6 speed Richmond

[Nick Chelenza]

Has anybody matched a 429/460 ford to a Richmond 6-speed. If so, what combinations and gearing works well? What companies might have bell housings and other subsequent parts? I think it might be a smooth use of big block power. Thanks for any comments.
Nick C.

[John 550]

I think the 5 speed is the choice because of it's length , the 6 speed may be a problem .

[Bob Putnam]

The overall length is the same as the 5 speed, but there will probably an issue with tunnel width and shifter placement.

[Nick Chelenza]

Thanks for the info guys. That concurs with other info I've gotten. I was at Lonestar in Ft Worth today and they said that some tunnel and clutch work would be needed. Can the Tremac 5 handle big block power? The old toploader is sounding better everyday. Thanks Nick C.

[JimsGems]

A new stock Tremec TKO can take a 460 and give you change. not to worry.

[John 550]

Why not get the Richmond 5 speed ! The top loader works great with 331 rear , just beef up the axles if your going to drop the clutch at 6000 k like I did .The 4 speed works good with a 354 rear if you don't mind making a lot of noise , and shift more . You realy need more than one cobra !

[cwmcobra]

What rear axle ratio are you using? I'm building a 514 and considered the 6-speed, but was convinced by everyone I talked to that the 6th gear would never be used. Of course, I'm using a very mild axle at 2.73:1 ratio. This is supposed to match well with the taller low end gears in the Richmond trannies. I'm installing a Street 5-Speed and think this will give me the best combination of performance off the line and cruise on the highway.

My drivetrain combination is the 514 running a Ford Racing billet steel flywheel, Centerforce Dual Friction clutch, Lakewood bellhousing, McLeod hydraulic throwout bearing and the Richmond Street 5-speed. I'm in the process of final installation and so far everything has bolted up correctly. If you need any part numbers, let me know.

Chuck

[Bob Putnam]

CWM,

The 2.73 dif is a good choice for you engine and the 5 speed. I'd keep the same ratio with the 6 speed, but you'd end up the equivalent of a 2.2:1 dif ratio in 6th. Strictly an "economy" gear giving approximately 1800 rpm at 65 mph.

[dakota]

I installed the Richmond 6 speed with my 429. I had to knotch out a 6 inch long by about 3/4 inch wide space on the drivers side of the tunnel in order to clear the shifter linkage. I also had to redo my crossmember because the mount ended up a couple inces in back of the rear most mounts on the chassis. My driveshaft is still about 24" long so there aren't really any overall length issues. I went through and selected all of the ratios with somebody from Richmond. I can't remember all of the transmission ratios that we selected off the top of my head, but I have 3:50's in the rear.

Components are Lakewood bellhousing, Mcleod flywheel, clutch, pressure plate, and hydraulic throwout.

If your still interested I can try to dig up Richmond's ratio selection chart that I used and try to remember how we figured it all out (not my area of expertise).

There's probably no "real" advantage anywhere by using the 6 speed. However, it's different, more gears to shift, and it does raise some eyebrows now and then.

[Nick Chelenza]

Thanks for the info guys. I havn't decided rear ratio yet but you've given me some good food for thought. Thanks again
Nick C.

[65cobra427]

Nick,

For some reason I can't show the thread...But I'll try 1 more time... It ain't working... Go to shop talk & last post was on July 26, 2001..Look under wide or close tranny gears... Hope this helps...

[65cobra427]

Nick,

Can't link to thread... see above post... I linked to a spreadsheet in that thread that shows different combo's of tranny gears related to speed & RPM...

[Nick Chelenza]

Thanks Spotterjoe