Any issues with running a '59 Saginaw 4 speed transmission with a 350 V8 versus the original 283 V8? I know the Saginaw is strong and I believe should be able to handle the increased horsepower and torque. Thanks for input.
I have a 1970's (?) Saginaw 4-speed in my '56 3100 with a mild 350 and it work fine, but I don't abuse it either!
Mike B
Mike, what difficulty or mods did you have to make to get the Saginaw in there. I've got a Saginaw out of a '69 chevelle that I'd like to put in my truck, which is a '55 series 2 3100.
Jim
1955 Chevy series 2 6 cylinder, 3 on the tree Short bed, step side
I didn't have to do any real modifications to put the 4-speed Saginaw (Camaro trans) in my 1956 3100. My 350 has a V8 truck bell housing so I'm hanging the Saginaw off the back just like the SM-420's were done. I installed a T&F Shifter that puts the shifter in the original 4-speed location with only a little trimming to increase the floor hole opening.
T & F Shifter 31799 Chestnut Lane Lebanon, OR 97355
541-451-1929 Mark
I don't think he has a web site...
Mike B
Last edited by Mike B; 02/05/20186:08 PM. Reason: image fail and then I got it :)
Mike Boteler
1956 Chevy 3100 Resto Rod 1952 Willys M38 Army Jeep 1983 Jeep CJ7 Laredo 1984 Jeep CJ7 +++++ Silver Spring, MD
A few of my competitors on the dirt tracks ran Muncie 4 speeds behind beaned-up 350's with few, if any problems. Hammering on and off the throttle at 3-6K RPM several times a lap with the transmission in 2nd. gear had a habit of showing up weak spots pretty quickly. The aluminum case Muncie transmissions would handle 2nd. gear that way, but if somebody tried to use 3rd. with a lower geared rear end, the case would split wide open after a few laps. The Saginaw has a cast iron case, and appears to be much heavier and more durable than the Muncie. That's a misconception - - - -apparently the gears and synchronizers are a little weak. Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
I know this thread was originally started 16 months ago and the last post was 14 months ago. I only wanted to say that interior pic shows a clean setup. Nice work.
Can the original emergency brake be kept when using the Saginaw?
I just pulled my SM420 which had a dowel about the diameter of your thumb that the Emergency brake lever pivoted on. The Saginaw of course lacks this provision.
