Manual Trans in my 1979 Monte Carlo? Help/ideas..

[CruizinKev]

First, this is my car:

http://gbodyforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=2562

....so, I'm thinking about a manual transmission. I'm kinda new to these things and don't know much about what is possible and what not. I'm also in Germany, so it's kinda hard to find parts. So I need something like a "full swap kit" or something.

I just looked around and found the website from Keisler. Nice stuff there, saw a kit with a T-45. Sounds interesting I thought.
So why T-45? I have some buddys here in Germany that are into Mustangs. They have T45 laying and I could use that 😉 ...But - can I use this? Or I have to do too much to make it work?
When I get the T45 off my friends what else do I need to make it work with my 79 MC?

Please let me know you suggestions/thoughts on this. Perhaps also some helpful links/shops or anything 😉

Thx,
-Kev

 

[clean8485]

I agree that because of your location, your best bet for a manual trans conversion would be to get a complete swap kit. I don't know if the Ford trans will work. I know that the older Mustang T5 transmission is different from the same era GM T5 transmission because of a different case (different mounting bolt pattern to the bellhousing between Ford & GM), so I would imagine that is probably the case with the newer T45 transmission as well. I remember an ad from a company called Musclecars Only, that produces a kit that has all of the reproduction parts for the A/G body cars for a mechanical clutch conversion-I don't know if they're still in business or not. You might want to check the MonteSS.com website, there are several articles in the technical forums area that cover manual trans swaps. You might be able to find what you're looking for there. Good luck.

 

[moose]

This link that was shown to me has all the known clutchfork/bellhousing combos that will work for your Monte. I have a '79 also and converted it last christmas. Due to your location i'd say lakewood is your best bet, which is what i went with. They're pricey, mine was 400+ for just for the bellhousing. If your going to use the t-45, and it does fit, lakewood is your only option.

http://www.garage-scene.com/t5-into-ag- ... ousing.htm

the pedals are also another expensive hurdle you'll have to consider. I doubt you can find em in deutchland since they are very scarce here in america. I ordered a kit from musclecarsonly, 300+ us dollars.

Good luck.

 

[supercrackerbox]

www.dixiemontecarlodepot.com also lists a conversion kit.

 

[moose]

dixiemontecarlo does have the kits, however they are short a few parts that the musclecarsonly kit includes, can't remember which parts at the moment. dixie is also more expensive. As for their claim to the pedals being of a superior metal...?? The pedals i got from musclecarsonly looked like they were just yanked from a salvage yard.