Finally Got the swap done! 4 Speed M20 in my 1970 Skylark with a 350. 69 M20 TA Flywheel Centerforce Dual friction Clutch Speedway Motor Hydraulic throwout bearing American Powertrain Clutch Master cylinder bracket Wilwood Master Cylinder and reservoir Kit Came out pretty good! I also was able to get a nice deal on a consolette. I also sourced all the hardware from @ToddsGS . It made the whole swap easier. Clutch switch and harness, boots, etc all worked out great! Now I am thinking of making my own console with cup holders. I also want to get a nice tach to drop into my consolette as well. The car is still a turd since it has the 2.56 open rear but I finally sourced an 8.5 out of a 72 skylark but I am deciding on what gears to drop into it. I have 3.23 gears on the table with a 30 spline carrier, but I might as well just order a new 28 spline carrier and transplant the 3.23 or maybe get some 3.42s I don't want to burn my clutch up since it takes some RPMs to get it moving but once im in the powerband, it pulls hard. Highway cruising is awesome but I need to be able to take off the line. I am still happy with the swap. I never thought I would have a manual skylark anytime soon. Does the shifter position seem okay? Anyone have a cheap 28 spline carrier they might want to sell?
Not sure about a shifter location but congrats. You're gonna love grinding those gears.... I have a similar set up but with a 3.42 posi.
Nice swap. I used the complete American Powertrain hydraulic kit when I converted my 67 Skylark. Looking back....I would do it the way you did and probably saved myself some cash.
Looks good, I'm in the process of installing A 4 speed in my 72. I saved up parts for about two years and decided to go for it.
With that trans, I don't know that you can really change the location of the shifter? The only thing that looks odd is the boot on the bottom. I think technically it should have the hump welded in the floor, but I'm no expert. That works fine thou, and was less invasive. My 68 is a 5spd, 3:77 gears. Its great. all around with the OD. That Consolette is the bomb. I would love to find one of those, I could afford. Put a dash tack in it, you wont like having to look down to see it when your really getting into it.
Another update: Ordered a Yukon carrier and some 3.42 gears. Turns out they installed the spare Chevelle shifter handle I had instead of the Buick one I had purchased. That's why it's closer than I thought! I wonder if it's possible to swap it while in the car.
For sure, if it is the insert and clip type that does not use bolts. I cannot say from personal experience for the bolt in type.
If yours has a pawl retaining clip, use a little lube with about a 16/1000 feeler and insert it on the passenger side of the lever to release.
I'll take a closer look, this is what it looked like before the boot etc, I totally forgot to check the shifter arm at the time I took the picture.
Welp, took the console apart and it turns out the shifter I have is a bolt in configuration. Would it be safe to drill a second home and bolt it up? I had no Idea Buicks had clip in style, just threw a wrench into the swap again -_-
That one is actually shorter than the stock one I have. Unless the area where the stick mounts to is supposed to be shorter. The stick height is 13.5 inches Vs the 11 inch stick that's on it.
Here's a side by side, the shorter shifter handle that was installed is #8009 The original I bought is# 5335
Drill a hole in the original stick I would,...or sell it and get a different stick from hurst they have alot too choose from
Picked up a shifter that is exactly the same style but shorter. I'll drill the original when I'm back to work but so far it actually looks and feels nice.
Very nice. How'd you calculate where to place the holes for mounting the console. Mine might be too far back.
Honestly, I just installed the shifter and handle then placed the console over it. I then made sure the shifter wouldn't hit the console in all gears and marked it, and boom drilled into the tunnel.
I also used this real Stage 1 4 speed GSX as a reference. Got lucky and got to visit a gentleman that had it tucked away.
