Want to swap out the old Saggy naw!

jmask99 · Wrench Necoa #: 5243 Joined: Apr 17, 2005 Posts: 41

I have been researching info to replace my 3 speed. Which is the best replacement to drop in without having to modify much? I have a 383 in there now on my 1970 which originally had a 6 cyl. I want to use this as a daily driver as well as a street car, so i was thinking something with an odrive. Will there be an issue with the driveline length? Any thoughts?

1BadElky · Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 7:52 pm Post subject:

looking for auto or manual?
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jmask99 · Wrench Necoa #: 5243 Joined: Apr 17, 2005 Posts: 41

manual perferably, but if I can drop an auto w/o having to replace drivelines and crosmembers that would work for me as well. I may have to get a stall converter if I go auto. I have an edelbrock performer RPM cam with a holley 750 on a 383

theelcaminofactory · Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 12:49 pm Post subject:

I'm unsure of the length of a 3 speed Saginaw...but I'm willing to bet it's the same length as a 4 speed Saginaw...which I believe is also the same length as a 350 THD...and I believe they all use the same crossmember. If your unwilling to modify/purchase a trans crossmember and unwilling to shorten your driveshaft, your very limited as to what you can use. If you are willing to make the above modifications then your choices are much greater. Try www.maliburacing.com in the 'tech' section, there's a post there giving the length of some trannies...but not all.

jmask99 · Wrench Necoa #: 5243 Joined: Apr 17, 2005 Posts: 41

Im always willing, just dont always have the resources. I am checking all my options, if I have to stick with the 3 spd until I have all my parts for a swap Ill do that. If there is any links to any swap, pls forward it to me.

theelcaminofactory · Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 5:07 pm Post subject:

jmask99 · Wrench Necoa #: 5243 Joined: Apr 17, 2005 Posts: 41

Your right about that, but I was referring to other links. Sorry about being vague. That was great info, thanks!

jmask99 · Wrench Necoa #: 5243 Joined: Apr 17, 2005 Posts: 41

Want to get this topic moving again.
I would like to have a solid tranny for both street and to be able to get on the highway. Dont matter if it is an auto or manual, just want to get some opinions of what you guys prefer for the best of both worlds. I found a shop that will cut drivelines so that isnt a big deal. I am liking the 700r4 for auto and t56 for a manual. What about you guys?

lil maddog · Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2008 1:17 pm Post subject:

I have a t56 in my car and love it, but it is not a simple swap, and it isn't a cheap one either. I recomend using http://www.crossmembers.com/BODY.htm for a crossmember that way you don't have to fab your own. If you have any more questions ask away.

lil maddog
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1979 el camino 355ci sbc, t56 viper trans, grand national 8.5 rear

lil maddog · Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2008 1:33 pm Post subject:

I have a t56 in my car and love it, but it is not a simple swap, and it isn't a cheap one either. I recomend using http://www.crossmembers.com/BODY.htm for a crossmember that way you don't have to fab your own. If you have any more questions ask away.

lil maddog
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1979 el camino 355ci sbc, t56 viper trans, grand national 8.5 rear

MI2600 · Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2008 10:35 am Post subject:

A swap from a 3 to 4 speed is a bolt in except for the shift linkage. (You didn't say if you have a column shift.) Be careful of some Saginaw 4 speeds because they have a first gear near 3:1.

An auto 350 will also bolt in, but again you'll have to figure out linkage.

I put a 200R4 in my '72 that had a TH350. Fit right in, but I had to move the crossmember back to the 400 holes. Driveshaft is the same. Linkage again will have to be figured out.
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'86 El Camino - 406
'67 Chevy Biscayne - 383

jmask99 · Wrench Necoa #: 5243 Joined: Apr 17, 2005 Posts: 41

If I swap to an auto tranny, will I have to take out the motor and have it rebalanced to a flexplate? Someone brought that to my attention, and I didnt have an answer so I thought Id ask you guys. I got a 383 stroker with a manual transmission. Confused

theelcaminofactory · Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2008 4:46 pm Post subject:

No, but what you have to determine is if you have an internally or externally balanced motor and get the corresponding flexplate. Most 383 rotating assemblies are externally balanced...but not all. If there's a balance weight welded to the back of your flywheel it's externally balanced, if there isn't then it's internally balanced. Most auto parts stores have both in stock...you will need to also buy a flexplate with the same number of teeth as your flywheel which is either 152 or 168 teeth.
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jmask99 · Wrench Necoa #: 5243 Joined: Apr 17, 2005 Posts: 41

thanks man, it is an external balanced motor. Thats good that I can go with an auto cause I was lookin at 700r4s to swap into the elky after the new year.