I want to replace the old transmision in my 51 truck, 4spd with a granny low right now. Is there an adapter to intsall a newer four speed or turbo 350? The engine is a Chevy 235 6cyl. I'm open to transmision suggestion as well.
4 speed is relatively easy, automatic is a bit more difficult. How about a three speed with column shift?
check out this thread. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=76561 Also check out the inliners international - inliners.org. Lots of info and resources that may be in your area. Im putting a 700r4 (from a newer chevy van) in my 48 Fleetline because I really, really want the overdrive. There is also the 400th. There are a couple of guys who make adapter kits and know all kinds of stuff - like whether you need to move any crossmembers. I can't for the life of me remember the guy I talked to about this last year - he knew everything i needed off the top of his head. Stanton or Stillwell or something like that. Best of luck and post your work! Kat
I just made a thread about this today. Do a search for threads made by "Harkins" and "not so hotrod". I've found out that the T5, Saginaw 3 speed with O/D, or the Saginaw 4 speed are all good. Or you could go with these guys but it will cost you. http://gearvendors.com/aghr4sm.html
Are you running the original rear axle? If so this might be a little more complicated. What size truck is it? Half-ton Chevy and GMC trucks have torque tube type drivelines through 1954. Three-quarter ton trucks have both torque tube and open drivelines. Larger trucks are completely open driveline. ***uming its a half-ton there used to be a kit available that adapted a Saginaw 4-speed to the torque tube, but I don't know if its still available. Aside from that kit I think your choices are either original type transmissions or replacing your rear axle in addition to the transmission. If you change to an open type rear most 60's to 80's GM rear drive type manual transmissions can be adapted to the 235. There are a couple of companies that make adapters to support running GM automatics like the TH350 too. Why do you want to change transmissions? The right choice might be easier to identify if it was clear why you want to change.
I'm removing the torque tube rear as well. I'd like to have a little more highway speed and I figure since the 216 just came out, I might as well do it all at one time.
The selection of rear axle and transmission are somewhat interrelated. ***uming typical tire choices for a truck like this, if you choose an axle with 3 to 1 gears highway speeds are easy without an overdrive. If you choose 4 to 1 gears you'll want an overdrive to run comfortably on the highway. In my GMC Suburban with a GMC 270 I have a stock type 4-speed with no overdrive and 3.08 gears. It runs nicely down the highway as it is. But its not great pulling a loaded trailer or other heavy activity. With something like a T-5 with an automatic it would run quieter and more economical, but wouldn't be any better hauling a load. Think about your intended usage before you choose the rear and trans.
I'm thinking a T5. I'd like to find a 5spd out of a Camaro, and then change the tail shaft for one out of a S10. I think that will fit.
Yeah, the T-5 will bolt up to your 4 speed bellhousing if you use nuts and bolts on the bottom 2 ****** bolt holes. Watch for a too-long pilot shaft on the T-5... I had to cut off 3/8ths of an inch and open up the trany mount holes to allow stock chevy 1/2 inch bolts to be used. If you use a T-5, keep the rear gearing to about 3.73 or 4.11 so the 235 with overdrive 5th gear will pull at hiway speeds with 30 inch tall tires. A very nice combonation but you may not need to use the S-10 tailshaft housing [unless you like a swept-back handle] especially if you use bucket seats. Might wanna measure first.
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