Re: Auto to manual swap

by JF74chevelle Thu Jul 28, 2016 1:37 am

When it say 453 Muncie trans what does that mean, does it mean it will only fit m22?

by Joe73 Thu Jul 28, 2016 7:07 am

453 is the latest model of muncie produced which includes the M22. Has to do with the shifter mounting on the tail shaft which only has 3 holes.

The 451, 452 and 453 are basically just updated models. The 453 being the latest and last model produced which would be the 1970 1/2 and newer.

The only differences over the years were,

Shifter levers attach with a nut (stud type cover)
Shifer levers attach with a bolt
Tail shaft shifter mounting 5 holes
Tail shaft shifter mounting 3 holes.

So a 453, since it is the lastest and last model produced, would have bolt on shifter levers, 3978764 tail which is correct for a 453 trans 1970-1974 and this tail would only have 3 shifter mounting holes AND be 3/4" longer than all the previous years. Although the length does not affect the trans mount position.

Wow, my memory is really working this morning. LOL

Heres a good pic that shows the 451, 452, 453 correctly with pics. Makes it easy to see the difference but does not mention the extra length the 453 has.

http://www.hurst-shifters.com/wp-content/uploads/4-sp-tran-id.pdf

by JF74chevelle Thu Jul 28, 2016 6:09 pm

So does this mean it won't fit my trans if it says it only fits a 453 trans I believe mine would be a 451.

by Joe73 Thu Jul 28, 2016 8:16 pm

I say double check with the shifter manufacturer. It should.only be a difference in the mounting plate.
If u measure your bolt hole spacing, center to center, I can measure mine to see if they are the same.

by JF74chevelle Thu Jul 28, 2016 8:32 pm

Okay thanks, and is there a certain bell housing that I need or will any for a Muncie work? And if anyone has anything for sale PM me.

by Joe73 Thu Jul 28, 2016 8:36 pm

Bellhousing from big block to small block are the same. Only difference is whether it will accept a 10 1/2" or 11" clutch. You might want to also keep an eye out for a scattershield. Does the same job but alot more safety.

by JF74chevelle Thu Jul 28, 2016 8:52 pm

Okay so for a flywheel I need 153 tooth or 168? and a 10 1/2 inch bell housing because I want a RAM Muscle car clutch.

by Joe73 Thu Jul 28, 2016 8:58 pm

Dont quote me on this one, google it. But take a look at your starter bolts. If they are staggered you need a 168 tooth flywheel. If they are in line then 153 tooth is what you need. If you have a mini starter, some of them are universal. And there are aftermarket 168 tooth flywheels that have BOTH 10 1/2" and 11" bolt patterns.
I recommend an 11" flywheel if your pushing (or intend to push) good horsepower. And also go 11" if you like to do burnouts or powershift gears. Especially if you have rear gears numerically lower than 3.42.

by JF74chevelle Fri Jul 29, 2016 3:35 pm

Is there a z-bar Frame mount already on the car or will I have to weld one on?

by Joe73 Fri Jul 29, 2016 3:42 pm

Its a bolt on. thepartsplace.com sells them. The holes are already in the frame.

by JF74chevelle Thu Aug 11, 2016 4:51 pm

Do you think I can pretty much get away with getting any hurst shifter for a Muncie since I'm running no console? There's a lot of them on Craigslist but it doesn't say that it will fit the 73/74 malibus. Thanks

by JF74chevelle Thu Aug 11, 2016 5:19 pm

Nevermind I found a perfect shifter and he's asking $200 brand new!!

by fasrnur Thu Aug 11, 2016 7:57 pm

I know I'm late to this post, but here's my input.
The 153 tooth flywheel must use the "metric starter" staggered bolt pattern. Used on the early 80's to mid 90's small blocks.
The 168 tooth flywheel of all years can use either bolt pattern starter if you know what you want. The early 168 tooth starters were the "big" starters and a real pain to use with headers. In the mid to late 90's Chevy started making gear reducted starters that work great for the 168 tooth flywheels. They are small, light, and have enough torque to start even big blocks.
They are a staggered bolt pattern and work on all small or big block blocks. I have used one off a 96 Chevy pick up for years now and have sold many of them to customers that would have otherwise been buying those "universal" mini starters. Much easier to find, can be exchanged at any parts store instead of having to order one from the online sources.

I know you said you got your trans already and had questions about what you have JF, here's a link that might help you identify what you actually have.

http://www.myss396.com/ChevelleInfo/Transmissions/Muncies.html

Hope this helps you and others on these kinds of details.
Jeff

by JF74chevelle Sun Aug 14, 2016 6:53 pm

I am pretty sure I have whatever the stock starter was that came in 74' I haven't looked at the bolts because I'm too damn busy sanding the car

by JF74chevelle Tue Aug 30, 2016 5:27 pm

Where are the z-bat frame holes and where do I drill the hole in the back of the block? Thanks and since my last post I have bought a bell housing and a hurst shifter!!

by dine73ss Fri Sep 23, 2016 1:30 pm

I put the mcleod musclecar 5 speed in my 70. Works great and no mods to tunnel at all. Even used original crossmember. Just used the shorter trans mount. 3.42 gears at 75 mph in 5th. 2100 rpm.

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