I am sure this thread has been done to death, but the searches I put up didnt come up with anything that I was "specifically" looking for.

so here we go:
I own 2 A-body cars, one is a '66 270 with a slant6 and a 904. The other is a '73 318 with I believe a 904 as well 9 i am thinking the 340 and 360 came with 727, but not 100%).

Anyhow I want a manual, but here is my dilema: 4-speed or 5-speed? I would prefer a 5-speed for economy and driveability, but I know a 4-speed would be an easier conversion costing less as well. The 4-speed would most likely be the 833OD due to the fact that I do lots of highway driving. A 5-speed would be best of both worlds, something with close gears until 5th gear where I can get my OD and good economy. What 5-speeds out there can be used without going wild with fabrication and modification? I have heard mixed reviews about Keisler's kit, and nothing great about their customer service. They use the tremec right? what other trannies out there could be used? or should I just get a 4-speed with OD for the slant (since it will be my daily driver) and a 4-speed w/out OD for my 318 since it is going to be a street/strip car? I have everything on these cars mapped out and planned, except the tranny.

just looking for some ideas, and input, also experiences would be nice as well. I have the link and article by Doug Dutra about the 4-speed conversion so more 5-speed stuff would be beneficial

thanks everyone

caesar

With the V8 there are options. Lots of options. Several companies make bell housings that'll fit different tranmissions, if you want to move to a 5 or 6 speed.

With the /6, the problem is the bell housing. The only factory bell housings fit the early 3-speeds or they fit the A833. To use anything else, you're gonna have to have a bell housing modified and custom drilled. Keisler sells a bell housing they've already modified for a T-5, T-3550 or TKO. So far, they're the only ones I've found with an off the shelf solution.

_________________
My truck is a Frankenstein creation
Built from the dead carcasses of others
And brought BACK TO LIFE!

caesar, a few things that i have learned during my time on this planet:
1- never trust blonde with hoop earrings
2- never sleep with a woman with a tattoo of a dagger on her body
3- with enough money, anything is possible
4- if it's automotive related, it will eventually drive you crazy

starting with number 3... you can put any 5spd or 6spd you want in there. All you need to do is find a good machinist and modify your bellhousing or build an adapter plate. easy, but tends to be expensive.

IMHO, i'd pop for a OD833 or voodoo science slushbox with OD on the cruiser and go for the maximum impact with the standard crashbox on the strip car. while it's nice to have something that's unique and different there's always something to be said for the KISS method...

just my $.02 worth...

-JYH