Quote:
Originally Posted by JLMounce
Formulajones brings up a good point on cost. Depending on what gear you already have in the car, if you start adding that to the cost of the swap, an m23z isn't that far off from an overdrive transmission.
I priced it for myself on my 69 bird and was fairly shocked at the price. By the time I got all the necessary parts to turn the car into a manual, added the m23z and then the price of new rear gears as well, I was near 4500 total in parts, without shipping.
I currently have a quote sitting in my e-mail box from Silver Sport for a TKO600 shipped for $5052.00. For me anyway, I'd have to save a minimum of $1000.00 to even think about doing the 4 speed over just going to the overdrive transmission.
Your car will be worth more with modern parts in it then a straight restoration, should you ever want or need to sell. At least in the current climate, the only cars that are bringing more as factory stock restorations are those cars that are historically significant collector cars. I'd hack the tunnel in a heart beat.
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Jason,
Have you checked with Hurst Driveline? That's who I deal with. When I'm converting a car completely I'm usually quoted in the $4,000 to maybe $4500 range tops so it might save you a few bucks. Free shipping too. When I convert a car that is already a 4 speed I'm getting everything from them for about $3200. That's trans, shifter, cross member, yoke, reverse adapter, speedo cable with gear, and a new clutch disc. So you can see why I hate to spend nearly that much just for the M23Z trans with a 1:1 4th gear.
Edit: Forgot to mention. I said I buy the yoke (about $60) Because I have my driveshafts built just up the street from me. The driveline shop has been in business 40 years doing a lot of high end big HP off road stuff, and he builds an excellent driveshaft to any requirement I need for about $250-$300. I was done buying the driveshafts from the conversion places for $500-$600 after the last one I got was bent (they are supplied by Inland Empire if you're wondering) Even after it was straightened the driveline shop up the street said it still wasn't balanced properly. Just some of the stupid stuff I deal with, lol.