Putting a manual behind a SBC - Cheaply

novaderrik wrote:

ClemSparks wrote:

tuna55 wrote:

Kenny_McCormic wrote: Look for 80s chevy half tons with overdrive 4 speeds, it will likely need bearings, as it is actually based on the old mopar 4 speed with an overdrive gear in the 3rd position and the 3/4 shift rod flipped(so the lay shaft is transmitting power in top gear). My dad beat one relentlessly for 3 years in his 84 C15 DD/wood hauler with a 350 2 barrel. He ended up going automatic because he was so hard on the truck it ate a clutch every year, and needed bearings by the time the 3rd clutch smoked.

I have, and have driven this tranny behind a small block. I love it.

This has my interest piqued. It's the first I've heard of this transmission. What's the name/designation of it? Sounds like a good way to put an overdrive in a truck or other old non-hotrod cruiser. Just looking for search engine entry fodder so I can study up on them. Thanks! Clem

it's the Mopar A833 overdrive manual trans with a GM input and output shafts on it... the early cast iron ones require a special bellhousing due to using the mopar bellhousing flange, but the later aluminum ones will bolt to any 80's GM truck bellhousing.

Dodge called them A833, chevy called it MY6. They went in a lot of diesels. the 1-2-3-OD fools a lot of folks into the 'more speeds is better so this must suck' mentality, but in reality in a street vehicle, it's a pretty good setup.

I ran a saginaw 4 speed behind a 350 for Lemons racing. We did about 7 races on it and never had an issue with the trans.

They are a bit of a pain to set up the shift linkage on a budget (no new shifter). I am confident that it would hold up for the drags and autocross.

We used a hydraulic throwout bearing from Speedway motors to actuate the clutch.

We got the entire system for about $250. This was for the trans, bellhousing, hydraulic throwout bearing, and misc hardware. We spent $35 for a new clutch disc and $40.00 on a pedal and master cylinder assembly.

Rob R.

luck into a complete car that has everything you need with a blown motor... And sell off the rest of course...

SEADave wrote: Clem - I neglected to mention that this is a 2nd gen, a 78 Firebird Esprit. This car was built and sold in CA and came with a Chevy 305.

Not sure why I automatically assumed you were working on a 3rd generation (that's just what I know...)

The good news is that it should be MUCH easier to swap into a 2nd gen than a 3rd gen since the suspension doesn't have to connect to the damned transmission.