Discussion Forum - Northstar Chevelle Club

Chris S · Active Member

5 Speed Manual Transmission Upgrade

67ss · 1K+ Club

I thought Mitch just installed a tko in johns yellow chevelle and had to do major tunnel mods. I am sure he will chime in. Did you also look into the Richmond super street OD?

Chris R · 2K+ Club

Ive been looking at both of those options as well the past year. I got a quote from Bowler for the Legend 700 last summer and they wanted over 6 grand just for that kit and that was with me keeping my clutch. Which was over a grand for the same quote I got from Jody's Transmission. I also talked to Hurst Driveline and American Powertrain whom both sell the TKO.

Several guys on a few of the Chevelle facebook groups have shown off thier install of the TKO and it most certainly wasnt just bolt in and go without mods to the tunnel. Regardless on what the vendor that sold them the transmission claimed. They all seemed to be happy with the service they got and the product. I came very close to giving American Powertrain my credit card for a TKO600 at Street Machine Nationals but I really dont want to cut my tunnel.

Chris S · Active Member

67ss wrote:
I thought Mitch just installed a tko in johns yellow chevelle and had to do major tunnel mods. I am sure he will chime in. Did you also look into the Richmond super street OD?

I talked to Mitch about this late last week. The TKO he put in John's car wasn't one from American Powertrain with the shave mods.

Haven't looked at what Richmond offers but I will. Thanks

Chris R, I spoke to Hurst at Back to the Fifties and the kit they sell comes with the sheet metal to mod the tunnel. I tried to talk to Bowler that same weekend but the only guy around was the truck driver, not much info from him.

Lost in the 60s · President

67ss wrote:
I thought Mitch just installed a tko in johns yellow chevelle and had to do major tunnel mods. I am sure he will chime in. Did you also look into the Richmond super street OD?

I talked to Chris on the phone about this and mentioned a Gear Vendors overdrive, but he has a Saginaw trans and wants to upgrade the whole thing.

Yes, John's 5 speed was a pita with the major tunnel chop. His came from Hurst conversions. They told him the shaved cases were not as strong anymore and likely wouldn't hold up to his 530 pds ft of torque. Not an issue with Chris's intended usage. I wouldn't put one in my car after installing John's. There has to be a better solution than what we did to his car. The final product doesn't look bad, but there's no way a console is going over that camel hump and sit/look right.

The Legend LOOKS like a good alternative but I can't find much actual install or usage info on the web.

dashboard · 2K+ Club

Silver Sport Transmissions bought Keisler's assets after their bankruptcy and now has the perfect fit kit. I think it's an offshoot of the RS500 that I installed in my Elky. I removed my M22 and installed the RS500 in an afternoon. Drilled two holes to move my cross member back three inch's. No cutting, same clutch, same 621 bell housing. Quite, shifts smoothly even at high torque levels, .67 fifth gear.

Check the link and get a price.

shiftsst.com/general-motors

Jon H · 1K+ Club

Kevin...cost?

dashboard · 2K+ Club

$3,254.00 To my door complete. I used my Hurst shiftier handle off the M22.

-- Edited by dashboard on Wednesday 7th of October 2015 12:18:38 AM

dashboard · 2K+ Club

Timely, just got this today. Drive line 101 is an interesting read.

campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render

Chris S · Active Member

Thanks Kevin. Looks like I have more shopping to do. I'd really like to skip the tunnel mods.

I also liked the video on driveshaft angles. easier to understand when you can see and hear the differences.

-- Edited by Chris S on Wednesday 7th of October 2015 07:59:17 PM

Lost in the 60s · President

McLeod Racing Muscle Car 5 Speed

http://www.mcleodracing.com/index.php/driveline/muscle-car-5-transmission/mcleod-racing-muscle-car-5-speed.html

Chris S · Active Member

I spoke to SST about the RS500 that Kevin purchased. They built that from T-45 cores and it worked well. Since cores were getting harder to find they shifted to other transmission kits and no longer make a RS500.

I asked about the TKO and he said no matter how much you shave the case, you will need to modify the tunnel to get that in. Glad I asked around before I ordered from the guy who assured me it would fit!

I asked about the LG-700 Legend and he said that is a direct bolt in, no tunnel mods. BUT... production is slow and they give no dates for availability.

I haven't spoke to anyone about the McLeod 5-speed that Mitch posted, I know Chris P brought that up a while ago and I will have to investigate.

Good thing nothing is wrong with the 4-speed! I will keep shopping.

