3 Speed manual with OD--Help

loosenut · Veteran Member

3 Speed manual with OD--Help

eeluddy · Uber Guru

Maybe it would be better to sell this transmission to a Ford guy and buy a Muncie 4 speed, or even a later model 5 speed from an S10? It may save you a lot of problems!
Somebody here will know if the 5 speed will direct bolt up? they are usually pretty cheap to buy and should easily handle the 261

loosenut · Veteran Member

Thanks for the input Earl. You are probably right about it being easier to go the other route. I know many people use a 5 spd from a V6 S10. I know that to get the best from the 261 it should have an overdrive. Problem with that is I am trying to do this in the old school hot rod style. (duel single barrels and split manifolds.) etc. It is still in an engine stand in my garage and I don't yet have a project to put it in but I would like to keep everything before 1961 if I could. I just sold one of my cars and wanted to keep working on this little project in my new found space this winter-- the ford tranny is available and I was wondering.......... That way it could be my project that I might have done as a sixteen yr old but never did. Its never too late to get on these things:) or is it??

rabbit64cs · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Very cool project....

i am am dojng the same ! Using the late 60's gm electric od unit with a Fenton dual intake and header On my 261.. Going into my 55 chevy.

4SPEED427 · A Poncho Legend!

Loosenut, if possible, look for an overdrive like Rog is talking about. They are full sycro so you can shift down to low without stopping. I know that full syncro OD is too new for what you intend (1966 to 1968 I believe) but it's still old school and most people won't know the difference.

I "might" know of one of those OD units like he talks about. I sold it years ago to a friend and I don't think he has ever used it. I believe it was complete with cable etc but I'm not 100% certain. If you are serious on it, let me know and I could check with him.

loosenut · Veteran Member

Hi Roger. Thank you for your reply. I like the looks of your setup. I am using an Nicson Engineering 2x1 from early 50's. I have a matching set of Stromberg BXOV's that were originally on a V12 American Le France . I am using the Fenton split exhaust manifolds as well. I am by nature a junk yard kinda guy (getting hard nowadays to find stuff though) so I use stuff that I come across. Thank you for your input. John

Hi Carl.I don't know if that is something I would use or not. My head says that would be smart but my heart says maybe not. I suspect the shipping would kill the deal anyway as I live in SW Ontario. (assuming tranny is in central west). However if not too much trouble I would ask if you could check it out. Thank you for the advice. John

loosenut · Veteran Member

Roger. One more thing. Does that Fention intake manifold have a provision to heat it? Thanks John

rabbit64cs · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Yes , Fenton intake comes with a heat plate on the bottom , I've read it is required to make these things run right.

loosenut · Veteran Member

Roger: I was wondering if you had it because when I run my engine on the stand ( no heat at that time) my rear carb would freeze on some occassions ( weather related maybe) I have since hooked the heat up but have not had a chance to restart the engine to see if it solved that problem. I don't have a good handle on the "freezing carb thing so do not know all the factors involved and the solutions. When you hear of the "not running right without heated manifold" do you know if that is what they are referring to. John

rabbit64cs · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Car stumbles .. Freezing up as well.. I've read . those carbs need heat to help atomize the fuel.