1968 camaro 4 speed conversion and transmission is hard to go into gears once car is hot
 

Hi,

I am newer to the forum at posting but not really with cars in general. I have a 1968 camaro that was originally a 327ci. motor with a 3 speed transmission. I did a swap and changed the gear to a 3.73 from a 3.08 and also put in a used 4 speed muncie, with a 3 finger brand new zoom clutch. The clutch seems like i went out to the end as far as adjustments go b/c i am right at the end of the adjustment rod. But after doing the swap I too the car for a ride and it goes into everygear fine, when the car is dead cold. Then as soon as it gets a little hot the trans doesnt want to go into reverse without a grind. When the car gets a little hotter like in a bit of traffic or continuous stopping then the transmission gets nearly impossible to get into almost every gear. Especially in first it almost feels stuck, and won't go in at all.

I know you guys really know ur stuff here on this website so I wanted to ask you if you have any suggesstions. I heard from a friend that it may be the fluid that is a bit to heavy a weight and when it gets hot it gets a bit thicker and that is whats causing it to get hard to shift. Also I heard it may be the three finger clutch that I should just get rid of that one and get a diaphram clutch b/c they are rated up to 500+ hp and that is plenty sufficent to my nearly stock engine. I heard that should be the biggest help.

I would really appreciate your comments and help, or at least suggestions. Also if you have had a similar experience and what you did to fix it.

I appreciate all of your help.

RE: 1968 camaro 4 speed conversion and transmission is hard to go into gears once car is hot
 

I would think that when the gear oil gets hot it would get thinner?

RE: 1968 camaro 4 speed conversion and transmission is hard to go into gears once car is hot
 

Yes, thinner. And it's only for lubricating the gears. It doesn't build pressure for them like an AUTO tranny does.
Sounds like you've got bigger problems in that tranny.


Why did the guy want to sell it? Was it worn out already. Is this what he experienced when he drove it, so that's why he sold it to you?
You always gotta ask yourself that question. Why is he selling it if it's so good?

Anyway, it's yours now and you need to get it fixed... right?

It could be that the SYNCROs are worn ... or even cracked. And that they expand in the heat causing it to bind up. I'm just guessing of course, since I'm not a transmission specialist.
Your best bet is to swing by your local Transmission shop and ask them for a rebuilding kit or some info on common problems associated with the Munci.

Sorry, I couldn't help much.