1977 T50 replacement options
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Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 161
1977 T50 replacement options
It has been awhile since I have been here. Back in 2020 you all helped me do a 260-455 swap in a 1977 442. I turned out great! original owner has been driving it with the T50. I have the opportunity to get the car but I know I will scatter the T50. Does anyone know of a straight forward upgrade for the transmission? I do not have specs on the motor but it is a 455 aluminum head 9-1 compression. I was hoping for a simple muncie swap. After that it gets really expensive. Rear gear will need to be changed too. TIA John
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...-442-a-148982/
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...7-done-158016/
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...-442-a-148982/
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...7-done-158016/
Registered Olds Owner
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,129
From: Los Angeles, CA
You have two choices - New or used.
You can pickup a used Borg Warner Super T-10 or a Muncie for under a $1000. Bad news is that it will probably need a rebuild. Figure another $500 for a good basic rebuild kit, more if you need to replace gears. You'll save money if you rebuild it your self. If you go this route you'll need a new shifter also.
New, I'd recommend the TKX.- about 3K from Summit.
You will have to confirm if the T50 bell housing is compatible with the Muncie/T10/TKX bolt pattern. If it isn't you should be able to find a 4spd BOP bell housing.
In either case while your in there you should replaces clutch, pressure plate and throw-out bearing.
Also you'll need to compare the current T50 shifter location to the above choices. The TKX gives you the most options with the ability to move the shifter to different locations.
Unless you can find someone who can confirm this conversion, you should assume that some minor or major floor/tunnel surgery may be required.
The drive shaft may also have to be changed - longer or shorter. At a minimum you'll probably need a new yoke.
You can pickup a used Borg Warner Super T-10 or a Muncie for under a $1000. Bad news is that it will probably need a rebuild. Figure another $500 for a good basic rebuild kit, more if you need to replace gears. You'll save money if you rebuild it your self. If you go this route you'll need a new shifter also.
New, I'd recommend the TKX.- about 3K from Summit.
You will have to confirm if the T50 bell housing is compatible with the Muncie/T10/TKX bolt pattern. If it isn't you should be able to find a 4spd BOP bell housing.
In either case while your in there you should replaces clutch, pressure plate and throw-out bearing.
Also you'll need to compare the current T50 shifter location to the above choices. The TKX gives you the most options with the ability to move the shifter to different locations.
Unless you can find someone who can confirm this conversion, you should assume that some minor or major floor/tunnel surgery may be required.
The drive shaft may also have to be changed - longer or shorter. At a minimum you'll probably need a new yoke.
Last edited by v8al; Feb 10, 2026 at 03:34 PM.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 161
You have two choices - New or used.
You can pickup a used Borg Warner Super T-10 or a Muncie for under a $1000. Bad news is that it will probably need a rebuild. Figure another $500 for a good basic rebuild kit, more if you need to replace gears. You'll save money if you rebuild it your self. If you go this route you'll need a new shifter also.
New, I'd recommend the TKX.- about 3K from Summit.
You will have to confirm if the T50 bell housing is compatible with the Muncie/T10/TKX bolt pattern. If it isn't you should be able to find a 4spd BOP bell housing.
In either case while your in there you should replaces clutch, pressure plate and throw-out bearing.
Also you'll need to compare the current T50 shifter location to the above choices. The TKX gives you the most options with the ability to move the shifter to different locations.
Unless you can find someone who can confirm this conversion, you should assume that some minor or major floor/tunnel surgery may be required.
The drive shaft may also have to be changed - longer or shorter. At a minimum you'll probably need a new yoke.
You can pickup a used Borg Warner Super T-10 or a Muncie for under a $1000. Bad news is that it will probably need a rebuild. Figure another $500 for a good basic rebuild kit, more if you need to replace gears. You'll save money if you rebuild it your self. If you go this route you'll need a new shifter also.
New, I'd recommend the TKX.- about 3K from Summit.
You will have to confirm if the T50 bell housing is compatible with the Muncie/T10/TKX bolt pattern. If it isn't you should be able to find a 4spd BOP bell housing.
In either case while your in there you should replaces clutch, pressure plate and throw-out bearing.
Also you'll need to compare the current T50 shifter location to the above choices. The TKX gives you the most options with the ability to move the shifter to different locations.
Unless you can find someone who can confirm this conversion, you should assume that some minor or major floor/tunnel surgery may be required.
The drive shaft may also have to be changed - longer or shorter. At a minimum you'll probably need a new yoke.
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,606
From: Bradenton, FL
You can use a Camaro t-5. The shifter location is 1.2" further back than the T50. You'd use the bellhousing from a chevy V8 and then the accompanying trans (muncie or tremec bolt pattern). With that said....don't do it. There's a reason Ford and Chevy didn't put these behind anything larger than their 5 liter cars.
TKX Is your least expensive answer unless you like swapping $400 used transmissions every year. Even built ones won't last behind the torque of a 455 and the weight of a cutlass.
TKX Is your least expensive answer unless you like swapping $400 used transmissions every year. Even built ones won't last behind the torque of a 455 and the weight of a cutlass.
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