What standard shift tranny to use?

I need advice on which standard shift transmission to use behind a small block chevy V8. Something that is readily available for use in a streetrod chassis. Any suggestions from those who have already "been there" will be appreciated.

 

I'm putting a GM/Chrysler/New Process 833 4spd manual overdrive in my '62 Suburban. GM bought them from Chrysler in the '80s. Some still have the Mopar mounting pattern and require the aluminum bellhousing that came with them, others have the GM bolt pattern...and either require the bellhousing that went with them, or take the bearing retainer off and have a machine shop turn it down so it fits in the standard GM pilot hole.
They're an aluminum case. Third gear is straight thru/1:1, 4th gear is routed through what would normally be the 3rd gear cluster and comes out ,72:1.
They aren't know for their strength. They'll be fine in a light duty truck (what they came in, afterall), but avoid them for high horsepower apps, unless you strengthen the case. (I think the problem is the counter shaft seats directly in the aluminum case and wallows it out...the fix is a steel bushing if I have that straight. But don't quote me on it)
-Brad

 

Hard to beat a used Saginaw GM transmission They are the easiest to find and most affordable. There were 3 speeds and 4 speeds in the 1970's that are both the same length and splines (same as Muncie M-21 & M-20). I'd say average prices for a useable used Saginaw would be $150 for 3 speed and $250 for 4 speed.

If a brand new transmission is your desire....Richmond Gear makes the Super T-10 4 speed in a variety of ratios. I think they are about $1500, but you're liable to spend as much by the time you buy a used Muncie or Borg-Warner T-10 and have it professionally rebuilt. Beware that the Super T-10 and Muncie M-22 requires a fine spline clutch and driveshaft yoke though.

 

Depending on what you've got planned, you might want to consider the WC T-5. Find one out of a V-8 Camaro. Over-drive is nice if you plan on highway cruising.

 

ive used Muncie M-21 4 speed and Borg Warner T-5 WC 5 speed. Both quick, easy and work great.

-scott noteboom

 

I am planning a bit too much motor for a T5, so I bought an all new M21 overdrive 4 speed from Auto Gear. It has improved cases, internals and lubrication. They don't want to say how much power they'll take, but a buddy of mine is creeping up on 600 hp with a big block pontiac and he uses an original M21 with the supercase from Auto Gear with OEM gear ratios.

 

You're right, the combination of "floating" countergear and unbushed aluminum case makes the OD version of the A833 the least desirable one for "strength". However the A833 has always been considered the strongest of all the sixties designed and manufactured 4 speeds (automobile, not truck). Having blown up and rebuilt more than my fair share of Muncies, I realize they (perhaps with the notable exception the coarse pitch gearset, cast iron case M22) also utilized an unbushed aluminum case known for egging out and needing to be rebushed (a job requiring tolerances so tight not many machine shops could or can even do it). The cast iron case 23 spline non OD A833 while not considered nearly as strong as the 18 spline "Hemi" version is probably as strong as an M22. And with Muncies having larger gears and double row countergear bearings, I don't consider the Saginaw to be in the same league, late sixties Crown V8 Corvairs not withstanding.
Any of these 4 speed transmissions can cost a small fortune to rebuild if they need very much and the newly manufactured ones will cost you upwards of what a Tremec high torque rated 5 speed will cost. Perhaps the least expensive way out would be to find a bellhousing compatible with the cast iron Chrysler version OD833 and use one of those. Food for thought.

 

OK, I'll bite - there is no stronger '60s design 4-speed transmission than the Ford T&C Toploader. Period. That's why NASCAR used them for 20 years & use a variant of them to this day.

Back to the topic at hand, I'll second the notion of using a T5. The T5 gets a bad rap for being weak and while they're not up to the cast-iron strength of a Muncie or Toploader, they work pretty well up to about 400HP...