68 442 Post coupe swap suggestions.
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 122
From: Fort Mill, SC
68 442 Post coupe swap suggestions.
So, my car came with a 4 speed from the factory, currently it has a TH400 mated to a 73 455 in it. I’d like to convert it back to a stick. The only 4 speed parts the car came with are the Z bar, Clutch pedal and a correct bellhousing. Based on what I currently have and what I want to do, what would be the best, but also most budget friendly way to get the car converted back to a manual transmission? Just looking for some cruising and occasional spirited driving not a pro touring car. Thanks in advance.
Old(s) Fart
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 50,791
From: Northern VA
Your first problem is that the 1973 motor likely does not have the crank drilled for the manual trans pilot bearing. Olds typically did not drill the cranks on motors that came from the factory with automatics. Your second problem is that a 1973 FA block typically does not have the drilled and tapped hole for the z-bar pivot ball. The options for the crank are to either pull the crank and have it machined or use one of the conversion bushings that require shortening of the trans input shaft. If the pivot ball hole is not present, consider using a hydraulic throwout bearing, which also eliminates z-bar interference with headers.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 122
From: Fort Mill, SC
thanks for the feedback. Yeah I was already planning on hydraulic clutch and throw out just to eliminate any header clearance issues. From a model of transmission standpoint would an M20 or Tremec 5 speed be the better option you think?
Your first problem is that the 1973 motor likely does not have the crank drilled for the manual trans pilot bearing. Olds typically did not drill the cranks on motors that came from the factory with automatics. Your second problem is that a 1973 FA block typically does not have the drilled and tapped hole for the z-bar pivot ball. The options for the crank are to either pull the crank and have it machined or use one of the conversion bushings that require shortening of the trans input shaft. If the pivot ball hole is not present, consider using a hydraulic throwout bearing, which also eliminates z-bar interference with headers.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 5,507
From: Seneca Falls, NY
So, my car came with a 4 speed from the factory, currently it has a TH400 mated to a 73 455 in it. I’d like to convert it back to a stick. The only 4 speed parts the car came with are the Z bar, Clutch pedal and a correct bellhousing. Based on what I currently have and what I want to do, what would be the best, but also most budget friendly way to get the car converted back to a manual transmission? Just looking for some cruising and occasional spirited driving not a pro touring car. Thanks in advance.
Last edited by allyolds68; Jul 13, 2023 at 12:20 PM.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 122
From: Fort Mill, SC
yeah I know silversport has a kit for $5000 before installation so I doubt I’ll go that route. Not planning to daily drive it but some highway driving to a couple of bigger shows might be in the mix. I’m pretty sure the car has the factory 3.42 gears but I’ll double check. Thanks again.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 5,507
From: Seneca Falls, NY
yeah I know silversport has a kit for $5000 before installation so I doubt I’ll go that route. Not planning to daily drive it but some highway driving to a couple of bigger shows might be in the mix. I’m pretty sure the car has the factory 3.42 gears but I’ll double check. Thanks again.
Last edited by allyolds68; Jul 13, 2023 at 11:49 AM.
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