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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Atlanta, Ga
Posts: 16
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I'm starting on my 1967 project truck and I've been considering keeping the 3-speed manual (on the tree), because you don't see many cars with this any more. What would my engine/transmission options be if I want to keep this setup? Also, what are some of the sacrifices I might have to make (such as: torque limitations, needing a tall first gear, top speed limitations etc..)?
I know a lot of people usually just opt for an automatic and I'm just curious about what I might be getting into. Should I just ditch it and get an auto? |
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#2 |
Roadtrip!
![]() Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Grand Rapids MN
Posts: 13,735
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Re: Engine options for 3-speed manual?
In my 68 with a 3 on the tree i had a 250, 327, 350, and a 402 in front of it. (Not all at the same time, haha.) Never had a problem with any of them. The 327 was by far the best engine as far as HP. I used to save my broken shifters from "playing" as momentos . That first to second was a rough one...
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67 gmc custom lwb dakota truck. Sold...And bought back 69 swb 4x4 project (in progress) 70 c-10 lwb texas truck 70 4x4/BB/bkts/posi/tach(retired) 70 swb (wifes) 70 jimmy camper 71 K-5 factory 2wd 71 cheyenne 4x4/tach/posi/ plow rig 71 Cheyenne20 BB, buckets, tach, tilt, 4 speed 72 jimmy CST wyoming rig 72 jimmy Colorado rig 72 lifted texas 4x4 3/4 ton burb 65 fury conv. 383/auto 65 chrysler 300 "L" 413 auto |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Jefferson, MD
Posts: 2,397
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Re: Engine options for 3-speed manual?
I've got a three-speed backing up my 350 with no issues whatsoever. The beauty of a GM vehicle with a Chevy engine is that you don't have to get a new transmission every time you drop in a bigger motor. In other words, the 3-speed is very compatible, from anything down to a 250 and up to a 454. I don't know what torque levels you should be concerned about, but that probably won't be an issue if you don't plan on hotting up the motor much; the three-speed is pretty robust.
As for driving one, I say there's nothing like rowing through "all" three gears down tre road. ![]()
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'68 Dodge Dart 270, 225, 904, 2.76--"Lucy" 1996 Gmc 1500 Z71, 350, 4l60e, 3.73s 1995 Jeep Wrangler Rio Grande 2.5, AX5, 4.10s 1989 Toyota Pickup 22re, auto, 3.73 |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: San Francisco, CA USA
Posts: 2,454
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Re: Engine options for 3-speed manual?
AFAIK, you could order any engine with a 3 speed, although a stronger 3 speed was supplied with the BB engines (SM330). Also, your transmission choices aren't limited to only a 3 speed OR an automatic. If you like a manual, you might also want to look at a 3 speed + overdrive, a 4 speed, or a 5 speed. Any of these would be less work than converting from manual to automatic.
Ray Last edited by raycow; 08-24-2010 at 07:32 PM. |
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#5 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Atlanta, Ga
Posts: 16
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Re: Engine options for 3-speed manual?
Quote:
Are there options out there for hooking up an ls motor to a three speed? |
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#6 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: San Francisco, CA USA
Posts: 2,454
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Re: Engine options for 3-speed manual?
Quote:
On the other hand, the lsx was available with a T56 from the factory, and I would have a hard time passing up that combination. Ray |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Atlanta, Ga
Posts: 16
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Re: Engine options for 3-speed manual?
Ok. I've thought about this a bit more and I think I'd like to try rebuilding the existing 250 inline six. This will be my first time rebuilding an engine, but I have plenty of time and don't mine buying parts and tools to do so. My plan will be to simply reuse all parts that are within tolerances and possibly upgrade anything that's not (e.g. higher performance pistons if I need to bore, higher performance cam if I need a new cam).
I think the engine has either 96k or 196k miles. It ran fine when I picked up the truck and I put over 1k miles on it myself. It leaks water and the rear main is busted, but those are the only issues I'm aware of. Any tips, book, or website suggestions for a first time engine builder? Also, any upgrades I should do to the transmission while I have it out (I already have to replace the clutch assembly and flywheel)? |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Eliot, Maine
Posts: 1,314
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Re: Engine options for 3-speed manual?
if it were me, i'd skip the 250 and put in a 292. you can get crazy (4 barrel or mpi, roller cam, exhaust, etc) and get good torque numbers from one. nothing beats plenty of low rpm grunt in a daily driver.
as for the trans....i've got the stock 3 on the tree saginaw in my 72 burb c20. it is behind the original 307, but i plan to fix that. i have a 406sbc to go in (ventually) and i want to use a mcleod ceramic clutch for longevity (lots of trailer towing). i switched my rear end from a 4.57 to a 4.10 and that allows me to actually use second gear. if i overhaul the trans to add the borg warner overdrive, i will probably put in the lowest first gear ratio i can for towing duties. if my truck had been a floor shifter model, i would have sprang for a 6 speed with 2 overdrive ratios. but i like being different and the column shifter is out of the way which makes putting someone in the middle easier. i still get to drive a manual and it is really fun, even if it isn't very fast. |
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: AL
Posts: 1,828
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Re: Engine options for 3-speed manual?
an overdrive 3 speed behind these is a nice set up
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Norway
Posts: 68
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Re: Engine options for 3-speed manual?
Is the 4 speed gear box from a 63 model with a 230c engine, a 3 speed + overdrive? or just a normal 4speed? ( granny gear 1st )
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#11 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: San Francisco, CA USA
Posts: 2,454
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Re: Engine options for 3-speed manual?
Quote:
There is nothing to keep you from bolting a car-type 4 speed to your stock bellhousing if you would like to use one. Ray |
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#12 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Norway
Posts: 68
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Re: Engine options for 3-speed manual?
Quote:
Thanks for answer! Will a V8 fitt directley to the 4speed who already is there? |
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: San Francisco, CA USA
Posts: 2,454
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Re: Engine options for 3-speed manual?
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: MD
Posts: 1,937
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Re: Engine options for 3-speed manual?
3-speed & auto columns are indeed different. Have both here. Three on the tree is a nice novelty, but it stinks for reliability. Been stuck on the side of the road stuck between gears from worn out bushings more than I care to remember. Both Ford & GM vehicles alike. Best thing I did to my '69 C10 was convert to Hearst floor shift.
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1969 c-10 Step Side Long Bed. I-6 250cid = ![]() Last edited by GRX; 09-28-2010 at 04:30 PM. |
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