Been running my 65 Chevelle wagon with a Richmond 5 speed (non-Overdrive) since 2012. The car has 2.56 rear gears to help on the highway. I put it together with this combo because it is what parts were in the shed at the time.But the problem being, can't spin the tires off the line.
Well that is getting fixed soon. Bought a Mcleod 5 speed, it does have overdrive of .63. The rear gears will need to be swapped. Probably go with 3.73 or close to it. Will do some calculations.

Any plans for the Richmond?? I know someone who MIGHT be interested.

Blackwater,
I have too many projects and will keep it for one of them.

To test fit my parts, decided to get the platforms they are used on.
Picked up
a rough 67 Camaro RS convert , 250/ PG Red/ Red/ White
64 ChevyII wagon

No plans for a pickup as the engine bays are so big.

And of course have my 65 Chevelles.

Really looking forward to a peppier launch on the wagon with OD for cruising.

That's cool. I have a friend with a Mustang that would like something heavier than the T&C Top Loader he has in it now. We had a TreMec 5 speed in it, but it lasted exactly one good launch and couldn't be shifted again. It was professionally built, but the company that did it said it would NEVER hold up to what we had it hooked to.

I'll keep looking.

Can you tell me what the ratios for both transmission are? IIRC weren't you running some pretty short tires also (24.5 inch). Do you plan to go with taller tires? Thanks jay

Mcleod 5 speed 2.95 1.99 1.34 1.00 0.63
Richmond 5 speed 3.28 2.14 1.57 1.24 1.00

Tires- well worn 255/60-15 , think they are around 26 tall. 27 when new.
Currently at 60 it is 2000 RPM and around 27-2800 at 80.

Going to a 3.7 10 bolt will put the
Richmond at 2865 going 60
Mcleod 1805 at 60 in O/D. And 2407 @80

Wow! That is a huge change! Before you posted the ratios I thought that Richmond would have a lower first gear and lower gears getting to 1 to 1. With the current set up and shifting at 5000 rpm, the 3-4 shift happens at about 96 mph. With the new set up at the same rpm the 4-5 shift happens at about 103 mph. So to get to about 100 there is a whole extra gear which is a good thing. Take off gearing goes from 8.40 to 11.0. That ought to spin those worn tires easily! By comparison my dads 64 bel air with a 230 and three speed had a take off gear of 8.78. Jay

Have you done the swap yet? If so how did it turn out? Jay

Not yet. Been busy making parts and shipping out. Well. Cleaning the shop too, getting ready for the open house this weekend.

Hope to get it done in April.
I will do a nice comparison between the 2 tranny's.

1. Drive the car as is: 2.56 gears and Richmond 5 speed (no overdrive)
2. Switch to 3.73 gears and retest.
3. Switch tranny to Mcleod and retest.

Will video the tests too.

Looking forward to the videos. With the 3.73's you should be able to easily burn the tire off the line.