Hey guys,
I have a 68 firebird with an original 350, TH350 auto, and stock open rear. Can you guys tell me what all I need to change to go from the TH350 to a 4 spd from an 68 camaro? I know that I need the bell housing and complete clutch mechanism for a BOP, new clutch set, flywheel, pedals, console modification. I will probably need a different driveshaft correct? Any recommendations there? Difference cross member? I've heard that the crank on the 350 may not be drilled for the pilot bearing. Has anyone heard of this before? Any other additional information would be appreciated.

Thanks

Bob

Hey guys,
I have a 68 firebird with an original 350, TH350 auto, and stock open rear. Can you guys tell me what all I need to change to go from the TH350 to a 4 spd from an 68 camaro? I know that I need the bell housing and complete clutch mechanism for a BOP, new clutch set, flywheel, pedals, console modification. I will probably need a different driveshaft correct? Any recommendations there? Difference cross member? I've heard that the crank on the 350 may not be drilled for the pilot bearing. Has anyone heard of this before? Any other additional information would be appreciated.

Thanks

Bob

If you currently have a TH350 the driveline will not need to be changed and the crossmember is also the same. Could not tell you about the crankshaft/pilot brng issue

I did this swap on my '69. The hardest part was finding a console. If you're looking for a show quality four speed console, start saving your $$$.
I don't know about the 350/pilot bearing issue, but it sounds like you've got everything else sorted out. By the way...the camaro Z-bar and clutch linkage is reproduced and will work on the Firebird. http://forums.performanceyears.com/g.../icon_wink.gif

--Bob

Cool. Thanks for the help guys. I'm seriously considering the swap. I know I would love to drive the car even more than I do already. I guess the best way to figure out if I'm going to have pilot bearing issues is to just pull the tranny and see. 69fireburger, you didn't have a problem with the bearing then huh? You were able to put one right in there?


Thanks again guys.

Let me know if you need tranny and possibly a shifter. I just bought set-up from a GTO, could probably trade in A-body shifter on F-body to Pete, add a little cash and get a rebuilt unit.

The engine in my car is a 400 from a '67 Grand Prix. So yep, it went right in. Sorry, I don't know about the 350.

Edit: Update...I still have the original 350 from my car under the workbench in my garage. I can't pull it out to look at the back of the crank but I could reach around it. I stuck my fingers back there and from what I could tell, it seems like it is machined to accept a pilot bearing.

--Bob

Actually, I think I have the tranny. I do need a bellhousing and a flywheel if anyone has one of those laying around.

Oh cool. I would imagine that it would be, but I just didn't know. I heard from an oldsmobile guy that he didn't think they all were. Pontiac might have been different. Thanks for the help.

After further inspection of the tranny that I thought I was going to use and what I've read about saginaw's, I may be interested in a transmission after all. Jegstek, let me know the details of the tranny if you could.

Thanks
Bob

Classic industries has the pedal for the swap for about 50 bucks. I'm doing this same swap in my 68. For the best bang for the buck the Borg Warner super T10s from the later 70s models will bolt right in and are the same as the Muncies. But everyone wants a Muncie. Lots of them out there also, just higher priced. The shifter handles for these are different than the bigger cars, they have a bent shaft. The shifter mount is different also.
I'm making the shifter mount for mine out of 3/8 aluminium plate so that I can fit it in just right. If you would like, I could make one for you, once I have the pattern down, it only takes a few minutes to cut and drill.