1964 c10

[holden64']

Howdy, I have a 1964 c-10 longbed that I am currently in the process of going thru, recently took out what I believe was the original 283 and Saginaw 3 speed. Most likely putting a recently rebuilt 350 bored .40 over out of an mid 80s suburban in the place of the 283. I am wanting to also to put a 4 speed in place of the 3 speed. I have been looking at an m21 Muncie, but also looking at the 4 speed saginaws. Plan on this truck is much more of a daily driver and work then an show truck. Wondering if anyone has any opinions on an decent tranny for this thing.

[jayoldschool]

Daily driver? T5 on a budget, T56 if you have cash.

[holden64']

Yes sir, that's the plan. thank you for the input, A t5 should more or less fit in like a glove, right? Also my eye got caught on the sm420s. Thanks again.

[62stepside longbox]

One disadvantage to the sm420 is the first gear Is really low and your launching gear will be 2nd. I believe all of the sm420's are like this. I Would say t5 would be good.

[TJ's Chevy]

Remember that T5's are only good up to 300 Foot pounds torque. Any more might blow them to pieces. A TKO500 would be a good choice.

[holden64']

Alright, appreciate the input. It's a work in progress. Just received Some patch panels from AMD and Ecklers truck that I ordered last week. Going to work on my body first then start spending cash on the go go and stop stuff haha.

[dracko]

If you go the T5 route, try to find one from a V8 camaro. They came with world class and non-world class T5's but had proper gear ratios. If ya get a T5 from a 4 cylinder, it'll be geared for a 4 cylinder, and you'll hate it.

Also keep an eye out for the MY6 new process 4 speed, 4th gear is overdrive.

[holden64']

Thanks Dracko, Yeah I got to lookin at T5s and have seen a majority I have found are from V6 Camaros. Still on the look out for somethin good though! Appreciate the help.

[Lugnutz65]

Originally Posted by holden64'

Thanks Dracko, Yeah I got to lookin at T5s and have seen a majority I have found are from V6 Camaros. Still on the look out for somethin good though! Appreciate the help.

I have a passion for the T5. Please see the link in my signature.
The T5 can work very well for a daily driver. I have one and love it as do many others on this forum. It will NOT take abuse. Still, I've met a guy with a 383 stroker and a T5 in his 55 Chevy and he just drives it like a normal car so everything is fine. Want to do burnouts and such? Then choose a different tranny. No sense wasting time and money.

It is very important to match the OD gear to the rear diff gear you have. Pick the wrong OD gear for your diff and your truck will either fall on its butt in 5th gear or the opposite - the RPM drop will be minimal and you won't save any dough at the pump.

The 0.73 OD gear found in the 1993 and earlier V6 S10 trucks works great with a 3.73 rear diff. The V6 Camaro T5 uses the same gearing as the V6 S10 and has the 0.73 OD.

The strength difference between world class and non-world class is minor. The WC V8 Camaro T5 usually has a 0.63 OD gear and that is one BIG drop down from 4th gear of 1.00. If you have a V8 with plenty of HP then you should do fine. I'd recommend the 0.73 OD gear for an inline 6 and it's fine for a V8 too.

The T5 can be made to bolt right up to your SBC Muncie pattern bell as long as the T5 has a Muncie pattern case too (found in 1993 and earlier S10, S15 and Sonoma trucks and 1992 and earlier Camaro and Firebirds). If you plan to use a bench seat then you will need to use an S10 T5 or convert the Camaro T5 to an S10 shifter (easy).

My website has many pages dedicated to the T5. All for the purpose of helping people understand and make the right choice for their application.

[holden64']

the 4 speed saginaws seem to be the most affordable so far, completely rebuilt anyway. I have heard that they are not the toughest trannys. Anyone have any opinions on them? not sure how much HP or torque ill be making with the 80s 350 bored .40 over, but I wouldnt think it would be to much.

[Old Bleu]

I put a WC T5 in my 64 and loved it with the 6 cylinder. I'm about a week away from getting it back on the road with a warmed over 350 and will see how it does.

[holden64']

Hell Yeah, let me know how it goes.

[morethanstock66]

Like everyone else has said, it really depends on what you use it for. I DD'd and street-raced a SM420 for years, I only used 1st gear when it snowed 13inches lol. 62StepsideLongbox is right, they are low in #1. Muncie's do take a beating. DD, I would say T5-world class if you can find it. If a Muncie, stay m21 or m20, and not m22 as m22 has straighter cut gears that will whine more. IF you can afford it, TKOs and T56s are great, plus you get more flexibility with more overdrive. Just my.02...

[holden64']

Thanks lugnutz I will check it out! Appreciate the info morethanstock. Nice to learn stuff ha.