#1  
Old 01-03-2017, 10:06 AM
rock rock is offline
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Default 79 Grand Am 5 speed

I had the transmission sitting in storage for some 17 years and the 4 speed with 3.42 gears had poor high speed cruising. This Christmas was grand am time and the conversion was completed.
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  #2  
Old 01-04-2017, 03:01 AM
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Lightfoot Lightfoot is offline
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So, was this car an original 4-speed Grand Am?
That appears to be an A/T console. The 5-speed must have nice tight shift throws.

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Old 01-04-2017, 11:09 AM
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it was an auto car converted to 4 speed, otherwise I would have left it stock. The 5 speed fits well with the exception of the cross member and drive shaft( they needed some modification). The extra length of the transmission positions the shifter in the correct location of the auto console, it shifts like a knife through butter

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Old 01-10-2017, 05:54 PM
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That is cool! What 5spd did you use? Did you keep the mechanical linkage clutch? I'd love to swap mine to a 5spd but would have to have a hydraulic linkage. With my back, I can't drive a mechanical linkage anymore, too painful.
-Dave

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Old 01-10-2017, 09:18 PM
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Dave

I used a borg warner T5 from an 88 trans am, and the clutch linkage is mechanical but its not heavy at all.
the 4 speed t-10 shifted like an old truck, this 5 speed is light to shift

  #6  
Old 01-22-2017, 12:11 AM
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67GTO4SPEED 67GTO4SPEED is offline
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Awesome!

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Old 02-03-2017, 05:56 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rock View Post
Dave

I used a borg warner T5 from an 88 trans am, and the clutch linkage is mechanical but its not heavy at all.
the 4 speed t-10 shifted like an old truck, this 5 speed is light to shift
For me, it is the pedal pressure (actually the springs in the pressure plate) that makes it painful for me.

Love to see any pics you have of the car.

-Dave

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  #8  
Old 02-04-2017, 01:37 AM
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Photo of the gearbox and catalytics
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Old 02-04-2017, 01:41 AM
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Photo
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Old 02-04-2017, 06:18 PM
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Very cool.

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Old 03-03-2017, 10:13 AM
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Very happy to see this car find its 2nd life. This was a very clean well done car to begin with.

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Old 03-03-2017, 03:23 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by iowapub View Post
Very happy to see this car find its 2nd life. This was a very clean well done car to begin with.
Yes it was and is being well cared for. Its the best grand am I have layed my eyes upon, most of the car is original paint and totally rust free

It was converted to a big block and four speed by the previous owner otherwise I would have kept it original,

The five speed cleaned up the installation, improved highway cruising and made it possible to re install the automatic console.

  #13  
Old 04-03-2017, 03:43 PM
MattB78 MattB78 is offline
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BBC? Love the black and gold. Hoping to rescue my Dad's 79 soon.

  #14  
Old 04-03-2017, 09:22 PM
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Big block Pontiac,

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Old 04-03-2017, 09:23 PM
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Quite certain it's a Pontiac 350,

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Old 04-03-2017, 09:49 PM
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We don't have tall blocks in Canada

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Old 04-03-2017, 09:53 PM
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I was going to change it over to a 455 but this 350 runs so well that it would be a shame to change it.

A testament to the previous owner and his machine shop, I just changed the carb over to a mid seventies trans am quad with electric choke and tall chimney for the early gto/ firebird air cleaner assembly.

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Old 04-03-2017, 10:10 PM
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Air cleaner assembly
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Old 04-04-2017, 11:50 AM
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too cool!!

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  #20  
Old 04-06-2017, 05:53 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by unruhjonny View Post
too cool!!
Thanks, it's certainly different

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