Inliners International Forums General Discussion Drive Train 292 or 300

I'm buliding a "Lakes Modified" roadster using a 292/Powerglide.
Floor space is the issue because the bottom of the trans it at the same level as the floor.
I need to go with a stick shift to free up some space.
Would it be more cost efective to convert to a t-5 with my 292 or go with a 300 Ford with there 3 speed/OD trans?
Can onyone give me an idea on cost of the t-5/clutch.flywheel verses the Ford set up?
Thanks,Fred

I believe that just from a drivetrain point of view it would be, by far, more cost effective to do a build with the Ford engine & transmission.

The Ford 300s are far more plentiful and easier to find. The 300 has a 4 inch bore and 12 port head standard. Electronic fuel injection is plenty available cheap also. It'd cost you $thousand$ to get the same setup for the Chevy 6.

4 barrel intake and headers costs about the same for either one.

-magic mike-

Dear Fred;

I don't know the current trends, but I think weight would be the main factor.

A 3 spd Chevy trans weighs around 80#. Throw away 2nd & the reverse idler loses 5 more. An aluminum Ft. retainer & tail shaft housing dumps even more.

A 2-gear trans out of a Fork Lift might work too.

Good luck, John M.....