How do I fit a 5 spd manual transmission - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Chip327 · 02-25-2003, 12:30 AM

I really want to fit a 5 speed manual transmission to my GMC pickup. Can anyone tell me how to do this or where I can look for more information on doing this. Here are the specs currently on the truck.

'67 GMC C10 longbox
327 Engine
3 Spd (on the tree) transmission
Stock rear end ( lower geared )

I want the overdrive with the price of gas continuing to climb and I will also be changing to a slightly higher geared rear end. I love standard transmissons and really dont want to go to an automatic. Can anyone help ??

Thanks,

EdB · 02-25-2003, 12:47 AM

Chip 327,

I don't know but I agree with you on the gas prices. I am
running a stock 350 with 308 gears. It is a new engine
and I am waiting to see how it is going to break in.
My second engine was a 327. This was when I went to
the 308 gears and it really made a difference.

I am anxious to see what some of the members say.

EdB

lpaine · 02-25-2003, 12:25 PM

That swap may be quite complicated but would be really worth the effort. I think the newer 5 speeds use a hydraulic slave cylinder(like your brake's master cylinder) unlike the set-up you have now with the z-bar and springs and all that paraphenalia. I would take a look around a wrecking yard at the newer G.M. trucks(88-98) You will need the "high hump" trans cover - used on our trucks with the floor shift these bolt in. I know there is a lot more to this swap- but not having done it I can't be of much more help someone on here has probably done it.

MandarinSixSeven · 02-25-2003, 12:36 PM

I'm no expert on the subject, but i heard somewhere, from someone, that the late 80's early 90's camaro/firebird 5-speeds work quite well, also i saw a 70 with an s-10 5-speed once, the guy wasnt around to talk to him tho...I'd be interested to hear what this kind of swap involves, someday I would like to do it too.

MandarinSixSeven · 02-25-2003, 12:36 PM

BTW Chip, where are you from??? Welcome to the board!!

Gordo · 02-25-2003, 07:46 PM

Contact "Huck" from this forum, I'm sure he would be glad to share some info on this subject, he's been there, done that.

**StingRay** · 02-25-2003, 08:30 PM

Jesse67c10 did it and a mighty nice job at that. See what he can tell you.

HotRod929 · 02-25-2003, 09:18 PM

What about a T-56 6 speed? Would this be any harder to do? I think it is easyer but I dont know much. and you get one more gear than the 5 speed.

HotRod

Chip327 · 02-26-2003, 04:04 AM

Im in Kamloops BC Mandarin , pretty close to you I guess hey lol. Im glad there are lots of others that have thought about doing this too. Im fussy and I want to do it properly and make it look nice as well as operate nice. I will try and track down these other guys and see what they have to say. Mean while any more light on the subject would be greatly appreciated.

TERRYP · 02-26-2003, 07:18 AM

Look in the FAQ's in the Stovebolt Page Forums, there is a lot of stuff on the T5 swap there.

Chip327 · 02-26-2003, 04:07 PM

5 speed or 6 speed whatever is available up here in Canada plus whatever is easiest to install. I usually do everything myself so I dont want to have to rebuild half of the truck to get it in. I tried tracking down Huck and Im sure I will hear something from him in a little while although I hope he puts something on the board so we can all see it.

As for the FAQs page I couldnt find anything to help me out but I possibly was in the wrong spot. Even if anyone knows a website or article that would help a guy through the process or list some descent trannys for the job that would be great. Thanks everyone

Chip327 · 02-27-2003, 04:21 AM

Heard back from Huck. He used 5 spd out of a 96 1/2 ton. Had to do some modifications and change bell housing as well as attach hydraulic clutch assembly. Sounded like quite a bit of work but he has gained 4 miles to the gallon. Still hasnt figured out how to hook up speedometer as new is electronic and old is mechanical. Any other suggestions out there, for example using something out of an older model car or truck??

