ok so ive been all about the 4th gen cars but now i really want an early 2nd gen with a big V8 but i also want a manual trans so i was wondering how hard it would be to swap and if so can i just get a truck trans from the same general era or is there something better than that...

i do know id need a flywheel, clutch, slave, master, peddle all those good things


also from your guys experience whats the best year for the second gens

 

I don't know a lot but I do know they make wiring harnesses for those newer motor swaps and as far as the trans goes most swaps are possible 'I believe' it only depends on mating the two and with the bellhousing and basic driveshaft fit and mounting with a x-member. I'm probly not much help but I'm doin a trans swap in my 2nd gen and it just takes some research to figure out what can be done. Enjoy the learning!

 

Stick with a cr trans. The truck transmission of the day were alot larger and more bulky than what was used in cars. Search the "New Process 4speed" you will see what I mean. As for the conversion from auto to manual in these cars is simple just get the manual linkage, cut a hole in the floor, add one flywheel, clutch and trans and you are good to go. You may need the X-member and a new driveline.

Oh and as far as a 4 speed trans goes try the Borg Warner T10

Massey

 

Thanx massey that's what I thought is it possible to get a 5 speed or am I gonna have trouble finding one

All I'm finding for the new process 4 speeds is transmissions for off rd trucks maybe I'm looking at the wrong thing tho

 

THe new process trans is a truck tranny through and through, the first gear is a 14:1 compound low that with the right engine can be used to pull a house off it's foundation. As for using a 5 or 6 speed you can do that too just get the bell from a late 80's through 97 Camaro/Firebird and go to town.

Massey

 

You will need the clutch pedal, it can easily be added to the existing swing assembly. You will want to cut down or change out the brake pedal. Auto trans cars had wider pedal than manuals. A cross shaft mount will need to be added to the frame and you will need the cross shaft itself.

If your budget can handle it and you want a five speed, try Classic Chevy Five Speed Classic Motorsports Group, formerly Classic Chevy 5-Speed Tremec Tranmissions for Chevys
I have dealt with these guys for customer cars and they are great. The original owner (Jim) is a nice guy and will help you out with any questions. They have complete kits, everything except clutch linkage. The Tremecs are a great tranny, we have installed them behind engines up to 725hp with no problems.

If you go with a heavy clutch/pressure plate just don't get talked into the McCleod hydraulic clutch. They do not handle the heavy push too well.

 

For a 4 spd I'd go either Super T10, or M21, M22 Muncies if you're going for high HP, or a big block with lots of torque. No special wiring harness is needed if you're going to a carbureted Big Block, as all the stock wiring will work just fine.
The swap to a 5 spd. or 6 spd. is easiest done with a kit, and you'll be sure to get a good tranny then, vs. buying a used 5spd or 6 spd. and then piecing together all the parts to make it work.
As for "what's the best 2nd Gen" that really depends on what you prefer, and what your budget is. As far as the bodies and chaassis, they're all so close that none has anything much different than the others. If you're looking for resale value, then the 1970-73 will be best, but they'll also cost you more to buy. If you like molded bumpers then the '77 or later is your cup of tea. The '74-75 have the large bumpers, but not molded into the body. Some folks like the safety bumpers, and not molded in.

 

thanx guys i appreciate all the info... i still havent gotten a car yet i may get another 4th gen (there soooo much easier to find) but i really want a second gen they look the best to me... as for what i like is the 70 with the split front bumper but my question was more on mechanical issues

 

Anyone looking into the the four speed conversion, take a look at my project thread. It would be toward the beginning. I did mine in an afternoon, but its a LOT easier when there isn't any sheet metal on the car.

 

Split bumpers weren't just done in 1970. They were '70-'73 in the Rally Sport option.