Overdrive Shifter Ideas?

[Lobo'74]

My '79 stock clutch and 3 speed have bit the dust. I found a replacement Saginaw 4 speed for the Saginaw 3 speed. It is the stronger "1 line" and is a close ratio box. I also found a 3 speed OD unit. I have the info on how to convert the newly rebuilt 4 speed to a 4 speed OD unit. Basically, you pull the the mainshaft of the 4 speed out, pull the gears and syncros off, pull all the gears and sycros off the 3 speed OD shaft, put the 4 speed gears and syncros on, and replace the 3 speed OD tailhousing with modified mainshaft onto the 4 speed. There is a bit more to it, but thats a quick and dirty overview. The info I have says to use a Hurst 4 speed shifter and the rods from the Hurst 3 speed OD shifter.


A couple of problems. First, what Hurst shifter to use? I currently have an old Fenton 3 speed floor shift (for OLD hot rod fans). I don't need a "truck" shifter as I have bucket seats in the Truck. I want a shorter throw than the truck shifter. What is a good choice for a shifter?

Second, I doubt that Hurst has made a 3 speed OD shifter for years and years. Any ideas on what to do for the shift rods?

I am going to have a local tranny shop do the mods on the tranny and am going to install a new clutch (any thoughts on a good, low effort diaphram chutch for a 350 HP 350?) and the new tranny and shifter helping out my local auto repair shop mechanics (so I can say I didn't just throw money at the truck and say "I" hot rodded it). Not looking for any exotic fixes, but would appreciate any thoughts on this project.

Looks like with parts, shipping, labor and all (including a new clutch, shifter etc) it is going to run $1900 to get a 4 speed OD up and running.

[Lobo'74]

Any ideas?

[Brad]

Ok, I seriously don't recommend this trans behind your 350hp 350. That's like having a beautiful blonde with huge ***s and you can do anything you want but not what you'd really like to do with her.

The old Saginaw OD trans you're talking about is very weak and won't last if you put any power into it. There are parts that'll snap like the pole vault for a fat woman and are hard to come by. I think there's an easier way to convert that trans but that's a side issue. I really think you should just get a Tremec 5 speed for what you've got and what you want.

[Lobo'74]

I understand. I just don't have the $ for a tremec and thought this would get an overdrive for now. The cost for a new high performance clutch, dropping the broken 3 speed out, getting the rebuilt 1 line saginaw 4 speed (delivered), installing it, and getting a 4 speed shifter is $1400. The OD parts are 250, estimated costs to mate it to the 4 speed are another 250.
I think I'm going to pass on the OD and just go with the rebuilt 4 speed. Its 535 with 85 for shipping. Cheapest tremec I could find was 2000 from a junk yard, or 3000 for a rebuilt. With clutch and shop fees and modification costs its 3000 to 4000 total. The 1400 is at my limit and the 3K-4K is well beyond it.

[Brad]

I think you'll be glad you did the 4 speed and you'll be able to sell it at a later date if you change your mind. I seriously think you should do the Tremec if you EVER want to put a 5 speed in. It's a super easy bolt on affair and you'll be so happy, especially when you go to use all that hp under the hood and it doesn't break and you still get good mpg's on the highway!

The TKO500's are about $2500-$2800 for what you'd need.

[Lobo'74]

Yup. That's the way I want to go later. The 4 speed rebuild I'm getting went on some corvettes and camaro's back in the old days, so it should handle my 350 until I get richer . . .

Thanks for the input.

[chvtrkman]

Lobo,
Another option is to get a New Process GM/MY6 from a junkyard and have it rebuilt. They are basically a Chrysler New Process a-833 but adapted to fit GM bellhousings.They have a 1: .73 OD. I bought one and cost for tranny and rebuild was $1,000.......there is one major drawback though. There are several versions of this tranny. They were used in 81-86 pick-ups. Some have mating holes in the cases for bellhousings other than a stock SBC. You have to be careful not to get one of the funky ones. I looked at one that came out of a 4x4 that was WAY different than mine. Just an idea to think about.

[Lobo'74]

There are two of tose available locally. Both have a very low 1st gear. I have a 4:10 rear so it was not a good match.

I went ahead and ordered the close ratio saginaw 4 speed. It should be here next week.

[earl87gta]

you can get a 5 speed NV4500 for less then 1900. And if you decided to go a difrent way later you could easily sell it for what you have in it.Summit racing sells the richmond 5 speeds for 1900 new.