Someone must know something out there or is this something that everyone avoids as a conversion

Huck · 02-27-2003, 11:11 AM

For all you who prefer holding on to your "stick"! The conversion is fairly easy depending on your expectation. I went from auto to 4 speed then to 5 speed. Most newer 5 or 6 speed use hydralic operated clutches which seem to work fine. You will need to support the rear of the transmission with an automatic crossmember. Things to work thru----
-under dash clutch linkage to operate the clutch master cylinder
-where to mount clutch master cylinder
-adjust the length of the front driveshaft to match up with the transmission length
- the conversion cost me about $1,000. complete
- gas mileage improved about 3-4 mpg highway
- best rear ratio is probably 342-354 as 308 is tall in 5th
- the engine - transmission is a bolt up with original flywheel --everything after that is different
****caviot***newer 5-6 speeds have electronic pulse speedo and are not easily converted to gear driven speedo drive!! Only real pain in the butt!!
I don't recommend a 6 speed unless you have some significant HP (400 or better) and a 373 or lower ratio gears. We have a lot of wind resistance for a 6th double overdrive gear to push thru.

*67Fleetsidedream* · 02-27-2003, 02:14 PM

It depends on which 5 speed you are getting. World class? New Venture? Tremec?

I put a T56 in my 67 with little to no problem. With a 3.73 rearend. My RPMs are 1900 in 5th 1800 in 6th. I drive mostly in 5th. Don't have enough low end torque for continous 6th gear use. I have to get to at least 100mph before I can use 6th.

Ben

Long Knight · 02-27-2003, 02:23 PM

I had a friend in school who dropped a Camaro standard tranny in his 73 LWB. He could leave 30 ft of rubber behind him and crank the monster up to 50mph before taking second gear. Don't know if it was right, but it sure was fun!

Chip327 · 03-03-2003, 10:39 PM

So are some of you guys saying it might be better for me to spend a little more and get a new out of the box transmission from a manufacturer rather than visit the local junk yards for a good older tranny?

I've also been told to just put a higher geared rear end to it with the three on the tree but is a higher geared rear end going to make a huge difference or even a very noticable difference when cruising the highway at 60 mile an hour.

Bottom line is the 327 is turning over at about 2800 rpm at 60 miles per hour ( approx. 100 km per hour here ) and I want to drop that down quite a bit. What has been the experience and difference with those of you who have used higher geared rear ends. Im not worried about smoking someone off the line anymore ( already beat a 454 big block automatic with my little 327 3 spd std , LOL) I just want to get lower rpms on the highway where I usually drive it most of the time anyways.

**kwmech** · 03-04-2003, 02:27 AM

Doing a swap in my 71 right now with a nv4500 to a 205. Bolted right up with a conversion bellhousing from advance adaptors with stock clutch linkage and another adaptor to my 205 t-case. moves the t-case back about 1.5'', minor d-shaft mod. Found a virgin high hump pan and cut the new holes where I wanted them. So far so good on the swap.

Chip327 · 03-04-2003, 03:14 AM

Here is another thought

Swapping in an older 4 spd car tranny ( that would bolt in easily) and also use the higher geared rear end. Fourth would be no different than 3rd gear right now for ratio but with a higher geared rear end the rpm would be a lot lower and also with the higher geared rear end, 1st gear would be more of a usuable gear. Did that make sense??? For that matter you could even swap to 4 spd out of another one of our great trucks and use a really high geared rear end.

A friend of mine has a 3/4 ton with the 4spd on the floor but says first gear doesnt have a lot of use and sometimes you just need to start in 2nd gear. With a high geared rear end this should all change. Any thoughts ??

**kwmech** · 03-04-2003, 10:37 AM

With a higher geared rear axle you will lose the capability to so any kind of heavy duty towing which is what these trucks are known for, but if it a truck that is just a daily driver and for show then you will be allright. With higher ratio you might possibly be starting starting in first gear. What i've got is get this a 5.13 ratio lin the axles so the fifth ils good for me b'cus is takes it down to 3.59 final, so cruising down the road in fifth is a nice trade off.

