Hey guys, I didn't see this asked too many times while searching, so figured I would ask...and maybe accidentally make a write-up in the process. I have a 1954 Bel Air with the 235 that was originally a Powerglide car. I want to swap my worn out and tired Powerglide for a 3 speed manual trans. Anything to look for? I was told the torque tubes are the same, and the trans mount placement is the same. I need help sourcing a floor shifter..not sure what to buy. I also made sure to purchase a 3 speed compatible master cylinder, since I feared this day would come. Seems that "all" I need to do is: 1. Pull the engine and trans 2. Get the trans, flex plate and auto trans adapter plate off 3. Install pilot bearing 4. Install trans adapter plate 5. Install and torque down flywheel to 50-65ft/lbs 6. Install pressure plate and clutch using alignment tool to center clutch 7. Torque pressure plate to 25-30ft/lbs 8. Ensure throwout bearing is greased up and in good condition (Or replace with new) 9. Install bell housing and transmission to engine 10. Put engine and trans in car 11. Line up engine and trans without cutting hands/fingers off 12. Install clutch pivot ***embly to throwout/fork 13. Source or modify a floor shifter to fit (In my case) Anything I should consider that I missed? I know the ratios are different, but hopefully it makes my car more highway friendly.
No trans adapter- car stick bellhousing is all u need. Guys advertise this stuff all the time swapping over to V-8's
There is no real reason to pull the engine unless you like chasing stuff around on the floor better than working under the car. First jerk out all the glider stuff. Don't forget the cooler in the lower rad. hose. Now's a good time for a rear main seal if it's gushing out any more than normal. Then, the 3 speed bellhousing goes on, the flywheel, the clutch fork & release bearing, then the trans. What you really need is a 3 speed parts car ....
You know...if you do this swap, you're going to lose that "Wheeee" powerglide whine that sounds so.... UNIQUE! Yeah. That's it. There was a nerd in high school that drove a '53 Chevy, it had a split manifold and dual exhaust. He told everybody the engine was 'warmed-over', and it had a supercharger... Fired it up in auto shop, and the P.G. did its whine, "Wheeee!" and the whole shop erupted in laughter. Everybody knew that 'Chevy sound'! As for the 3 speed linkage, look for a Hurst from a '55-'60 Chevy 3 speed. (we used to modify the old Eelco linkages, but that was in 1960: NOT the 'new' Eelco.) We'd replace the spacers with br***, and saw off the shift stick, then replace the stick with a brake pedal from a '55-'57 Chevy, a la Hurst. Thread the small end and add a $2 knob. Sold 'em by the dozen out of my pal Don's Chevy trunk! You may find a used Corvette 3 speed linkage, easy to fit. (2 small brackets; shift arms compatible) Good hunting...
I found someone who is selling me the transmission, bell housing, flywheel, pressure plate, and clutch pedal and linkage ***embly for $200. I'll need to buy a new clutch, pilot bushing, and throwout too. All I'll need to do after that is source a column shift from a junkyard, or find a working floor shifter. My powerglide column shift won't work on the 3 speed. How am I supposed to pull the transmission out of this thing without pulling the engine too? Doesn't seem like there's any room at all for that.
Todd Another potential issue you may have is the pilot bearing. Some (most) 235's that had a powerglide behind them did not have the crank machined for a pilot bearing. The pilot bearing that fits is about 30 thousands smaller if I remember correctly. They do sell a PB for that situation, but most parts houses do not stock them. Is the trans shifter and linkage the same from a 52 to 53? If it is, I think I can hook you up with the column mount shifter box and all the linkages, I just replaced my 3 speed with a T5 and a floor shifter. I really would rather not split it up though, I want to sell it as a complete kit. Like said above, there are guys taking this stuff out all the time for small block transplants. Check the Chevy talk forum, they also have free for sale and wanted section. http://www.chevytalk.org/fusionbb/showforum.php?fid/225/ Jim
The previous owner had this motor in a truck. I will look at my other p***enger car powerglide engine when I get home and have a look also. I never knew they were different...
Just bought a $9 pilot bushing from Rockauto for this task- DORMAN 690034 on Rockauto.com Anyone know if this is the correct piece?
I had a 54 235 PG engine that had the right hole for the popular Chevy pilot bushing. But I also had a 59 283 PG engine that had an unfinished hole and besides being too small it was not concentric to the crank center. Something you need to check, inconsistanty on Chevy's end.
I just bought a clutch that comes with the pilot bushing. And I also just bought Pilot bushing 690034. Hoping one of them will fit. I will use anti-seize on whatever I use.
You can buy a new 3 speed floor shifter from Summit or Jegs. Also check Ebay. Here's a Original one for sale right now on Ebay. http://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-GM-SAGI...ash=item3d1100c721:g:D9wAAOSwnipWU8VG&vxp=mtr If you want a column shift, your best bet is to find someone that is removing their original column shift, because there are a lot of pieces involve and you'll need one from the same year car.
Your '54 might have the trans X member bolted in, not rivetted. Mine did. Makes trans removal much easier. Also, you will have a 3.55 rear end, better for cruising. Lots of luck finding speedo gears in the right ratio, though. An S10 cable gearbox might work, there are several ratios available.And no, the P'glide gears won't work!
Unfortunately it's riveted in place. Tempted to drill them out sometime and use bolts and lock washers instead. The motor and trans is out! Waiting to pick up the 3 speed tomorrow. Bought a new clutch, pilot bushing and throwout bearing, and a gasket kit for the trans. Going to clean it up and paint it before putting it in. Guy was originally going to sell me a Powerglide, but this 3 speed came up and it seems to make more sense! Can someone show me what to buy to get a floor shifter in here? I'm really confused at how much money those Hurst floor shifters are. Makes me feel like I'm missing something. I think the Mr. Gasket universal shifters work well, any idea?
Would this be a good one to purchase? http://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-GM-SAGI...ash=item1a075a2565:g:uWUAAOSw5ZBWFrvP&vxp=mtr
Ansen used to make a 3-speed floor shifter back in the 50's and 60's. Good units. There's one on E-bay for $160 brand new in the box. Or, you could check your local Craigs for one. The one in your link above doesn't seem to have the shifter rods.
I couldn't find the Ansen unit. But I did find a Mr. Gasket universal 3 speed from Craigslist... picking that up tonight for $60! I believe I'll have to cut it up to fit, but we'll see. It says "Universal" but we all know that word is thrown around a lot.
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