64 Toploader

Tongue Pirate · #1 (**permalink**) 03-26-2003, 02:59 PM

I am getting closer to understanding the Toploader Transmission but I still have a few questions. I have a 5bolt bellhousing so I need an early Toploader with 28 spline, the first top bolt hole for the shift linkage needs to be 5.5" from the rear of the main case, either long or short tailshaft will work but short is prefered & so is wide ratio for my application.
I saw an HEH-D on ebay last that appeared to be within my range but it was a close ratio.
1. How will a close ratio perform on the street & what rear gear ratio would you recomend?
2. Were there any early factory units that had a short shaft, the proper bolt pattern, wide ratio & 28 spline?
3. Is it possible to change to a short tailshaft assembly?
4. What is your core charge in the event that I find a trans that will work but is in need of mods.

David Kee · #2 (**permalink**) 03-26-2003, 04:17 PM

Stick with a wide ratio for the street. A later wide case will work fine with a bearing retainer change. The core charge is $400 for a 24" or 27" small block toploader. All of the mainshafts will interchange if the correct tailhousing is also used.

Tongue Pirate · #3 (**permalink**) 03-26-2003, 05:08 PM

Thanks for your quick response!

By wide case do you mean wide bolt pattern?

& for trans length do I measure from Flg. to end of tailhousing or Shaft end to shaft end?

David Kee · #4 (**permalink**) 03-26-2003, 07:21 PM

The wide bolt pattern case has 8 holes that can be used to mount it to the bellhousing. The inner pattern is the narrow pattern. The measurements are from the front of the case (mounting surface) to the end of the tailhousing.

Jim Weatherall · #5 (**permalink**) 03-26-2003, 09:59 PM

David,
What is the advantage of the wide ratio for the street? In general I have wondered what the trade-offs are for close vs wide ratio.

I suppose a cobra's power to weight ratio enables it to easily handle the wide ratio. My engine is just on the edge for being streetable and it seems my close ratio is good for slow city driving. I sure do shift a lot, though.

Jim

David Kee · #6 (**permalink**) 03-27-2003, 04:54 PM

Jim,
What rear gear ratio do you have right now?

Jim Weatherall · #7 (**permalink**) 03-27-2003, 07:30 PM

3.50... I originally had a 4.11 and I couldn't get much over 60mph. But it sure got there fast!

David Kee · #8 (**permalink**) 03-31-2003, 07:01 AM

A wide ratio would solve the constatnt shifting issue. With a wide ratio box it seems like every gear has a good cruising speed because of the gear spacing. With a close ratio 2nd, 3rd and 4th are so close together it seems like you have to constantly shift between them to find the best one to cruise in on city streets.