67ss · 1K+ Club

This looks the same as the rs500, not sure on the price though.

http://www.gforcetransmissions.com/tran_3650.asp

67ss · 1K+ Club

This Richmond 5 speed has been on craigslist awhile. Might be worth a call to see if it is the overdrive version or the 1:1 fifth gear version.

https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/pts/5256520693.html

SShink · 3K+ Club

Here you go Chris S. A little pricey at 4 grand... but no cutting required and it handles up to 700 HP (If you are on Facebook, you can search for it too):

Lately, I've had a lot of phone calls about the LGT700 5 speed. Mostly about the fitment into a 1968-1972 Chevelle. The LGT700 is the only 5 speed that will install without cutting the stock Chevelle tunnel. With the addition of the new smaller diameter "Can-Do" shifter, console cars are now included into that category. 2015 prices for this aircraft quality 5 speed rated at 700ftlbs with shift capabilities of 7500RPM start at $3995.00 ‪#‎JodysTransmissions‬ ‪#‎LegendGearandTransmission‬

‬

Chris S · Active Member

That is the Transmission I have had my eye on. No one has one in stock. I haven't called Jody's though, thanks.

Bobs_Place · Vice President

When I was at SEMA I talked to the guys at American Powertrain about the LGT700. They Claim the LGT700 is no longer being made, could not compete with a big company like Tremec. Don`t know if that true, I still see them advertised.

I then talked to a Distributor for Tremec about installing the 6speed Magnum, he said if done right there is minimal tunnel work needed.

Chris S · Active Member

It has finally arrived! The LGT700.

I looked back to my original order date which was December 24 2016.....

This trans was built for someone else higher on the list that gave up waiting. Whoever that is I thank you! I have many pictures to add later.

I ordered the trans from Jody’s Transmission and he is great to work with. I got the call a couple weeks ago but did not want to post until I had it in my possession.

I have a lot of work to do before I’m banging gears in the car ( it has a lot of miles on the bench already) they require documentation on concentric and parallel Bellhousing alignment, so that’s the plan for sunday. Get those numbers and order offset dowel pins if needed.

Chris S · Active Member

Last nights progress, clean the block and Bellhousing and installed the bronze bushing in the crank. I hope to test fit the trans and measure Bellhousing alignment on sunday.

Lost in the 60s · President

Dang...nice that you got one, lucky sucker...

-- Edited by Lost in the 60s on Saturday 9th of June 2018 07:04:28 AM

SShink · 3K+ Club

Chris S. you're officially back in the CAC club! I'm sure you won't be there long.

You're gonna love having that 5th gear. I'm sure you'll find you will want to take longer and longer cruises.

You know where to find me when you need a hand.

hkgmillette · President

Great to see it has arrived.

Bobs_Place · Vice President

Very Cool Chris Very cool!

Here is a simple tool I made to turn the crank when I needed to dial in my bell housing or adjust valves. I installed 3 studs in the damper, used nuts & washers to retain the pulleys. When I need to hand crank the engine I install the tool and use a long ratchet or breaker bar.This makes it very easy to crank the engine even with the spark plugs installed. When I'm done I just remove the plate, leave the studs & nuts in place ready for next time.

Hope the install goes well.

John D · 2K+ Club

Must be something in the water... it was trans day at the 40 Watt too!

Chris S · Active Member

Got the flywheel fitted this morning. Took a little buffing to fit over the crank in the center.

Test fit the trans and it does fit without modification as advertised. Woohoooo!!! I was so excited I forgot to get a picture.

I broke the starter housing by the mount bolt somehow. Guess it’s time for the small starter upgrade...

Thanks to Chris P for stopping by and helping with measurements For Bellhousing alignment. We also measured for driveshaft length so I have more stuff to order now.

Lost in the 60s · President

I hope you aren't thinking of getting a mini starter with the straight across bolt pattern on a narrow aluminum block. My experience with those is not good. They are not stable enough to stay in place and when they shift to the side, like to strip teeth off the ring gear. I would steer towards the factory mini starter that came on the mid to late 90's small block.

Chris S · Active Member

I am looking at the one out of a mid 90’s Chev truck.

Sounds like that one bolts right up and works well.

Thanks for the heads up though. I don’t need to run the teeth off this new flywheel.

Lost in the 60s · President

Exactly the one I was thinking of...

I had a '95 Z71 with that starter and never had an issue with it. Original starter when I sold it with 135k on it.

Chris S · Active Member

Well if Mitch can’t wreck it........

Lost in the 60s · President

Chris S wrote:
Well if Mitch can’t wreck it........

Hey, I'm not the guy that broke his transmission and had to borrow one...

67ss · 1K+ Club

A few people have asked about the small starter to use in there chevelles. I put the info in the tech resources area so everyone can refer to it.

-- Edited by 67ss on Monday 11th of June 2018 01:31:03 PM

SShink · 3K+ Club

I've installed two of that smaller GM starter per Chris P.'s recommendation (one in the vert and one in the Malibu I have now), and had great luck. They aren't cheap ($145ish I think?), but well worth it. The size and weight savings alone makes it a ton easier to install.

Chris P.-You may want to add the pn's for the starter bolts as they are different. I haven't looked at your tech resource post yet, so if you already included it, never mind.

Lost in the 60s · President

Been awful quite for a few days. That rocket going to be ready to launch Saturday...