Snowbound · 03-04-2003, 12:37 PM

Hey Chip,

My '68 came with a 4 speed and 3.07 rear gear and I still didn't use 1st. That is with a 250 six though which probably has more torque than a 327. Not sure what I was revving at hiway speeds, but sounded like about 2500rpm or so.

I swapped to a 3.73 rear and now turn 3000 rpm or so on the hiway. Now it will squawk the tires starting in 2nd without trying.

If you don't plan on abusing the tranny too much, you could use a 5 speed from an S-10. I think the older ones still had the mechanical speedo. Should be a straight swap. Good luck!

Brian

Chip327 · 03-05-2003, 03:59 AM

Seriously a straight swap with the S-10 5spd??? Lots of them around here I know that but I thought it was a lot of work.

Another member emailed me with some websites and he is switching his over this week. I asked him to take some pics for us if its not too late.

andyr354 · 03-05-2003, 10:28 AM

going with an S-10 tranny would need to get one from a 4.3L equiped s-10. the 2.8L v6 has the smaller bell housing. I am not shure what trans they used but if you get on the skinny pedal hard alot or pull anything it isn't going to live long behind a V8

gmc67swb · 03-08-2003, 12:13 PM

Haven't forgot about ya chip327, just haven't got the transmission yet. The guy said they had to order it. I was trying to avoid freight and get it local, but it seems i could have already had it if i bought it out of state. Then i could have avoided sales tax. Go figure

Chip327 · 03-11-2003, 03:32 AM

No hurry GMC67!

Just really looking forward to seeing some pics and hearing how it all went together. Any tips or areas of difficulty would be great

gmc67swb · 03-11-2003, 07:49 PM

I GOT THE TRANNY YESTERDAY! LOOKED LIKE A KID AT CHRISTMAS. I NEED TO INSTALL THE MID SHIFT KIT. HOPEFULLY I'LL PUT IT TOGETHER THIS WEEKEND. I'VE ALREADY GOT A DRIVE SHAFT SHORTENED. IF I DO IT THIS WEEKEND, I'LL LET YOU KNOW HOW IT GOES.

LARRY

02-25-2003, 12:30 AM	#1
Chip327 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Kamloops, BC, Canada Posts: 45	How do I fit a 5 spd manual transmission I really want to fit a 5 speed manual transmission to my GMC pickup. Can anyone tell me how to do this or where I can look for more information on doing this. Here are the specs currently on the truck. '67 GMC C10 longbox 327 Engine 3 Spd (on the tree) transmission Stock rear end ( lower geared ) I want the overdrive with the price of gas continuing to climb and I will also be changing to a slightly higher geared rear end. I love standard transmissons and really dont want to go to an automatic. Can anyone help ?? Thanks, __________________ CHIP327 67 GMC Pickup

02-25-2003, 12:25 PM	#3
lpaine Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Parksville, B.C. Canada Posts: 637	That swap may be quite complicated but would be really worth the effort. I think the newer 5 speeds use a hydraulic slave cylinder(like your brake's master cylinder) unlike the set-up you have now with the z-bar and springs and all that paraphenalia. I would take a look around a wrecking yard at the newer G.M. trucks(88-98) You will need the "high hump" trans cover - used on our trucks with the floor shift these bolt in. I know there is a lot more to this swap- but not having done it I can't be of much more help someone on here has probably done it. __________________ 1969 G.M.C 3/4 Ton 920 (Canadian Version) 307 3 speed, currently apart 1998 Chevy 1/2 ton ex cab V-6 5 speed 1967 Chevy SWB - project truck; not started just yet

02-25-2003, 12:36 PM	#4
MandarinSixSeven Seasonal Poster Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Kelowna BC Canada Posts: 896	I'm no expert on the subject, but i heard somewhere, from someone, that the late 80's early 90's camaro/firebird 5-speeds work quite well, also i saw a 70 with an s-10 5-speed once, the guy wasnt around to talk to him tho...I'd be interested to hear what this kind of swap involves, someday I would like to do it too. __________________ 67 GMC Short Step 350/4-Speed/3.08 Posi Front/Rear Sway Bars Kelowna BC, Canada Member of DTPW

