Non-Cobra tranny question--blasphemy I am sure

LateApex · #1 (**permalink**) 10-21-2002, 02:54 PM

Don't spend much time on this, I just figure someone may know off the top of their head. I am building a 392 Hemi motor for a streetrod project. I can get tranny adaptors for either Chrysler or Chevy/GM style manual trannies from one particular source.

I want to run a 6 speed if I can. Ideally a Richmond 6 speed (new improved version of the Doug Nash 5 speed--they bought the tooling), also a T56, or ZF ( from the pre-94 Vettes, a little too bulky though) may work.

Does anyone know if the Richmond would support the bolt patterns on a bellhousing adaptor made for a GM or Chrysler manual tranny? Are there any sites that one can reference for tranny interchangeability etc? I obviously realize the drive shaft will be custom for this app, and the clutch set up may or may not be a one-off.

flipper35 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-21-2002, 03:31 PM

You may try Keisler (sp?) Engineering for a bellhousing to fit. Hays may also have a non-SFI approved bellhousing for you. Clutch set-up should be easy. Matching the input shaft to crankshaft bushing/bearing may be. I am sure a performance machine shop could drill and machine the proper bolt pattern for you also.

Aussie Mike · #3 (**permalink**) 10-21-2002, 05:30 PM

Sallee Chevrolet sell a T56 with an adaptor plate that will bolt up to a standard Chev bellhousing.

check it out http://www.sallee-chevrolet.com/BorgWarner/t56pics.html

Cheers

LateApex · #4 (**permalink**) 10-21-2002, 06:50 PM

I love this site. Thanks guys. Seems you each have a piece of my puzzle--one Mopar powered, the other with one of the trannys I am thinking of. Aussie Mike, your car will win the driveability award--that will be a nice set up.

I am glad, as the Sallee Chevy link may be useful down the road for someone with a Cobra. My Cobra is a BB 427 with a 4spd toploader, so none of this one-off stuff came up before.

Aussie Mike · #5 (**permalink**) 10-21-2002, 07:20 PM

Ain't this site good, I've gotten so much info from people on here. It sure makes the build easier when you know there are a bunch of people to answer your questions only a few keystrokes away.

What sort of Rod is the hemi going into? always been a fan of that motor myself. Looks powerful just sitting there.

Cheers

cobrashoch · #6 (**permalink**) 10-22-2002, 12:39 AM

LateApex - why Re-invent the wheel? 392 Hemis have the smallblock tranny bolt pattern and most rod guys use a 904/727 smallblock pattern torque-flight if memory serves me right. If that is so, and I think it is, a performance smallblock bellhousing will bolt right up and and a Chrysler 4 speed common on 340 and 273 performance cars of the 60's and 70's will fit, though I seem to remember something about cutting down the input shafts of trannys to make them fit by one inch. Try calling ;
www.hothemiheads.com to get the straight scoop. They sell tranny adapters too if I recall, and I don't recall right.

cobrashoch

flipper35 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-22-2002, 12:06 PM

Ron, I think he is looking for a 6-speed tranny. But if he wants an 833, Brewers Performance in OH has some. Keisler makes a complete setup including a TKO II 5 speed for just under 3 grand. Includes new bearings for the crankshaft, machined bellhousing, correct spacing and everything. Hays makes a bellhousing NOT SFI approved with a T-10 bolt pattern and spacing. That will require a different bushing/bearing on the crank.

On a side note, the 904 is the biggest piece of crap since the dinosaurs died.

LateApex · #8 (**permalink**) 10-22-2002, 02:30 PM

Well after a day's worth of digging, Seems Hot Hemi Heads and a company called Calpana can come up with what I need.

calpana is at www.wilcap.com

cobrashoch · #9 (**permalink**) 10-23-2002, 08:54 AM

Flipper - Right on about the 904. I have a friend that is using a 904 that had a big block pattern welded on the front of the housing from a old 727. Runs it in "B" stock and that car runs its index and better. He's not touched that tranny in 4 years that I know of either. Does make you think, doesn't it? Remember, there was a time a few years ago that low gear sets could only be had for 904's
cobrashoch

flipper35 · #10 (**permalink**) 10-23-2002, 10:45 AM

I blew up 2 904's in 2 different cars. On the street running on twisty back roads, lots of shifting, neither were very strong cars.