Derek69SS · Founding Member

How much of a deposit do they require for the LGT-700?

I have been thinking of ordering one now, and maybe I'll have the '55 ready to use it by the time I'd get it.

Lost in the 60s · President

Derek69SS wrote:
How much of a deposit do they require for the LGT-700?

I have been thinking of ordering one now, and maybe I'll have the '55 ready to use it by the time I'd get it.

Call Jody and see if you can even get on the list. He stopped taking deposits and adding names awhile ago because they were so far behind and he got tired of all the calls asking when people would get theirs. May have changed now, if more have been produced.

Last I asked was over a year ago...

Forgot the link to his website... http://jodystransmissions.com/

-- Edited by Lost in the 60s on Wednesday 13th of June 2018 05:39:42 PM

Chris S · Active Member

He did not require a deposit 18 months ago when I ordered, he did send an email sometime back saying he is no longer keeping a list until the units are readily available.

The people on the list constantly called asking when they would have it, he had too much time fielding phone calls and not enough time working in the shop.

No Mitch no launching Saturday!

Measuring the bellhousing alignment has taken some time for me. I feel confident I have it correct now and ordered offset dowel pins today. Also stopped and ordered the driveshaft today, so now waiting for more parts. It will give me time to install the new starter I picked up yesterday.

Bobs_Place · Vice President

Did You MAKE Jenny hand crack the engine while you just sat under the car and looked at the stupid gauge!!!!

Chris S · Active Member

Bobs_Place wrote:
Did You MAKE Jenny hand crack the engine while you just sat under the car and looked at the stupid gauge!!!!

This is Jenny chiming in:

Yes, Bob, that's exactly how it went. . . over, and over, and over, and over again. Thank God I have volleyball tonight, so I get a break from playing mechanic!

Lost in the 60s · President

Chris S wrote:
Bobs_Place wrote:
Did You MAKE Jenny hand crack the engine while you just sat under the car and looked at the stupid gauge!!!!
This is Jenny chiming in:
Yes, Bob, that's exactly how it went. . . over, and over, and over, and over again. Thank God I have volleyball tonight, so I get a break from playing mechanic!

So now what ?? you have to turn your crank by hand yourself tonight...

hkgmillette · President

Chris What is the latest?

Chris S · Active Member

Went to New Hampshire to visit my brother this week. I was back at it last night and got the old Bellhousing locator pins out. I have offset dowel pins to install and verify proper alignment before final assembly. Measuring took me a while, it is tough to do up inside the car!!

I plan to spend the weekend working in hopes to finish the project.

Chris S · Active Member

Spent the day today with help from Chris P. We got the car put together around 3:30. When I started it there was a bad sound somewhere we couldn’t pin down at first.

We learned the billet flywheel is a bit thinner at the mounting location so my flywheel bolts were carving a groove in the back of the block.... we had it apart before 5 to see the badness. Thankfully just a pretty line on the block so now I’m shopping for shorter bolts.

Never even got to let the clutch out yet!!!!

Lost in the 60s · President

Chris S wrote:
Spent the day today with help from Chris P. We got the car put together around 3:30. When I started it there was a bad sound somewhere we couldn’t pin down at first.
We learned the billet flywheel is a bit thinner at the mounting location so my flywheel bolts were carving a groove in the back of the block.... we had it apart before 5 to see the badness. Thankfully just a pretty line on the block so now I’m shopping for shorter bolts.
Never even got to let the clutch out yet!!!!

Get out the cutoff wheel and MAKE shorter bolts ...

SShink · 3K+ Club

Here's proof from the stealth cam that they were actually working on it.

Chris S · Active Member

Adjusted the length of my flywheel bolts this morning and with the help of Chris P again we got everything put back together.

After some testing on jack stands it finally sits on the ground again.

I had to wait for the rain to stop but have about 20 miles on it and it works well.

70 mph= 2100rpm. You can’t even hear the motor running it is so smooth!

Mc Cleod wants 500 miles of stop and go driving on the RST clutch before running it hard so I‘m headed back out. May have to take it to work this week.

Lost in the 60s · President

Good deal !!
Driving it to work may not be safe...didn't that cost you a motor mount and a fan shroud once...

hkgmillette · President

SWEET!

SShink · 3K+ Club

Chris S wrote:
Mc Cleod wants 500 miles of stop and go driving on the RST clutch before running it hard so I‘m headed back out. May have to take it to work this week.

Great to hear Chris! I thought about you yesterday as we got the 4.25" of rain over a few hours. I wondered if you had it back together and just had to wait out the weather.

Sounds like you need to do some driving on the 4th to start racking up those miles!

dashboard · 2K+ Club

Chris you're going to love the deeper first gear and fifth gear OD. Every once in a while I have this thought, now your going to have it too, goes like this...why didn't I do this a long time ago?

Lost in the 60s · President

You still driving it around ?? Ever come home to report the status ?...