Trans and Transfer case & exhaust manifold?

[SunSoaked]

First off- thanks in advance for the collective knowledge made available on the site

I bought a 69 C10 4x4.
I intend to swap the factory 4 spd with a 700r4. I also believe the transfer case is a np205 based on the fact I can stick a magnet to it (assumption=cast iron).

Questions:
1. Will the 700 bolt in, in place of the stock 4 spd? What mods (x member) are required?
2. Truck has over 100K miles. Should I need to "overhaul" the transfer case. It works fine and doesnt leak. If it's gear driven, are there any parts inside that "wear-out"?
3. I have "ram horn" style exhaust manifolds on the stock 350. My neighbor told me those were desirable and people were always trying to find them. It appears they were used because they rise up and allow more room next to the block for the clutch linkage and crossbar. I was thinking on using traditional headers with the swap to the auto trans. Are these manifolds really worth using?

Thanks, Mike

[argonaut]

1) Not sure about the crossmember setup on the 69-72.
2) If the TC is smooth with no issues I would replace the fluid with fresh and drive it. No wear parts like clutches tht I'm aware of in these.
3) If your 350 is stock-ish then there is no reason to move away form the ram horns. Cast iron manifolds are goo at insulating and keeping the heat in the exhaust gasses.

[Altec]

I put a SM465 in place of a 700 in a '86 K10 is that helps. Bolted right in. No tranny crossmember mods needed.

[Chevymaniac]

Your question about the tranny swap, you will need the adapter from a TH350/NP205 combo. The bolt pattern on the back of the 700R4 and the TH350 are the same, hence why you can use an adapter from the TH350/NP205 combo. Their is a slight difference though. The shaft on the 700R4 is 1 1/4" longer. You have a couple of options here. If you go to Offroaddesign.com they offer a $70 spacer or a new shaft for the 700R4 which would require you rebuilding the tranny anyways. The shaft cost $162, plus the cost of rebuilding the tranny. I'am getting the $70 spacer for my project. Hope this helps you out.

[ol'blu72]

If it is a NP205 you should be good those things are bombproof. Change the fluid and drive it.
Ramhorns actually flow really well from what I have read on here. They will work awesome unless you do some head work and get wild cam. There are a lot of issues with headers too. Unless you buy good headers (expensive) they have problems sealing and will give you issues with heat, especially with your plugs and wires.

[SunSoaked]

Thanks for the info guys.

I'm going to tear into the trans anyway so I think I'll just replace the output shaft while I'm at it. I have been debating weather to keep the 465 and avoid the extra work. I really want the ease of the auto and the OD for effeciancy. First I need to sway in a new front axle and lose the drum brakes. Likely I will end up with 3:08 gears (thats whats in it now), then I'll drive it for awhile to see how those gears work out. I plan on adding a locker in the future (rear), so I'll swap to higher (3:5/3:7?) gears at that point.

I'm actually installing a fuel injected 383 in place of the stock 350. I havent purchased the heads or cam yet. I'm thinking if I build it for low end torque with a flat curve, it may work well with the 3:06/1 first gear of the 700 and the overdrive with 3:08 gears? Also, the rams horn exhaust manifolds may still work well if it's not a "hi-revving" motor even with 383 CI?

Anybody have any experience/advice or suggestions on that thought? Thsi is basically a daily driver with mild off roading and occasional towing.

Thanks, Mike

[mcmlxix]

Dorman makes reproduction Corvette Ram maifolds for under $60 per side and they have the larger 2.5" collector... Nice for a mild build ... there was a thread on them... Ill update when I find it...

www.rockauto.com
Dorman 674-503 Passenger Side
Dorman 674-504 Driver Side

They do dump straight down, so keep that in mind....




700r4 to NP205: There are different input shafts for the NP205, so make sure you have the correct parts.
700r4 OD needs a torque converter lock up method. Its been done and usually involves a harness that connects to the brake switch.

[special-K]

There are also problems with Chinese cast parts. I'm not saying don't use manifolds,but I've always used headers and never knew they had so many problems. Somehow I've been lucky?

['63GENIII]

Originally Posted by special-K

There are also problems with Chinese cast parts. I'm not saying don't use manifolds,but I've always used headers and never knew they had so many problems. Somehow I've been lucky?

I agree. I had bought a set of the china "rams horns". Not very good casting quality IMO. I didn't run em. And I haven't been able to sell them either. I too have also run headers forever and when set up right, they take very little maintenance.

[mcmlxix]

Hooker now makes a cast header.... P/N: 8501-5HKR



http://www.holley.com/8501-5HKR.asp