An important consideration is whether your crankshaft is already drilled and fitted with the correct diameter pilot bearing. To do a conversion to a manual trans Muncie 4 speed with all the correct parts takes about $3500.00. Also do not forget Buick made some of these cars with 3 speed Ford and Muncie manual transmission. Perhaps Saginaw too.
Hey guys. Bringing this thread back, I'm looking at getting a 455. I want a manual. And overdrive. So any input please on mating a 455 to a viper t56. I got some one selling a viper t56 in my area for 800. Is 6 speeds 2 much? I want to be able to go on long trips and kick ass off the line.
How much of the drive tunnel will have to be removed? We have a 6 speed in Trinity Shelby. Depending on the rear tire size and first gear ratio in the trans the rear gear will need to be maybe 3.73 to 4.10. Your crank will need to be bored for the correct bearing for the input shaft. You make need a special adapter made so the shift lever will exit the drive tunnel at the correct location. Are you using a hydraulic clutch set up? You may need wider tires and rims just to get traction with the new set up. Are prepared to spend several thousand dollars?
I am not prepared to spend several thousand on the swap. I could do 4k. But nothing over 8,9,10k. I like finding/getting deals. But understand that some parts NEED to NEW and OF GOOD QUALITY. I plan on doing this swap myself with help from my mentor who lives in Utah (I'm in CA) and others I've met. Where in your experience do you think the bulk of money will go. I see the mcloud bellhousing going for around 500. My market has produces these parts. 455= 400-1k running T56= 800-1k working .... Honestly I'm ignorant to what clutch set up I need. .. I'm curious to how In your mind's eye you can estimate I might have traction problems. I wish I could see what u are seeing.
The first question is perhaps which t 56 and what is its max torque rating. They vary from about 350 to 550 foot pounds depending on their original application.