Vin decode

[Ribbedroof]

Here's a link that will help with the basics

Site Maintenance

 

[19804speed]

Best way to see if it was a factory 4 speed is checking the engine block three letter code on the front passenger side pad. That code will be CEA for a 305 4bbl & will have a 3.08 gear ratio. Keep in mind the last six of the vin should be with it.

 

[19804speed]

Does not have factory motor in it. Bought it this way. Just trying to figure out what it started life as.

 

[pagrunt]

The was no 350 option for '80. Only '78 & '79 wagons & El Caminos could of had a 350.

 

[Ribbedroof]

Yes it does have the correct column with key lock lever. The floor looks factory cut towards the dash but definitely cut back farther back by someone else. Maybe to fit the Indy shifter?

Sounds like a GM built standard-trans car, not many bother to find the correct (pretty rare) column

 

[pagrunt]

If you could fins a good build sheet it'll give you the answer. The VIN should have a H in the fifth position to atleast prove a 305 was original as it was the only engine that could of had a 4 speed. The rear will have 3.08 gears too. There are other tell tell signs for a factory stick car like the back up light harness going through the middle section of the firewall as most conversions bypass this routing. Your clutch pedal interlock switch will have a yellow wire going to the column connector & a purple wire going to the C100 main firewall connector behind the fuse box. There shouldn't be any parts store connectors or cut splices between either harness locations.

 

[19804speed]

If you could fins a good build sheet it'll give you the answer. The VIN should have a H in the fifth position to atleast prove a 305 was original as it was the only engine that could have had a 4 speed. The rear will have 3.08 gears too. There are other tell tell signs for a factory stick car like the back up light harness going through the middle section of the firewall as most conversions bypass this routing. Your clutch pedal interlock switch will have a yellow wire going to the column connector & a purple wire going to the C100 main firewall connector behind the fuse box. There shouldn't be any parts store connectors or cut splices between either harness locations.

The vin is a K. I will have to check the wiring out and get back to the group with my findings. Thank you

 

[pagrunt]

K was for the 229/3.8 V6. If was a factory stick car it would of been only with the 3 speed Saginaw with a 2.73 rear ratio.

 

[19804speed]

K was for the 229/3.8 V6. If was a factory stick car it would have been only with the 3 speed Saginaw with a 2.73 rear ratio.

Makes sense no

K was for the 229/3.8 V6. If was a factory stick car it would of been only with the 3 speed Saginaw with a 2.73 rear ratio.

This makes the most sense. Due to front of car was really low like the springs are to soft for the v8. And it will do 60-70 mph pretty easily in 2nd gear.
So I’m think the v8 moved trans back a few inches. That’s why floor was cut back a few inches to fit 4 speed shift.

 

[pagrunt]

Makes sense no

This makes the most sense. Due to front of car was really low like the springs are to soft for the v8. And it will do 60-70 mph pretty easily in 2nd gear.
So I’m think the v8 moved trans back a few inches. That’s why floor was cut back a few inches to fit 4 speed shift.

OE 3 & 4 speed shifter both came out the same spot in the floor. Most of the OE shifter parts interchange between them too. You may have a factory stick car but it's been altered for the V8/4 speed swap.