Engine options for 3-speed manual?

[deelowe]

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?

[too much stuff]

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...

[cam.man67]

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.

[raycow]

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

[deelowe]

Originally Posted by raycow

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

I didn't know that. I just assumed that switching to an auto would be easier since the truck is a column shift now and the auto shift lever would stay on the column.

Are there options out there for hooking up an ls motor to a three speed?

[raycow]

Originally Posted by deelowe

Are there options out there for hooking up an ls motor to a three speed?

It's doable, but not with factory parts. You need an aftermarket flywheel or bellhousing because the crank flange to bellhousing face distance is different from the earlier engines.

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

[deelowe]

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)?

[capev86]

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.

[faribran]

an overdrive 3 speed behind these is a nice set up

[1942]

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 )

[raycow]

Originally Posted by 1942

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 )

All factory 4 speeds in 63 were the truck type with a top shifter and granny 1st. The 3 speed + overdrive was also a factory option, but it would have been designated as such, rather than being called a 4 speed.

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

[1942]

Originally Posted by raycow

All factory 4 speeds in 63 were the truck type with a top shifter and granny 1st. The 3 speed + overdrive was also a factory option, but it would have been designated as such, rather than being called a 4 speed.

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

Thanks for answer!

Will a V8 fitt directley to the 4speed who already is there?

[raycow]

Originally Posted by 1942

Will a V8 fitt directley to the 4speed who already is there?

Yes, your 230 bellhousing will bolt to a V-8 engine. You can also use the 230 flywheel if your V-8 is 1985 or older.

Ray

[1942]

Aha, thanks for helping!

[capev86]

i picked up a 3 speed saginaw w/ the borg warner overdrive a week ago. the guy had bought it years ago to convert a 4 speed saginaw to a 4 plus overdrive but ended up using a more modern 5 speed o/d trans. the case is the same, you just put the 4 gears on the overdrive spec centershaft, machine a couple holes not in the standard saginaw case and bolt the adapter plate and b/w on in place of the regular tail cone.

[GRX]

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.