The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop saginaw 4 speed tranny swap

Has anyone tried the swap using the saginaw 4 speed from a Vega/ Monza that Patricks mentions in their catalog? If so, how is working for ya?

Hank

I've seen a few guys here running that setup without problems. I was considering it myself until I found out it interferes with the power brake booster that I've already installed.

It's very unfortunate that an otherwise outstanding supplier like Patricks doesn't mention that up front.

Woody and Hank,

I've installed this in my '54 Chevy with very little problems. It's been a great addition to my truck. It's a pretty straight forward install even for a novice like myself. I was a little overwhelmed when I got the kit from Patrick's and realized the transmission comes completely apart, I had never done anything like this. The instructions look a little vague and the pictures are terrible but, if you read the text and follow it you can do this swap with little trouble.

Woody, to answer your question about the power booster. I was able to move my power booster master cylinder back 12 inches and accommodate the opening for the reservoir under the seat. It works flawlessly. I also installed their dual exhaust which interfered with the proportioning valve but, I just relocated it to the inside of the frame rail.

I really enjoy the syrcro of 1st and having a 4 speed that is very traffic friendly while keeping the authenticity of the torque tube, this was the selling factor for this conversion. Had I not wanted to keep the torque tube I would have went with the T-5.

Long story short. It's worth the money but, dealing with Patrick's quite frankly is a pain in the Butt. They don't build the kits until they have enough orders and they keep none in stock. It took nine months to get my kit, and they charge your credit card immediately. They're nice people but their business skills lack a lot to be desired.

Would I go through this all again? Yes.

Cory

reading these couple of posts.....all of you are AD owners. was it necessary to shorten the tourque tube to install this tranny combo. i was told and have read that(i believe the meas. is correct) a 2.5" chop of the tube is required to get these in a 41-46. just wondering if it was the same for you. thanks and happy new year. big ed

I did not have to shorten my shaft. It's a direct bolt in.

Thanks Cory,

That's what I was looking for info. wise. I appreciate you sharing your experiences with Patricks.

Hank

I wouldnt bash Patricks for getting enough orders prior to getting the kits made. There is most likely a minimum purchase level on parts or the price would go thru the roof for single piece purchases.

I'm not bashing them for waiting for them getting enough orders. I'm bashing them for charging my credit card and delivering the product 9 months later.

Cory, thanks for clearing up the interference issues. I wound up rebuilding my SM420 and keep the entire drivetrain (except the 235 engine) original, but that's more because my plan for the finished vehicle has changed... I want it to be close to the real thing, just safer and more reliable.

I drove my truck around town with a transmission that had bad syncros and I couldn't downshift into second. That 216 would pull that truck up from like 15-20 mph in third gear without a shudder. For someone like me who grew up on 3-speeds with no syncro in first, driving a fully syncro 3-speed is a luxury.

It just depends on your personal preference and I like my truck to be an old truck... with power disk brakes

I have a Saginaw 4 spd. in my 54 panel and its working great!
But..I changed everything to open drive when i installed the Saginaw.
I'm using a Hurst shifter with a "modified" shift lever to clear my bench seat.