The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop 700r4 to manual swap

I am currently doing my first buildup, a '46 chev pickup. I have in it now a '95 TBI 350 and 700r4. I know this seems like a step backwards, but I think I'd like a 4 spd. manual now. There's just somethin' about a 4spd in an old pickup that I like. The thing is I don't know much about how to rig up a clutch for it. I've heard something about using a hydraulic clutch so you don't have to mess with linkage and such. Could someone explain this for me? What kind of pedal set up would I have to use? Any other pitfalls to watch for? Also would the computer be compatible with the older tranny or could it just be left as is? Thanks.

Jeff.C, if You check out for example the PAW catalog, You'll find some kits with a hydraulic sleeve that goes in the input shaft guide for the clutch bearing, and all You'll need other than it is a pedal and master cilinder, that You'll also find there. Not a big job. And not very expensive also, and is a lot easier than fabricating the whole pedal/bellcrank/pushrods for it. There are other models, some using the stock bearing and lever, justa slave colinder in the bellhousing, and of course, the master cilinder and pedal in the cabin. This set uip is much easier to service, if You have a trouble in the slave cilinder, no need to remove the tranny to fix it.