuming if your 3.73/26.5 tire, look at the Richmond SS 5spd or TKO600 as they have the same first gear 2.89 vs 2.87 and this would give you a 10.66 overall first gear ratio, and at 6,200 rpm, = 45+ mph in first gear.

Looking at your stroke of 3.750, the sweet spot for overall first gear ratio would be 10.38 if you come in at 3,750# with driver, so only a little over that with either trans.

I have driven several Camaro's/Chevelle's with TKO600/3.750 stroked engines , 400sbc/bbc and they both used a 4.10 rear gear (12 bolt), first felt very good and usable in both cars, and the .64 OD was close to perfect for the highway at 70-80 mph. Hope this helps out.

 

[76z28]

If going from auto, the cost of the muncie is not worth it--especially if buying new parts.
Go 5 or even 6.
When I priced mine I got the 6 speed within about 400 bucks of the 5 speed. I can't wait to get it in. Not sure when that will be though.

 

[czizza]

If going from auto, the cost of the muncie is not worth it--especially if buying new parts.
Go 5 or even 6.
When I priced mine I got the 6 speed within about 400 bucks of the 5 speed. I can't wait to get it in. Not sure when that will be though.

... That's no fun ... nothing like banging gears and downshifting on turns.

 

[76z28]

Just so much going on...
May get started soon but we will see.
I hope to start some time this month

 

[Kricka]

I installed a TKO600 (0.64 OD) in 2005. I use my car as a daily driver in the summer and have ~22000 Miles on it.
It is the best mod i have done so far.

 

[ZEN357]

This is what I would go with as they provide everything you need without having to fabricate anything. I'd select the TKO600.

https://americanpowertrain.com/shop/fields/tremec-gm-tko/1970-74-f-body-camaro-firebird-5-speed-kit/

 

[Jeep43]

Has anybody confirmed if the box modifications that some relailers perform for tunnel clearance are required for a 2nd gen? I guess I am asking is has anybody swapped in a box stock TKO into a 2nd gen instead of buying a "kit".

 

[tommy1727]

Silver Sport Transmissions has TKO 5 speed or Magnum 6 speed conversion kits. Check them out. Great kits and customer service. They probably even have YouTube videos of that conversion.

 

[diamondr]

In your particular case, I would perhaps give the Richmond S/S 5spd a close look. Very close to the '71-'74 Muncie in dimensions and gives you a lower first gear, and the .77 OD your looking for. Looking at it closely, with a bit of work, you could use mostly all of your existing 4spd Muncie stuff, even the cross member and perhaps the driveshaft.

I will assume you still have the 3.73 rear and are carbed, if so, and your using a tire of approx. 26.5 inches tall, you will go from 63 mph @ 3000rpm to 69mph @ 2,500 rpm with this trans.



Absolutely good point, it really depends on rear gearing, trans OD and tire dia. combonation used and a proper tune of course.

I use an OD 5spd (.77) with a 333 sbc, big cam (262 @ 50) and carb (870) combo and works out great.

I have a 1973 Z-28 (bought new) I have a 383 500 horsepower in it. Came from factory with 4 speed pulled the original engine and transmission. Put a TKO 600 behind the 383 works great. Used my 4 speed T- handle from in the 70's. Everyone thinks it is still the 4 speed. I also can run my console. Have the 3.73 original rear runs 1800 to 2000 RPM at 70 mpg in 5th . 5th is .64. Car is a driver not a show queen.