02-25-2003, 12:36 PM	#5
MandarinSixSeven Seasonal Poster Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Kelowna BC Canada Posts: 896	BTW Chip, where are you from??? Welcome to the board!! __________________ 67 GMC Short Step 350/4-Speed/3.08 Posi Front/Rear Sway Bars Kelowna BC, Canada Member of DTPW

02-25-2003, 07:46 PM	#6
Gordo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Killingworth, CT. USA Posts: 3,378	Contact "Huck" from this forum, I'm sure he would be glad to share some info on this subject, he's been there, done that. __________________ 1971 C10 swb stepside 350/700R4/3.73posi (retired as of 4/22/03) 1998 S10 short bed 2002 S10 Blazer 1942 Oldsmobile 1958 Massey Harris Pony 1951 Wife Killingworth, Connecticut May those who love us, love us, any of those who do not love us, may God turn their hearts. And if God is unable to turn their hearts, may he turn their ankles so we may know them by their limping. A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.

02-25-2003, 12:47 AM	#2
EdB Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Gulfport Ms Posts: 401	Chip 327, I don't know but I agree with you on the gas prices. I am running a stock 350 with 308 gears. It is a new engine and I am waiting to see how it is going to break in. My second engine was a 327. This was when I went to the 308 gears and it really made a difference. I am anxious to see what some of the members say. EdB

02-25-2003, 08:30 PM	#7
StingRay Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Saskatoon,SK,Canada Posts: 2,476	Jesse67c10 did it and a mighty nice job at that. See what he can tell you. __________________ Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada

02-25-2003, 09:18 PM	#8
HotRod929 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Bondurant, IA but in Worcester, MA for school Posts: 767	What about a T-56 6 speed? Would this be any harder to do? I think it is easyer but I dont know much. and you get one more gear than the 5 speed. HotRod __________________ 1970 Chevy C-20 350 V-8 Turbo 350 w/ shift kit Dana 60 w/ 4.10 gears AND Powr-Loc POSI New Additions: Summit Headers 135amp alternator Proform HEI Edelbrock 1406 600cfm carb Sunpro Tach Powr-Loc POSI Edelbrock Performer RPM Intake MSD 6A Ignition Box AIM: HotRod929 Visit My Site: http://1970chevy.netfirms.com/

02-26-2003, 04:04 AM	#9
Chip327 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Kamloops, BC, Canada Posts: 45	Im in Kamloops BC Mandarin , pretty close to you I guess hey lol. Im glad there are lots of others that have thought about doing this too. Im fussy and I want to do it properly and make it look nice as well as operate nice. I will try and track down these other guys and see what they have to say. Mean while any more light on the subject would be greatly appreciated. __________________ CHIP327 67 GMC Pickup

02-26-2003, 07:18 AM	#10
TERRYP GYRO GEARLOOSE Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Nevada City, CAEverett, WA Posts: 361	Look in the FAQ's in the Stovebolt Page Forums, there is a lot of stuff on the T5 swap there. __________________ Nevada City, CA Everett, Washington 57 3/4 rat, 235, 3spd 66 C-10 Panel, SWB. 350 from '68, 200R4 tranny, 3.07 rear ratio, restoring 68 C10 LWB 350 4spd, 4.56 rear dump runner 82 Camaro, 305, THM-200-R4 84 Monte Carlo 305 TH350, land tuna 85 Tercel SW, snow runner DISGRACED OUTLAW MEMBER OF THE DRUM BRAKE CLUB

02-26-2003, 04:07 PM	#11
Chip327 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Kamloops, BC, Canada Posts: 45	5 speed or 6 speed whatever is available up here in Canada plus whatever is easiest to install. I usually do everything myself so I dont want to have to rebuild half of the truck to get it in. I tried tracking down Huck and Im sure I will hear something from him in a little while although I hope he puts something on the board so we can all see it. As for the FAQs page I couldnt find anything to help me out but I possibly was in the wrong spot. Even if anyone knows a website or article that would help a guy through the process or list some descent trannys for the job that would be great. Thanks everyone __________________ CHIP327 67 GMC Pickup

