Dougsupra

I have a 1971 Cutlass with a 455 and automatic transmission with console shift. I have currently removed the engine for rebuild and wanting to go with a Muncie 4 speed conversion. Has anyone done this before or know what parts I will need in addition to the transmission? I currently have sourced a M21 from 69 camaro. I know I need BOP bellhousing ans pedal kit, new driveshaft, does anyone know what other parts I may need and where to get them? Thank you for any help.

oldcutlass

The machine shop needs to machine the crank for a pilot bearing.

Dougsupra

Thank you, I plan on having the block and crank machined anyway so what’s one more thing to add in. Will the automatic crossmember work? I’m sure I will need another mount for the transmission but hoping to be able to reuse some stuff to save on the expense.

joe_padavano

The question is, what automatic do you have now - a TH400 or TH350? The crossmember is the same. - if your previous trans was a TH00 the crossmember moves forward due to the shorter trans. The frame is already drilled for it. Obviously you'll need a new driveshaft. if you had a TH400. If the previous trans was a TH400 and the crossmember moves forward, you'll also need to change the front and intermediate e-brake cables, as they hang off of the crossmember.

Dougsupra

I had a TH350 in the car. Was gonna do a 700R4 that I have sitting in the garage but that conversion is about the same cost and trouble so decided to convert to manual. Btw if anyone needs a TH350 or 700R4 they are for sale and ready to go. Converters included. Both are built to handle a 455.

VC455

If you are keeping the console, you will need to adapt it to manual shift.

The console wood grain comes from hhclassicauto.com (HH53k); the saddle with boot and ornament is HH104.

Confirm with them if their kit HH104 contains the floor-mounted boot. If not, get it from fusickautomotiveproducts.com, SS7043.

Your auto console has markings underneath that show where to remove material for installing the saddle.

The manual console did not have a wiring harness or a rear courtesy bulb. If you wish, you can keep the automatic wiring harness with the courtesy bulb, just remove the shift sector bulb.

My442

Do a search here.

I did a 70 442 with all GM parts.

Expect to spend $3500 or more to do it right.

If you have a console car, you will need a 7169 handle.

My442

My442

My442

Dougsupra

Thank you for the information and help. Was actually planning on ditching the stock console and doing a custom one. Non concerned with keeping original just making it my own. Those pictures are a big help though. Appreciate it

Dougsupra

From everything I’ve seen these stock consoles are going for a lot so that’s why I’m doing something different so I can sell this one to help pay for it and so someone else can have the restoration they want.

brownbomber77

So I'm doing the same thing on mine but I'm swapping to hydraulic external slave. The fork does get pushed toward the back of the car, correct?

Dougsupra

to be honest I don’t know. One of the things I’ll have to figure out. Got a buddy who knows the Muncie like the back of his hand so gonna trust him on shift linkage adjustments and such. Sucks it’s not cheap. With motor and trans alone I’m 10k deep. But the lifetime of enjoyment will soon make that pain go away

joe_padavano

Correct.