The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline 66 tranny swap /auto to manual

Hi.iam new to this site and to my 66 chevrolet truck.
it has an origial 2 speed.
i would like to convert it to manual.either an original 3 speed or something better that would work well.
and has anyone installed a hyd clutch on theres instaed of the linkage since mine doesnt have it.
willing to listen to all opions.
its a 283 with 373 rears.i plan on using it a s a daily driver and was hoping to keep the original speedo setup.i need to do about 65 to go to work

Tell us more about how you plan to use the truck. Hot Rod? Daily driver? Just weekends? What kind of highway driving?
I own a 1965 C10 and I decided to go with a 5 speed overdive manual transmission.
Do you know what rear diff raio you have? What engine will be in the truck?
Jay

I plan to use it as a daily driver.I would like the engine happy at 65mph for going to work.It has a 283 with 373 rear.
not sure how the truck would perform using an original 3 speed.
my only concern is that i wanted to keep the original speedo setup if possible.
Looked at your page.Will a WC T5 bolt up and do what i need and stil do mild towing?

Probably not a good idea to use a T-5 for towing.

I like to choose the NV4500, very tough over drive transmission.
It is adaptable to your engine.

Most all of the newer transmissions made in last 50 years can readily be geared to work with a 66 mechanical speedometer, just change out the driven gear on cable output.

A world class T5 would be OK for light towing - jon boat, jet ski, pop-up camper. The S10 trucks could tow stuff like that so seems you could do the same kind of towing that you'd do with an S10 truck.

To make the factory speedo work you will need to find an S10 T5 with a cable style output (1988 and earlier). With the 3.73 rear, a 0.73 OD gear would be perfect. That is the same setup I have in mine and RPMs will be 2051 at 65 MPH with a 29" rear tire and 3.73 rear. I know very little about the NV4500, but I've heard they are strong.

Thanks for the information.ill look it over and see

The easiest and quickest with all bolt in parts would be the Borgwarner 3sp od transmission. Even the driveshaft will work but if an older one the front yoke would need changed. A factory 3sp column or floor shifter would be needed. These trans are cheap and plentiful, usually $125-$250 at swap meets. Be sure the solenoid works as they are pricey but last a long time.