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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 45
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 45
Well, I'm tossing around the idea of putting a bigger motor in my '55 and replacing the straight 6. I dont wanna cut the floor up and put a 4 speed in, so how much do you think a stock Saginaw 3-speed o/d can take? Hp and Torque? I won't be beating it, but every now and then i would like to get on it. Yes, I know this is a 6 cylinder site but thought maybe someone might know. I know these trannies are tough, but how tough? Thanks.


1955 Chevrolet 210 2 door Sedan
a 30,000 mile UNMOLESTED original, now my daily driver! Original 6 cylinder with a rebuilt '66-'69 Saginaw 3-speed Overdrive. Synchro low! Otherwise, everything original down to the spare tire. Interior is like new. Needs paint, but absolutely zero rust.
Joined: Jan 2000
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Patrick Dykes says the Saginaw is a 300 HP transmission. I'm not sure about 300 HP but I ran a Sag/OD for years behind a 302 GMC. No problem. Not as strong as a Muncie but they were used with base V8s in many GM applications.

Joined: May 2002
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I have a supercharged 350 with the 3 speed saganaw behind it. I was told that these units can handle quit a bit of torque. Now the performance of this transmission is not very desirable when it comes to shifting because 1st gear is not syncronized and it is just an old style gearbox. You will not break it with your application, trust me.

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All the Saginaw 3 speed and 4-speed trannies (including the overdrive models) had synchro first gear. Not so the earlier B/W units. Chuddy117 notes his trany is a 66-69, they were all synchro by then.

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Yes, I now see the "syncro low". My mistake. I know for a fact that my original 1966 saganaw 3 speed does not have 1st gear syncro. But never the less I still have been unable to damage it running in excess of 300hp.


Moderated by  Phak1, Woogeroo 

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