Inliners International Forums General Discussion Drive Train 4 speed vrs powerglide

Hi Guys/Gals (can I say gals here?)
Im pulling together the parts to build a light weight speedster type car, goal under 25oo lbs. Did I mention low cost too? So far I have a 250-6 and a 3.08 Nova rear axle. I'd use a Sagenaw 4 speed, but they are kind of heavey, is an alloy case powerglide any lighter? Muncies are just too much money. Aside from not having to build clutch linkage and such, what are the pros and cons of using one over the other? This is strickly a fun car thing, maybe used in speedster events, like it to cruise at 70 to 80 with ease, any thoughts? Thanks Bob

The 4 speed saginaw would clearly be my choice, given the setup you mentioned. A 2 speed transmission combined with an extremely high gear like the 3.08 = very slow acceleration. I wouldn't use a powerglide with any rear end gear higher than 3.73.

Let me put it like this - given the same exact setup in another "lightweight speedster" car, except that it has a 4 speed saginaw tranny, I'm betting my money on the Saginaw car in the 1/4 mile every time.

-magic mike-

[This message has been edited by magic mike (edited 10-30-2002).]

4 Speed, 4 Speed, 4 Speed!!!!! I have several early 62-65 Nova's (weight is 2,800-2,900 lbs) and have converted every single one of them from a powerglide to a manual. Used the Saginaw in one and the Monza 5 speed in another in back of a progression of stock to very modified 250's. Using a glide behind an L6, excpet maybe very specific racing applications, is probably one of the worst combinations ever made.

The added weight of the cast iron Saginaw compared to the glide is well worth the fun and zip factor of the 4 speed. In fact, after the weight of the converter, fluid and exteral cooler, I doubt there is a significant weight difference over the stick setup.

Dave

The S10 T5 is about 65 lbs, has a shorter first gear to get that 3.08 to move easier, and has overdrive. It is also a toploader so the installation is simpler. Around here, they usually sell between $50-$150 depending on who's got it and what shape it's in.

remember-you lose HP with an automatic....its like a slipping clutch.....

Lee

I like shifting gears, the PG would be a drag. I used to have a four speed hooked to a 3.08 - Hated It! Try the T5 trans, and maybe a 3.3:1 to 3.7:1 rear end.

I had a glid in my 64 with 3:08s ran 18.5s-19s went to a 4speed drop to 17.5s still with 3:08s But now a Muncie and a whole lot more Gear Try the T5 with a 3.31 or Not more then a 3.73 with that Od tranny You'll like it. and stay under that 5500 rpm range Or you will be playing with flywheel bolts like the rest of us have. Hope this helps
}[oooooo]

Ps or a Od AT tranny --------But I'm a stick shift freak Ya got lovem As the Old saying used to go If you got the power U have to shift/Stick it

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NovaMan/Twisted6/Larry

[This message has been edited by Twisted6 (edited 10-31-2002).]

Hi Guys, OK OK, I'll do the 4-speed thing, or maybe the 5-speed thing. 5-speeds for up to $150, where's that? Yes, a top loader 5-speed would be fine, which one is best? Thanks for the responces. Bob

Wisconsin. Swap meets around here are far more resonable than on the coasts. Keep in mind these are not rebuilt, just decent used. Salvage yards want about 100-200 with warranty. Rebuilt ones are around $400. Look for one from a V6 S10. Avoid the 4cyl ones if you can. If having the shifter at the end of the tailshaft isn't a problem, then one from a Camaro could be used. Also, decide if you are going to run an electric or mechanical speedo, as the two are not interchangeable, so get the right one to start with. I believe the mechanicals were used through '88. Some modifications to the tranny will be necessary to use with the older bellhousings. There is a tech article on this at the Stovebolt.com website.

Goldstar-

My T-5 from a 83 Camero weighs about 40-50 lbs, shifts like a champ, is aluminum, and will bolt right up. I used a 350 starter and a 10.5"
flywheel from a 230 (drilled out holes to 1/2") I also opted for a new centerforce clutch,plate, and bearing($150) Don't use old parts in a new installation! It's a pain to have to pull everything out to replace a used plate or bearing. Don't forget to have the flywheel resurfaced. That's very important to start fresh. The glaze that builds up on the flywheel can be almost invisible! Good Luck!

RapRap
1940 Chevy Coupe

Thanks guys for the replies, I'm now looking for a 5 speed. Bob