66 gmc c10 transmission swap to sm465

[slorio]

Here's a good write up on 3 to 4 speed conversions. It is for an SM 420, but should be similar for the SM 465. It is from Jolly's GMC website:

http://www.6066gmcguy.org/3-to-4-speed.htm

I hope this is helpful.
Regards,
Steve
New Orleans

[60-66 Nut]

Yes, Jolly has some real good tips and pictures there. I like the driveshaft he used, nice piece. The only thing I read that wasn't quite correct was on the SM465 input shaft. He said the SM465 has a larger input shaft; this is true only for the SM465's that were used in the 2 ton and larger trucks that used the 1 1/2" input shaft. The 1/2, 3/4 and 1 ton SM 465 still used the 1 1/8" 10 spline input shaft.

But all in all, a very good and informative read.


60-66 Nut

[danieljpeter]

Great information so far. Looks like I have a couple of options on the bellhousing.

If I switch to a newer aluminum bellhousing, can I be sure that my engine block is set up to bolt the starter to?

Did some blocks not have the holes drilled and tapped?

Thanks,

Dan

[60-66 Nut]

I think most all small blocks were drilled for the 168 tooth staggered bolt starter. The 153 tooth starter has two bolts in line with each other. There were a couple of engines that were not drilled for the 153 tooth starter, some of the small block 400's and maybe some of the truck 350's. As I recall the 327 was drilled for both. The aftermarket gear reduction starters may bolt up different, I'm not too familiar with them.

60-66 Nut

[danieljpeter]

Sounding good so far.

I have an aluminum bell housing (mechanical). I believe it is a 73-85 model. It looks like the mechanical clutch linkage on these is different than the 60-72 style. The throwout arm is different, it doesn't have a hole in it for clutch rod. It just has a punched dent in it for the rod to seat into like on the hydaulic arms. Also, there is a pivot ball on the bellhousing for the linkage to attach to. 60-72's don't have the linkage attaching anywhere to the bellhousing except at the clutch arm itself.
Can I use my current linkage 66 linkage and arm with the 73-85 bellhousing? Or should I try and switch my whole linkage to a 73-85 model?

Thanks,

Dan