The 4 speed conversion is complete

Discussion in 'U-shift em' started by PGBuick, Mar 31, 2019.

  1. PGBuick

    PGBuick Well-Known Member

    I've waited many years to start this project, and I'm not disappointed now that it is done. A few of you may know my car, 64 Skylark, dull gray paint, rust free Cali car I drove home over 30 years ago. I put the 455 in sometime in the 90's from another build, with lots of tuning and minor upgrades along the way. The car is mostly all old school, built with KB and TA parts, and still running a KB118 cam and Q jet. Last year's upgrade was adding some well ported iron stage 1 heads. Picked up an honest 70HP over the small valve heads with no other changes. There's likely more in it now if I improve the intake side and maybe the cam, but it's all good...ran 12.0 last spring with the 1-2 shift getting soft in the KB prepped switch pitch TH400. Enter the M23 Autogear 4 speed and a really nice clutch. I finally got some miles and hard shifts on this setup and it is honestly like a completely different car! The motor spools up much more quickly and street tires are ridiculously inadequate. It is scary quick now and was no slouch with the auto. It will easily spin into 3rd when up in the power band. I am looking forward to racing it and hoping for traction and lower 60 foots! If you are considering a big block 4 speed swap and like to row gears and drive hard, just buy the good stuff up front. You will not be disappointed! And make sure you have a rev limiter!
     
    johnriv67 and Dwayne B like this.
  2. wkillgs

    wkillgs Gold Level Contributor

    Congrats! Sounds like it's a blast to drive. Is it a close or wide ratio trans?
     
  3. 64 skylark mike

    64 skylark mike Well-Known Member

    Good news!
    I was curious how you were coming along on this since we last spoke.
     
  4. sriley531

    sriley531 Excommunicado

    Awesome! I have an Autogear M23 in my green car as well, its a pretty awesome piece no doubt! Enjoy banging gears, its a good time and really will give the car a whole new driving experience.
     
  5. Davis

    Davis Moderator

    Congrats on completing your project.
    The pleasure in driving a big block 4 speed car is an awesome experience.
     
    Brett Slater likes this.
  6. PGBuick

    PGBuick Well-Known Member

    Walt, it's a wide ratio. the start line ratio is around 9.5 I think with the 3.73 rear. Really set up nicely.
     
  7. Clarkie

    Clarkie Well-Known Member

    Congrats. BBB and a 4-speed is a lot of fun!
     
  8. boe

    boe Platinum Level Contributor

    Mo gears, Mo fun, enjoy!!!
     

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