1955 clone project transmission question

Mike McGuire

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Hello,

I'm intending to install a 4sp onto my 1955 G1 331 and that drive train into a 1955 Windsor.
I'm curious if anyone has attempted a similar stunt, and if they have any recommendations.
Planning to use a slave piston to mitigate a manual clutch, and there are options regarding bell housings and starter locations that are still open...

Thanks,
Mike
 
Back in the 1950's, the 331 was offered with a 3 speed manual transmission, usually a Borg Warner T-85 and it came with an electric overdrive as an option. Hot rodders used to set up a switch on the shifter to create a quick shift for the overdrive. I think, though I am not positive, that the Borg Warner T-10 4 speed used the same mount pattern as the T-85. If that is the case, if a bellhousing and fly wheel can be located, it would be a bolt it conversion. Drive line would have to be fabricated. You would want to get rid of the ball and trunnion u-joint on the differential as well.

Dave
 
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Thanks Dave, the transmission that was originally bolted on to it (when I got it) was a 3 speed auto overdrive (1959 or so) Muncie M119 (? have to research that number). I have that bell housing and adapter plate currently and would love to recycle that, but.... still missing key knowledge.
 
Thanks Dave, the transmission that was originally bolted on to it (when I got it) was a 3 speed auto overdrive (1959 or so) Muncie M119 (? have to research that number). I have that bell housing and adapter plate currently and would love to recycle that, but.... still missing key knowledge.

You probably has either a Muncie 318 or 319 3 speed transmission. If it has a 4 bolt side cover it is one or the other of those transmissions. Muncie 318/319 transmissions use the same mount and the Muncie M21 4 speed.

Dave
 
You might shoot an email to Jay Leno’s Shop. They do this kind of thing all the time and they’ve done it to more than a few old Chryslers. You never know... I think he uses tremec 6 speeds in his cars. Good luck with the swap.
 
You might shoot an email to Jay Leno’s Shop. They do this kind of thing all the time and they’ve done it to more than a few old Chryslers. You never know... I think he uses tremec 6 speeds in his cars. Good luck with the swap.

Thanks Goose. Have you ever contacted them? Are they approachable?
 
Thanks Goose. Have you ever contacted them? Are they approachable?
I’ve spoken to him at the spring fling and the best of France & Italy car shows in van nuys. I don’t know him one bit and if he ran me over he probably would never remember me but he IS an absolute car nut. I’m pretty sure if you email the shop they’ll help you out in some way. They seem very proud of the work they’ve done and I know they like to share info. Might not hear back from Mr Big Dog but I’d guess you’ll hear back from the shop. I think it’s a baby hemi that’s in his Cunningham and he tremec’d that thing so there you go...

Emails are free so give it a shot bud Lol!!!
 
so old style starter is early bell , new style starter late bell . the adapter will push the new bell back to aline with the flywheel on the early engine , that crank hangs out of the block farther then the la . so old school starter needs the early bell . and adapt the trans to it .
 
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