Capt Van

I have been putzing with my 60 for a while and been wondering what would be involved in converting the factory powerglide to a 4 speed.
Pros, cons, costs, advise?





Thanks

Pierre

Been there. Pretty straight forward but the most challenging part will be the installation of the cross shaft bracket on the frame. Do it with the cross shaft in place and the shaft moving freely to make sure it's at the right location.
You will also have to re-locate the dimmer switch and change the brake pedal.

Pierre

wonderful

I don't think it's such a big deal. You need a 4-speed transmission, 4-speed shifter & linkage, 4-speed bell housing with a cross shaft, 4-speed console (not sure for a solid axle), 4-speed clutch assembly, 4-speed pedal assembly, correct carburetor, manual radiator (can use automatic radiator by plugging transmission oil lines), car lift, transmission lift, a little time, and a helper.
Of course, you will not have a original car anymore after changeover. Keep all your powerglide parts, just incase you want to go back to a automatic.
Good luck.

Pierre

Console is not an issue, carburetors should be OK, no such thing as auto radiators in C1. Will need to make changes to the ignition wiring harness to bypass neutral safety switch.

Pierre

Frankie the Fink

Not to derail the topic but since the car is not original I would strongly consider a 5-speed with overdrive.

Qblue92

Did that to my '60 a few years ago. I love it.
Just gather up all the stuff. You get to weld 2 items to the frame. If you are doing a Muncie, you need a weird looking rear adapter bracket.

wonderful

I stand corrected about the C1 radiators.

Capt Van

I figured you would jump in with that advice, Frankie, but by time I thought of it I had already left for the day, thanks.

I will go with a 5 speed, what one would you recommend and where to get it as well as the rest of the parts I will need.

Frankie the Fink

Well I run the Tremec TKO-600 and have no complaints. The latest Keisler offering is the RS-6000 with nearly the same HP capacity, smoother shifts and smaller footprint (and somewhat cheaper) -- but the lead time to get one is problematic. My only complaint on the Tremec was the notchy 2-3 shifts when winding the car out. The trick is to push that shifter with an open hand directly at the TEMP **** in the center console and let the spring and detents do their job. Second nature to me now and no more missed shifts. So you'll have to decide what would work best for you.

Capt Van

It's going to stay 245 hp.
Frankee, I can't find a 6000 on their site did you mean 600?

Frankie the Fink

Well - I should have more correctly stated their RS "Perfect Fit" series I guess:
http://www.keislerauto.com/vmchk/gm/...page_tabs.html

MarkC

American Powertrain has a auto to 5 speed conversion. They offer the Tremec TKO 600 with their shifter. My TKO shifts perfect. They also offer two gear sets depending on your rear axle ratio. I have 1500 miles on my TKO and am extremely pleased. If I were you I would at least talk to them and compare what they have against the competition. In my opinion, the 5 speed is the best upgrade you can make to a C2.

Mark

Capt Van

Thanks Mark but it's just a beater C1...kinda

JH57Z06

I'm also planning a change to a TREMEC600 5 speed along with a crate motor ZZ4 to replace my 'puny' 283. My 57 is a long way from stock so I want to drive it and enjoy it. That .64:1 5th gear will make it much more 'driveable.'

Go for it!!!

Frankie the Fink

Didn't mean to say that Keisler is the only choice...I talked to American Powertrain before my conversion and they are knowledgeable, friendly folks. At the time I think what swayed me was the Keisler kit had a nice reproduction C1 shifter setup..all else being equal. The 5-speed is a phenomenal improvement. You get a slightly deeper first and your car will cruise interstates at little more than a fast idle!