02-27-2003, 04:21 AM	#12
Chip327 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Kamloops, BC, Canada Posts: 45	Heard back from Huck. He used 5 spd out of a 96 1/2 ton. Had to do some modifications and change bell housing as well as attach hydraulic clutch assembly. Sounded like quite a bit of work but he has gained 4 miles to the gallon. Still hasnt figured out how to hook up speedometer as new is electronic and old is mechanical. Any other suggestions out there, for example using something out of an older model car or truck?? Someone must know something out there or is this something that everyone avoids as a conversion __________________ CHIP327 67 GMC Pickup

02-27-2003, 11:11 AM	#13
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,269	For all you who prefer holding on to your "stick"! The conversion is fairly easy depending on your expectation. I went from auto to 4 speed then to 5 speed. Most newer 5 or 6 speed use hydralic operated clutches which seem to work fine. You will need to support the rear of the transmission with an automatic crossmember. Things to work thru---- -under dash clutch linkage to operate the clutch master cylinder -where to mount clutch master cylinder -adjust the length of the front driveshaft to match up with the transmission length - the conversion cost me about $1,000. complete - gas mileage improved about 3-4 mpg highway - best rear ratio is probably 342-354 as 308 is tall in 5th - the engine - transmission is a bolt up with original flywheel --everything after that is different **caviot*newer 5-6 speeds have electronic pulse speedo and are not easily converted to gear driven speedo drive!! Only real pain in the butt!! I don't recommend a 6 speed unless you have some significant HP (400 or better) and a 373 or lower ratio gears. We have a lot of wind resistance for a 6th double overdrive gear to push thru.

02-27-2003, 02:14 PM	#14
67Fleetsidedream Wiseass secured himself a BAN Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: MOON!!! Posts: 2,282	It depends on which 5 speed you are getting. World class? New Venture? Tremec? I put a T56 in my 67 with little to no problem. With a 3.73 rearend. My RPMs are 1900 in 5th 1800 in 6th. I drive mostly in 5th. Don't have enough low end torque for continous 6th gear use. I have to get to at least 100mph before I can use 6th. Ben

02-27-2003, 02:23 PM	#15
Long Knight Spank 'em if you got 'em! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Kansas City Posts: 628	I had a friend in school who dropped a Camaro standard tranny in his 73 LWB. He could leave 30 ft of rubber behind him and crank the monster up to 50mph before taking second gear. Don't know if it was right, but it sure was fun! __________________ Long Knight '71 C-20, 350ci, TH350, Edl. 1406 Carb w/elec.choke, Ignitor ignition, Viper Tires, Orange Dipstick



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03-03-2003, 10:39 PM	#16
Chip327 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Kamloops, BC, Canada Posts: 45	So are some of you guys saying it might be better for me to spend a little more and get a new out of the box transmission from a manufacturer rather than visit the local junk yards for a good older tranny? I've also been told to just put a higher geared rear end to it with the three on the tree but is a higher geared rear end going to make a huge difference or even a very noticable difference when cruising the highway at 60 mile an hour. Bottom line is the 327 is turning over at about 2800 rpm at 60 miles per hour ( approx. 100 km per hour here ) and I want to drop that down quite a bit. What has been the experience and difference with those of you who have used higher geared rear ends. Im not worried about smoking someone off the line anymore ( already beat a 454 big block automatic with my little 327 3 spd std , LOL) I just want to get lower rpms on the highway where I usually drive it most of the time anyways. __________________ CHIP327 67 GMC Pickup

03-04-2003, 02:27 AM	#17
kwmech Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colfax-California Posts: 8,500	Doing a swap in my 71 right now with a nv4500 to a 205. Bolted right up with a conversion bellhousing from advance adaptors with stock clutch linkage and another adaptor to my 205 t-case. moves the t-case back about 1.5'', minor d-shaft mod. Found a virgin high hump pan and cut the new holes where I wanted them. So far so good on the swap.

