RobWS6

Hey guys,
I have a guy at work that has a '76 with a T-10. He's been thinking of getting a 6spd but doesn't want to cut up the car to make it work. What about using the overdrive unit off of the 4+3? Can this be bolted up to any T-10? or is it specific to the trans that it came with? Has anybody done the swap and if so, what plan of attack should he use?

Sorry for so many questions, he just wants to cruise in his car but the 4.11 gears are getting to be a bit much for him on the highway.

Thanks

GROSSPOLLUTER60

I have a Richmond six speed in my 78 and had to do no cutting to put it in. I think installing a 4+3 would be a huge nightmare and would be much more difficult to install. Not to mention a whole lot better parts availability and strength.

gp

RobWS6

His main concern is the console. What modifications to the tunnel, console, driveshaft, etc. did you have to make? Thanks

bence13_33

Grosspolluter60:
One of my future mods will probably be a Richmond 6 Speed w/ OD. What model are you using? I really like the steep first gear of 3.28 and the OD gear of .76. Could it withstand the power of a 500+ HP big block? They advertise them as being bullet-proof, so I am guessing yes. Thanks.

rainman69

Pictures? I'd eventually like a OD gear...maybe. This might be a good way to do it. :smash:

Chuck Harmon

The 4+3 is a different shape. Overdrive is big addition to rear of tranny that is engaged through a clutch pack. All in all, not a very heavy duty unit. I had one in my then new '85. Was rebuilt twice. 1st time, Ball bearings on main shaft failed, Chevy revised with stronger roller bearings. 2nd time, springs on overdrive clutch pack pushed through backing and truly made a mess of OD unit. I think it may have needed an oil coller too. Doug Nash went bankrupt standing behind them as required by their contract with Chevy. He should have stayed with his aftermarket designs. Richmond Gear bought assets.

Get either the 5 or 6 speed Richmond. Much better transmissions and much more easily installed.

Chuck



[Modified by Chuck Harmon, 1:24 AM 11/16/2001]

RobWS6

Thanks for the info. I never really followed the 4+3's problems back in the '80s. I was having trans problems with the BW T-5 in my Z28 to worry about it :eek:

Now with the Richmond 5sp(Doug Nash) and 6spd, are there any mods you have to do to make it work? I'd imagine the drive shaft. But what about the console? Do you have to move it a little? or cut it? What about the bellhousing? Clutch?

Sorry for all the questions. He just wants to do as painless a swap as possible. Thanks for all the help.