6spd input requested

[ScotI]

I read through this:
http://https://www.pro-touring.com/f...ad.php?t=16143
.... and wanted to get more input from those w/more experience.

I'm converting a late model G-body over to a manual trans & want OD too. My needs/wants: 1) Ease of installation & 2) optimum ratio for the combo.

The car should be fairly light:
79 Malibu @ 3100#est
carb'd 408 w/190AFR's
GN 8.5" rear w/3.42's
factory mechanical clutch linkage

The issues arise w/the height of the 'new' rear tire the car is getting as it's about 29" tall. I need to get the correct gear split for this street vehicle (it's a driver that will never see a track) & can/will swap rear gearing to accomplish the goal.

While I like the T56 & TKO trannys, the Richmond seems to have the best ratios (@ least more options to choose from).

Are the Richmonds vastly inferior when considering my objectives?
Am I thinking right when trying to keep the rpm split to a minimum between shifts.... even for a street vehicle? I'm more interested in a tranny that fits my needs that one that's way overkill. I don't want to spend a big wad of cash on something that I haven't thought through. Since I don't know that much, I thought it would be wise to ask those that do....

[andrewb70]

The Richmond 6 speed has the closest split between gears of any 6 speed that I know of. It will definitely be the simplest to install since your existing bellhousing and clutch linkage will remain intact. With I a light car and a 3.42 rear gear, I would choose the 6 speed with a 2.77 1st gear. It will work great with the 29" tall tire. This is the trans that is in my GTO.

Andrew

[ScotI]

The Richmond 6 speed has the closest split between gears of any 6 speed that I know of. It will definitely be the simplest to install since your existing bellhousing and clutch linkage will remain intact. With I a light car and a 3.42 rear gear, I would choose the 6 speed with a 2.77 1st gear. It will work great with the 29" tall tire. This is the trans that is in my GTO.

Andrew

Yep, that's the one I was looking at & felt the gear 'splits' were the best for my application. I ran the numbers through the 'calculator' that was linked in one of the threads & the rpms seemed right.

In it's current state, the 29" tires w/a T350 = 1750rpms @ 45mph (city); & 2600rpm @ 65 (HWY). Around town is good; it's the buzz on the hwy I could live without. With the Richmonds ratios, 1750rpm is still 45mph in 5th gear for the city or 72mph in 6th for the highway (much better than 2600rpms).

How's that Richmond doing in your ride now that it's been beat on once or twice? Disappointed in your decision?

[andrewb70]

For my particular application I actually feel like the gear spits are a little too close. My BBC makes all kinds of torque and I run a 3.73 gear with 28 inch tall tires. I feel that for my combination wider ratios would work better. Other than that, the trans has been great. Some people feel they shift notchy, I like it a lot.

Andrew

[ScotI]

Any decent pics of where your shifter position is relative to the d.shaft tunnel? Did you use a standard 4spd 'hump' or housing?

Is it 'avg' offset like a Muncie/T10? More extreme offset than that? Maybe it's centered more vs the 4spd box?

Once again, I appreciate your feedback.

[andrewb70]

Here is the best picture that I have. If you go to the Richmond website, you will be able to find some more detailed dimensions on in regards to shifter location. I would say that the side offset on the shifter is about the same as a Muncie. However the shifter is 2-3 inches further back and the overall length is longer, so you driveshaft will have to be shortened. I don't see why a standard 4 speed tunnel hump can't be used by just relocating it slightly.

Andrew

[68sixspeed]

Go for it... I've been beating on my richmond 6 speed since 1998, even with slicks and a 2 step launching at the track, and if that doesn't break it, what will. The T56's shift a little smoother, but the richmond has it's strong points too. -Dan

[chree]

I can't comment on the durability of the Richmond ROD, but hopefully my write-up on the Doug Nash 4+1 swap (now Richmond 5 speed) into my '80 Elky will help with your swap. These are other great resources:

http://www.members.tripod.com/motohead10/
http://garage-scene.home.att.net/
http://manual-trans-monte.home.att.net/
http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/te...0507chp_gbody/
http://www.monte-list.nu/tech/fivespeed.shtml
http://www.maliburacing.com/iceman/
http://malibunorth.freeservers.com/BellHous.htm
http://www.novak-adapt.com/catalog/kit_hcr3.htm
http://www.darklair.com/manual_monte.html (This site is down, check Google's cache for the data.)

Chris

[whitess]

Anyone have any experience with the Novak Hydraulic clutch adapter?
Larry.