FeedVaal

My 4-speed, a saginaw which I assume is original, has some wear in the 1-2 actuator lever causing enough play in my shifter to bump against the console when I shift to second. No real big deal but something I'd like to correct. I've seen Zip's shifter linkage repair kit has the part but I don't like to spend $100
for a $5 part ( I don't like to spend money on anything but tools and computers). Mid-America shows a short-throw replacement lever for C-4's but I have no idea if it would fit an older tranny.
Resources for this trans appear pretty limited compared to muncies.
Anyone have a link to a vender that will sell only this part? :confused:

rainman69

Tulsa?? I live there (when I'm not at school)...and I bought my baby there, at Ventura Classics. You know, down on Peoria (Brookside).

As for the linkage thing...I too would be interested, as my linkage bumps the console in R, 1, and 3. There are little dents from it bumping there over the years.

Is there just an adjustment that I can make?

FeedVaal

Heyo Rainman. Good to hear from another T-towner.
On some of these shifters I'm told there are an upper and lower hole for the shift linkage and you can shorten your throw by moving down to the lower hole.
Unfortunately, I've only got the one hole which is eliptical as is the hole that mounts to the trans = a whole lot of play.

roger68

I don't believe a Corvette ever came with a Saginaw 4-speed. I believe a 77 should have come from the factory with a Borg Warner Super-T10 4-speed.

Roger

FeedVaal

I wish it had, lots easier to find parts. My Haynes manual has a section for Saginaw transmissions so I assumed it was an original alternative.
The part I want is really trans independent. I'm thinking I can probably drop
a bit of trusty ol' JB weld in the wallowed out area and file it to fit but it would be nicer to have a new part.

45ACP

I *think* you are right. From my notes-

"The '78-'79 L48 manual was a Saginaw with 2.85, 2.02, 1.35, and 1.00 ratios. It has a cast iron case and the reverse light switch screws into the case."


[Modified by 45ACP, 6:03 PM 11/14/2001]

FeedVaal

I ttt'd this cause I'm curious now if I've got a switched out later-year tranny.
Would the numbers on the tranny show date of build? :confused:

By the way, I believe Vaal's birthday is around 6-21-77, had to buy "late"
'77 T-top weatherstrip.


[Modified by FeedVaal, 11:39 AM 11/15/2001]

GTR1999

Don't waste your time or money on the Saginaw. A tranny rebuilder says basically they're junk and hard to get parts for. Another guy I know used to buy them used for $100 and blow them up in a month with his Big Block GTO!
Get a Munice or T-10.
Gary

Allan71

The Warner casting date codes would be on the passenger side and would begin with the letter W. The VIN stamp would also be on this side, but on a raised pad and should be 17S4XXXXX. The Warner side cover is curved at the bottom and attaches with 9 bolts. Not sure of the Saginaw configuration. As others have said, you should have the Warner T-10 but I guess with a very late build 77, it is possible to have the 1978 setup. Another clue to check would be the bellhousing. The Saginaw equipped 1978 was one of the few C3s to use a 10.4 inch clutch and this required a unique bellhousing so check the numbers on yours. If the bellhousing number ends in 621, you have a 14 inch flywheel and 11 inch clutch and should have the Warner. If it ends in 403, then you have a 12 3/4 inch flywheel and 10.4 inch clutch and could have the Saginaw. Let us know.

45ACP

Cast iron case = Saginaw

Aluminum case w/9 bolt side cover = Borg-Warner
Aluminum case w/7 bolt side cover = Muncie


[Modified by 45ACP, 3:50 PM 11/15/2001]

FeedVaal

Thanks Allan71! Good info. I'll check into this over the weekend.
When I put the clutch in a couple of years ago, I just told the local parts dude
I needed a clutch for a '77 vette. It bolted right up so I didn't do any research or measuring while I had it apart. Now I kind of wish I'd gotten the wrong one so I'd have those numbers and measurements.