BUILD THREAD GP403's sort-of-build thread

[ssn696]

I think the '79 factory 5-speed was something called a T-50. I asked once about this transmission and got crickets. Got any data?

 

[GP403]

I think the '79 factory 5-speed was something called a T-50. I asked once about this transmission and got crickets. Got any data?

I might have something around here, I'll post it if I can find it.... You might try searching for it here again, since I put the new search engine upgrade in, it might actually show up, but you might have to wade through a bunch to get it.

The T-50 sounds right, I know it was a BW unit. IIRC it was the exact same thing they put in the Monzas & Family, only with a straight up "rail" shifter which was in the back of it. Olds was the only to use it in the G-body as far as I know, and only on the 260... I think. The shifter sat way back compared to the 3/4 speeds, and straight up instead of offset to the left. I remember the only reason he bought the Cutlass was for the transmission so he'd have overdrive. Then I got the Cutlass with an automatic in it. 😛

 

[ssn696]

Sounds like a forerunner to the T-5. Pictures would be cool. I spent years researching the T-5 and have wondered if I could put a Ford tailhousing on a GM transmission, in order to get the upright trans mount. But I'd need to custom make a yoke bushing to fit the smaller GM output shaft in the housing made for the bigger Ford yoke. Plots and schemes. Moot now that I bought a Tremec 600 and cut the floor to fit.

 

[GP403]

dumb question, since I should know this... Are the hood hinges supposed to be painted or plated? Mine are a lovely shade of rust, and I need to do something with them. Maybe just new ones. My list of stuff I have to get is long and getting longer.

 

[ssn696]

Black, from 20 years ago before they turned brown. Probably a black oxide coating rather than paint.

 

[G-Body_Vet]

You have to accept that life will be harder when you're a 'Do-It-Alone' kinda guy...

Story of my life! ^^^^^^^^

But about the thread....
I can't believe you've owned the GP for 20 years! Good luck with the 403!

 

[Bonnewagon]

Good luck with the project, looks like you really dove right in there! Too late now but, when I have a known good motor apart, I take a wire brush wheel on a drill and get all the crud off the tops of the pistons and the heads. Sometimes a plastic knife is good for scraping carbon off, especially the valve faces. This way I start with a clean combustion chamber that "should" run fine. In fact I will rarely open a tight motor unless mechanical damage is indicated.

 

[GP403]

If I put in a Toyota synergy drive I could call it the Grand Prius. Now that would be awesome.

 

[ssn696]

...and if you can repair it all for no cost, just your labor, that would be à prix fixe.
😀

 

[liquidh8]

Was waiting to see a thread on this.