Have a '65 skylark 2 door hardtop I'm doing a frame off on and putting a 455 in and would like a manual transmission with overdrive. Wanted to know if anyone had done this? What bell housing did you use? Any recommendations between either 5 speed or 6? Car already has pans out so needing to modify the tunnel doesn't necessarily bother me. Thanks in advance for any advice!
I have ran Richmond 5 and 6 speeds in 70-72 cars. They bolt up to stock bellhousings and use any factory style clutch. You have to hack the floor for the shifter because it is further back and higher up than stock. I ended up using chevelle crossmembers to bolt them in and fit properly, other than that they fit pretty well. They shift beautifully and are very fun to drive with the close ratios. I would recommend them. Thanks Brent
The Richmond's I've seen have a 1:1 5th gear which would work well with a 2.73 or 2.56 rear. The best 5 speed I know of is the Tremmic TKO 600, the shifter comes out at the right place. Some people have told me that the Tremmic wont handle the power of a big block. I guess it depends on how you drive.
I installed a TKO600 into my '64 using a Quicktime scatter shield and Centerforce pressure plate and clutch. Transmission is rated for 600 lb/ft so I'm confident it will hold up to the torque of the 455. The Tremec 6 speeds will handle more torque but are considerably larger than the 5 speed and do you really need two overdrive gears?
I actually bought a Richmond 5 speed from Brent a bunch of years ago! Put it in my '66 Special between the 300 engine and 2.79 rear. Fits nicely, easy swap. 3.26 first gear and 1:1 fifth gear with a fairly close gear spread. Liked it so much I bought another one for my '66 GS 401/2.93. The ratios are okay for dual duty stoplight/highway use, but more gear spread would be desirable if you want to maximize performance.... my combo's could use a little more gear for off line performance and more OD ratio to keep highway rpm's down. You can find these used in the $1500 range, making it a great option over a 4 speed. They are avail in a super street config with more OD ratio, but they cost more too. Most Buick bellhousings will work. My 300 is using one from a '66 V6 car and will fit a 455. A more popular one is the double hump (starter on left or right) bellhousing used on later cars. 65-66 clutch pedal setups are your best fit.
Thanks for all of the great feedback everybody! After seeing the pictures of the setback and everything needed on the T56 I'm probably going to look at the Richmond setup as multiple people suggested. I'll keep you posted when I get closer to that stage of mounting it and cutting for fitment. Thanks again!
