1969 Firebird Auto to Manual Swap Questions
 

I hope this is the correct forum. If I have missplaced it, let me know.

I have been digging around here, and all over the internet, and have made some strides in determining all that I need, but have a couple things that I need to know for sure.

First, the car is a 1969 Firebird, and was an Auto, I am putting a 4 speed Muncie into it. I was incorrectly told that the Camaro pedals will swap right in, and found out yesterday that the Firebirds have a bolt holding the pedals in place, whereas the Camaro has a shaft with a clip. So, I either need to get a set of manual trans pedals from a Firebird (looks to be specific to 1969), or, I was thinking it might be easier to get an upper pedal bracket from a 1969 Camaro (some say Nova also works). Can anyone confirm that the Camaro bracket will bolt right into a 69 Firebird?

Next, I was also incorrectly told that the trans crossmember from the auto trans would mount right up, but the Firebird cross member is tubular, instead of stamped plate steel, so it hits the Muncie before it allows the mount to line up. So, it looks like I will in fact need a Camaro 4 speed cross member.

Finally, I was told that the driveline in the Firebird should be a 27 spline, so it should just slide right into the Muncie, but come to find out, the auto trans output shaft is about 1/4" bigger than the Muncie output shaft. Does anyone know if I can get a different yoke, or if I just need to get a new driveline fabbed up?

Finally, to mount the Z bar bracket, there are two mount holes on the inside of the frame rail, but the bracket needs to sit on the outside of the frame. Looking at the outside, I see three holes that look perfectly placed to hold the Z bar bracket. The only issue, they are drilled but not tapped. Anyone know if thats typical, if I just need to tap the holes, and mount it? I thought it would be plug and play, so was confused when I saw that the holes weren't threaded.

If anyone can answer any part of this, it would be greatly appreciated.

I can help on the last two bits, the Hydramatic did use a bigger 1" yoke while all the manuals (3 and 4 speed except some later HD versions) and two speed automatics use a smaller size that is interchangable between them, easy to find in a scrap yard, on this forum or eBay.

Holes on the frame were not tapped but are small enough to accept a tapping. I'll check tonight when I get home for the location of the bracket.

That makes sense on the tapping, I just thought it was strange, since there were two in almost the exact same position, just on the inside of the frame. If you have a pic of how its mounted, that would be great. If not, no worries.

Thanks!

The three mounting holes on the driver's of the subframe had self tapping hex head bolts. The two are accessible, the third is behind the fender well.

You will need a manual Trans cross member. The TH400 driveshaft is different length and uses a different yoke than the Muncie. Most good truck brake/clutch/driveshaft places can build one for you.

PM me your contact info and I'll be glad to give you a call. I've done what you are doing.

Tom

It sounds to me like the crossmember that you have is for a turbo 400,that is the only one that will not work with a Muncie. Two speed auto,turbo350,and all manual trans will share the same crossmember.

I have a correct 69 bird cross member in super nice shape it is different from 67 and 68 and has the part# stamped on it
let me know if you need it

Yea, I would be interested. Can you shoot me an email or PM with pics and a price? My email is [email protected]

Here is a pic of the transmission I pulled, guessing its a TH400?
http://www.vdubn.com/forsal/firebird_trans.jpg

again your car must of been turbo 400, you need a th 350 crossmember, your yoke must of been th-400, you need th=350/muncie all the same, frame holes use self tapping bolts, why not use a camaro bolt and bushings in your hedal hanger???? i probly have the th-350 crossmember, and be glad to ship it and swap for the th-400 crossmember, pm me

I sent you a PM, but not sure if it went through, as I keep getting errors when I hit the SEND button.

i got it pm you back

Might be easier to text me at 503-819-1503, as I am having a tough time receiving and sendin PMs... I have yet to have received one.

There looks to be a cross member for sale -
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=762433

Before we get crazy i thought i had the definitive answer- not sure dont want to give you a wrong part the cross memebr i have is stamped # 9795681 perhaps some one elas can verify if thai is correct 70 parts books says all except M40

sent you an e mail

If you need some parts I have a 4 speed pedal setup and a 4 speed cross member out of a 69 bird.

PM me for details.

p.s. you'll probably need a different (longer) speedo cable as well. I believe the routing and length are slightly different for a manual vs an auto.

Hello Pontiac 69 - if you've still got the '69 pedals/bracket and cross member I'd be interested. I tried a pm unsuccessfully and an e-mail. Let me know, thanks. Jeff

tried both as well, never an answer.

Jeff and Franky, I replied to both your messages via the 'system' It appears there are issues with it. It shows i sent responses, but doesn't look like you received them.

Basically, the pedal setup and cross member are still in the car. I plan on taking them both out this weekend and seeing what kind of shape they are in and will let you know.

I'll send some pics as well.

Ken

Ok Ken,

I'm interested in the pedal set-up, you can get in touch with me on this e-mail: [email protected]

Swap
 

Ken thank you, I can be reached at [email protected], 3602137104, Jeff