Hey guys, getting ready to begin restoring my 66 GS. I want to replace the TH400(has a 455 in it) thats in it with a proper 4spd. How much will it cost? Including tranny, pedal setup and anything else? Thanks
I did this over the summer in a 70 GS (actually it was done for me) but here's some costs I incurred. I got a good deal on an M20 on Craigslist from a 72 Corvette - $600 I had the Pedal assembly I bought on this board - $100 Before I lucked into having it done on TV, I planned to do it myself and I got a quote from Dave Kleiner for all the rest of the pieces for approx $2700 plus shipping (everything from flywheel, clutch, fork, clutch linkage, shifter linkage, shifter, handle, hump and more) Do you want the reverse lock out to work? Do you want reverse lights to work? Do you want the clutch start switch? I didn't need a cross member or drive shaft, the originals worked perfectly, so consider that Figure there's going to be some incidentals, so the average would be around $4000 or more
Say if I had a tranny ready.. how much would it be if I went the cheapest way possible? Im seeing used muncies for around 400-800 which isn't bad at all.. what else is after that? If I could get a list that would be great
Finding used parts takes time, then you have to clean them up and paint / restore Or you can buy it all new. It was mostly new that went in my car. Off the top of my head here's some prices that I got $200 Bell Housing $400 Flywheel from TA $200 Clutch kit $350 Clutch linkage $60 Floor Hump $50 Shift boot $50 Shift ring $350 Shift linkage $350 Shifter and handle $75 Clutch inspection cover $40 4 speed firewall plate $20 4 speed colum bracket $10 4 speed colum seal $20 Firewall / clutch rod boot $10 Clutch return spring $100 Z-bar $15 Z-bar frame bracket $50 Shifter mount bracket $130 Reverse lock out linkage $75 Reverse Switch
Here's a good thread to read http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.p...tic-to-Manual-Transmission-68-72-BUICK-A-Body
I sourced pretty much all my parts used and restored/refurbished them myself(except for the clutch and rebuild kit), but including trans rebuild/upgrades (I did the labor myself) I'm into my Muncie swap for right at $1500 including a lakewood scattershield. I sourced just about everything 2nd hand except the center force clutch kit and trans internals. That's not counting driveshaft since I had to replace it anyway. As Curtis said, finding all the parts used for good deals took me about a year of watching/searching vigilantly, but it saved me a lot of money in the end.
Thanks for all the replies guys Im in no hurry, and are a bit of a perfectionist, at least I will be on this car.. What is the period correct Muncie for the 66 GS? M20, M21..? I too will be sourcing most parts second hand.
The reverse lockout linkage and Neutral Start Switches weren't available in 1965. The back up light switch was bolted to the transmission side cover. The "Pin style pedals are the same as 65-66 Chevelle (except for the design on the pedal pad. You could technically use 64-66 Pedals and linkage for the cheapest conversion. But using the correct parts will add at least the cost of the conversion to the value of your car. Just make sure you are not mixing A body parts. ie. Cutlass, Skylark, Chevelle. Russ
