Anyone tell me which transmission was used at factory for a '71 350 car ? Also, close ratio vs. wide ratio.......? Street cruiser only, this car will not see any track duty. Thanks.
would either be an M20 wide ratio or M21 close ratio. thought most of the buick a-body cars came with an M21. too bad u could not order an M22 rock crusher.
Definitely an M-20 wide ratio then. The 20 has a 2.52 first gear that will be more suited to the 2.56 rear.
Thanks Jason. Now.........I need to stew on this idea for a few days. Believe all parts are available used as long as I'm in no major hurry.
Most of the parts are available new like the pedals, linkage and shifter. the only things you'll need to find used are the trans itself, a 9785581 bellhousing, and a 350 flywheel. The only complication you'll have is that your engine might of not been made for a 4 speed. The crank may not be machined fully to accept a pilot bearing. That was the case with Tony's engine (yacster). We had to machine the pilot bearing shallower because the hole in the crank was only 85% machined. Also, there may or may not be a threaded hole machined in the side of your block for the block ball stud. Some blocks were drilled, some werent. So in the event yours isnt, you will have to drill it out and tap it yourself. That is easy to check though.
Car currently in storage but I'll know what to look for in the Spring. If we drop the TH350 are we able to see the end of the crank to verify a pilot will fit on ?
Yes. I have done several 350 Buicks and all mine have had the machined crank and ball hole prior to 73 but I bet someone has one that's not been cut. Bell housings are easy to find I bet 350 flywheels are too I remember selling mine to a fellow board member. I have seen a few on Ebay. The correct shifter isn't needed and pedals are out there. I have a new clutch fork for a 350. If you go this route remember the 350 is lower torque than a 455 so I would try to go with 342 gears or close. If you want the cake and eat it too go with 373 and a Gear Vendors overdrive unit. If I were starting from scratch I would consider a overdrive trans like a Tremec.
If u ordered a skylark with a 350 2bbl and a 4 spd, did get a saginaw tranmission? i know that was the case with chevelle.
Not sure. I did look into my old GM Parts Book. M20 is the only reference I can find. Skylark was available with a 3 speed manual. GS was available with a 4 speed, 3.08 or 3.42 rear end ratios.