03-04-2003, 03:14 AM	#18
Chip327 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Kamloops, BC, Canada Posts: 45	Here is another thought Swapping in an older 4 spd car tranny ( that would bolt in easily) and also use the higher geared rear end. Fourth would be no different than 3rd gear right now for ratio but with a higher geared rear end the rpm would be a lot lower and also with the higher geared rear end, 1st gear would be more of a usuable gear. Did that make sense??? For that matter you could even swap to 4 spd out of another one of our great trucks and use a really high geared rear end. A friend of mine has a 3/4 ton with the 4spd on the floor but says first gear doesnt have a lot of use and sometimes you just need to start in 2nd gear. With a high geared rear end this should all change. Any thoughts ?? __________________ CHIP327 67 GMC Pickup

03-04-2003, 10:37 AM	#19
kwmech Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colfax-California Posts: 8,500	With a higher geared rear axle you will lose the capability to so any kind of heavy duty towing which is what these trucks are known for, but if it a truck that is just a daily driver and for show then you will be allright. With higher ratio you might possibly be starting starting in first gear. What i've got is get this a 5.13 ratio lin the axles so the fifth ils good for me b'cus is takes it down to 3.59 final, so cruising down the road in fifth is a nice trade off.

03-04-2003, 12:37 PM	#20
Snowbound Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Westbank, BC Posts: 401	Hey Chip, My '68 came with a 4 speed and 3.07 rear gear and I still didn't use 1st. That is with a 250 six though which probably has more torque than a 327. Not sure what I was revving at hiway speeds, but sounded like about 2500rpm or so. I swapped to a 3.73 rear and now turn 3000 rpm or so on the hiway. Now it will squawk the tires starting in 2nd without trying. If you don't plan on abusing the tranny too much, you could use a 5 speed from an S-10. I think the older ones still had the mechanical speedo. Should be a straight swap. Good luck! Brian __________________ 1965 Chevy Short Box Stepside, 230 - 3 speed, 4:11 gears, original paint rust free survivor. Now sporting a 383 SBC and TKO-600

03-05-2003, 03:59 AM	#21
Chip327 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Kamloops, BC, Canada Posts: 45	Seriously a straight swap with the S-10 5spd??? Lots of them around here I know that but I thought it was a lot of work. Another member emailed me with some websites and he is switching his over this week. I asked him to take some pics for us if its not too late. __________________ CHIP327 67 GMC Pickup

03-05-2003, 10:28 AM	#22
andyr354 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Mahaska, KS Posts: 82	going with an S-10 tranny would need to get one from a 4.3L equiped s-10. the 2.8L v6 has the smaller bell housing. I am not shure what trans they used but if you get on the skinny pedal hard alot or pull anything it isn't going to live long behind a V8 __________________ 1970 C10: 2WD, LWB, 350, 350 auto, Headers, Duals, Edelbrock 1406 with 2101 intake, and optional rust.

03-08-2003, 12:13 PM	#23
gmc67swb Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Mesquite, Tx Posts: 396	Haven't forgot about ya chip327, just haven't got the transmission yet. The guy said they had to order it. I was trying to avoid freight and get it local, but it seems i could have already had it if i bought it out of state. Then i could have avoided sales tax. Go figure

03-11-2003, 03:32 AM	#24
Chip327 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Kamloops, BC, Canada Posts: 45	No hurry GMC67! Just really looking forward to seeing some pics and hearing how it all went together. Any tips or areas of difficulty would be great __________________ CHIP327 67 GMC Pickup

03-11-2003, 07:49 PM	#25
gmc67swb Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Mesquite, Tx Posts: 396	I GOT THE TRANNY YESTERDAY! LOOKED LIKE A KID AT CHRISTMAS. I NEED TO INSTALL THE MID SHIFT KIT. HOPEFULLY I'LL PUT IT TOGETHER THIS WEEKEND. I'VE ALREADY GOT A DRIVE SHAFT SHORTENED. IF I DO IT THIS WEEKEND, I'LL LET YOU KNOW HOW IT GOES. LARRY __________________ GM 330HP/350, Magnuson 122HH, Tremec TKO 5spd

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