Manual transmission swap questions

[FrankyB7984]

hey guys,
So I'm trying to figure out what I need to to switch my 79 elco from automatic to a manual. I'm building a 355 and plan to pair it up with a t56 magnum and a hydraulic clutch setup. I haven't bought any transmission stuff yet. My questions I have right now are:

Do I need to have a neutral safety switch on the pedals? Why or why not?

Do I need to swap out the steering column?

Can you use an LS bellhousing on a small block?

Thank you guys for the help in advance.

 

[marcar1993]

Do I need to have a neutral safety switch on the pedals? Why or why not?

No, older cars never had them, I don't have one on my t56 car, its not big deal, just don't start it unless you're in neutral or with the clutch down...

Do I need to swap out the steering column?

No, mine is the stock column. I removed the lever for the shifter, aside from that, you can also cut off the bump for the lever and smooth it out with some body work to make it look good, my friend's dad did that on his nova, but it will work fine left alone.

Can you use an LS bellhousing on a small block?

I believe 5 out of 6 bolts line up, so technically, yes.

 

[FrankyB7984]

Oh, awesome. I got all the answers I was hoping for. I'm still not sure about the bellhousing, I might buy a quick time steel one but they are expensive. Well, thank you for the reply. I might post more on here when I come across a problem or have more questions. I can't wait to do this swap.

 

[pontiacgp]

No, older cars never had them, I don't have one on my t56 car, its not big deal, just don't start it unless you're in neutral or with the clutch down....

I don't have one in mine cause I don't want pressure on the thrust bearing by depressing the clutch pedal and turning over the engine.that is not lubricated with the engine stopped .

 

[FrankyB7984]

That's a good point, I never thought of that.

 

[Geo's66]

That's a good point, I never thought of that.

What are you doing for headers? I'm building a 78 and am at the mercy now of a custom shop to arrive to build a set for me... No one makes these off the shelf with 1,700 factory 4 speeds built- I never even considered that they wouldn't be available- but I also thought trim pieces, etc were also available like for my Chevelle.... Ha!

 

[wonderboy24]

what trans are guys using for Manuel?

 

[pontiacgp]

I have a T5 WC, I had the chance to use a T56 but I like my 3.08 rear so I'd never use the 6th gear. At 75 mph I'm at 1900 rpm in 5th. Plus the T56 is 50 lbs heavier than the T5 WC

 

[marcar1993]

I have a t56 because I don't like breaking things and its stronger than a t5, hopefully enough not to break it. Plus it has that extra gear, makes my 4.10's cruise on the highway like my 2.14s did when the car was stock.

As for headers, with a mechanical linkage, I'm not sure what route to go. With hydraulics, its no different than an auto, run the hydraulic line away from the exhaust.

 

[pontiacgp]

I run 245 street tires so they'll burn off before the T5 WC blows up and I do not drag race. If I did want to beat on it there are upgrades which are under $1,000 that'll make the transmission ready to take abuse I'm not sure where you live but I'm in the city and I don't want to be shifting gears every 20 feet. I can cruise in 1st or 2nd in the city driving which is fine for me cause I am lazy..

and being in Canada the parts are very scarce and very expensive so that's another part of making my decision....🙁