67 Chevy C10 Custom Flatbed

[Phoax]

There is a 67 Flatbed I've been thinking about buying for a couple months now and I have a question I would like to ask you experts.

I test drove it a couple times and it has a 3 speed manual with a 327 that is at way too high rpm at highway speed for me. It has a floor shifter but there are remnants of a tree shifter which leads me to believe it was originally 3 on the tree.

I really want to put a 4 or 5 speed manual in it. I do not want an automatic. What is my best option for a manual that will give me better mileage on the highway. I read about a 4 speed that bolts up but the top gear isn't any wider.
I don't plan to do any towing, just enthusiastic driving.

I don't mind some welding but if I have to re do the whole drivetrain I probably won't buy it.

[special-K]

I'd look for a 5spd from an S10

[dantimdad]

My 66 has a 5 speed from an s10 and works great.

I can go 70 at just over 2100 RPM. (may not be entirely accurate cause it's a cheap tach, but, it sounds about right)

[slomotion]

I agree with both of the above, with one reservation.......what is you definition of "enthusiastic" driving? If you anticipate doing smoke shows with a dually, bring your dust pan and broom. The T5's weren't designed for that. I put a T5 in mine (6 cyl) and turn 2400 at 65 MPH

[Phoax]

Thanks for the replies, S10 transmission sounds like a good idea. It has bucket seats also so shifter location isn't an issue. My idea of enthusiastic driving is railing corners with fast exits and the occasional clutch drop smoky launch. Your truck in your avatar looks awesome Slomotion. Do you have some bigger pics somewhere?

Well it's settled. I'm gonna buy it. 2 more paychecks. This is going to be a long month

I've been thinking about this truck pretty much non stop since I first saw it a few months ago. Finally got a job 2 weeks ago so, feels like I hooked the truck and am reeling it in.

I'll post some pics as soon as I get them.

[Lippyp]

Changing the rear-end ratio would also drop RPM's, I'm guessing it may have a low geared back end for good pulling power at lower speeds.

[slomotion]

Phoax, don't want to bust your bubble, but the T5 may not be what you're looking for. It's great for normal driving, but if you drop the clutch in a dually, the dust pan and broom will be for trans parts that would eventually be rolling around the intersection. Even with bucket seats you would still want the S10 tail shaft or the shifter would be in an awkward position being either right beside you, or slightly behind you.

[Phoax]

I'm pretty sold on the Tremec TKO 500 5 speed. A bit expensive but a lot of the other stuff I've been looking at have been much weaker transmissions that require more custom parts to make them work. The tremec is expensive but bolts right up to my current bellhousing and gives me a lot of room for added torque.

Bought the truck! I started a build thread.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...30#post5334430

[Andy4639]

Stay away from the mid 80's 3 speed over drive units. I repeat stay away from them. They are junk behind anything with any power. I went through three of them and finally changed over to a 700 R-4.