I've been searching HAMB for help but every thread on this seems to go the wrong way or is for a different size motor. I'm rebuilding a 1953 322 Nailhead. Stock. I want to put in a manual trans. I plan on buying an adapter kit for the trans from Bendtsen's. I need help figuring out what the best trans in for the money. Engine is going in a light truck. Regular driving with occasional burn outs. Highway driving also. Looking for a 4 speed. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
put a buick manual trans in! no adapter kit needed, just adapt to floorshift (or maybe even use the old column shift system)
Finding a Buick trans is tough. plus I hear thier gears were gl***. looking for something newer. Hydrolic clucth if possible but not neccesary.
Any Buick transmission through 1960 was set up for use with an enclosed driveshaft---no good for what he's doing.
I always figured the conversion from enclosed to open is simpler than swapping a trans. and since you'll have to take care of the drive shaft any way, why not take half of the headaches out? however, it were just about doing it simple, the hamb wouldn't exist
ok those are all good choices but can it be any T10? Muncie? Saginaw? I really need to know specifics.
GM wide ratio T10's which should be up to '70 I believe. M-20 Wide ratio Muncie. I prefer the wide range stuff with the Nailhead since they have a nice torque curve. Most regular Saginaw 4 speeds will be the most cost effective and you can always swap one of the others in .
What about a newer trans with hydraulic clutch? Would a 90's Camaro 5 speed work? Would it handle the tourge? I only ask cuz I found one on Craigslist for 500 bucks.
Found a guy selling a Borg Warner T10 4 speed with Hurst comp shifter, bell housing, prteasure plate and disc. Fresh rebuild with reciepts. Came out of a 55 Chevy. Asking $895. Would this set up work? Strong enough?
I have a Sag 4-spd in my 52 Chev with a 322 Buick/ tri-power. Haven't broke it yet. Also nice, you can put an overdrive on the back of the trans if you can find one. I modified the stock bellhousing to fit the Sag trans. Not much of a job if you are handy. Stock 56 flywheel and a Chev. clutch. Be careful of after market flywheels, the Buick is externally balanced!
53 Kemper: The ratio in 4 th gear for all the 4 speeds you are considering is 1:1 normal, stuff. Your cruise RPM variables are rear axle gear rario and tire size. Lots of formulas on the net to figure out what you have or need. Re: the $895 for the set up out of the 55 Chev. Is all the trans related stuff from a 322 nailhead in the 55 Chev? If not you are buying a lot of parts you can't use. You will need a pilot bearing, clutch, throwout bearing, clutch fork, clutch, and way to actuate the clutch either with mechanical or hydraulic linkage, and a shifter. Saginaw trans' are comparatively cheap because they are considered weak. Lots of opinions on this, but a Saginaw is a good compromise and should be fine behind a 53 322 for all but the most foolish of stunts.
Thanks Cheapskate, thats the info Im looking for. May just go with a Saginaw. I have a 9" rear end out of a 66 F100 running 3.25 gears.
I'm bumping this thread. I've been researching and read almost every thread on this forum regarding T5's and nailheads. I know there are a bunch of S10 T5 trans to Nailhead threads out there. Has anyone put a T5 ford trans behind a nailhead? Early 322 to be specific? There seems to be a ton more mustang transmissions out there for sale then S10's. S10 T5's are getting bought up so fast around here. Just want to know if its an option.
Only real difference is getting a clutch that matches up, both spline wise and bolt pattern. Should be able to be sourced from most parts places.
The Jalopy Journal
