Good afternoon Gents,

I have an opportunity to purchase a 1976 442 in very good shape. It is 260, 5 speed equipped. I have a lot of experience with pre-72 442's but zero experience with later models.

I have an Olds 350 engine that I can rebuild. I would want to convert this car to a 350, Muncie equipped M-20 car. This car currently is set up for manual trans (5 speed factory). Can I use the current
manual pedals, linkage and bell housing as equipped on the 350 along with the Muncie? Can the current trans cross member be reused as well as the drive shaft? I also will change out the
rear end with either a Moser and or Currie new unit. Any thoughts on the technical side of this upgrade with regards to reusing the manual transmission set up as equipped?

Thanks as always for your time and review.

Frank

 

Most things should work however the 5 speed is pure junk, wont hold up to a 350, Olds knew that so was not an option. You will need a shifter, the 5sped has the stick with no external linkage.

 

Hi Oldsmaniac,

Yes the trans is a boat anchor and I would use a new Hurst Competion Plus shifter.

Thank you.

Frank

 

Welcome!! I hope you buy it and let us know how the swap goes.

 

To answer your question, yes, everything is a bolt-in. The 350 is externally identical to the 260 and the Muncie is the same length and same mounting pattern as the T50 five speed in the car now.

 

Thank you all gentlemen for your feedback. I assumed that was the case but as I stated previously I have no experience with the later 1970's cutlass and re-usability of existing mounting, driveshaft etc.

Frank