[mgarblik]

The mixture of old school transmission and new tech engine is interesting and not very common. The need for an overdrive is pretty minimal with a LS3 engine. Gas mileage will suffer a little but those engines can certainly run at 3000-3500 RPM all day. How do you like the hydraulic TO bearing? That would certainly simplify things as far as installation. It's the brute torque of a Pontiac V8 that really tears up light weight aluminum case transmissions like a Muncie. That problem is eliminated with an LS engine. I love the simplicity of a Muncie/Borg Warner trans. So easy to overhaul if there is ever an issue. Although I would love to have a TKX in my Catalina for example, the 4K+ cost has keep me in the Muncie world. Congratulation on a really neat installation.

[JSchmitz]

Originally Posted by mgarblik

The mixture of old school transmission and new tech engine is interesting and not very common. The need for an overdrive is pretty minimal with a LS3 engine. Gas mileage will suffer a little but those engines can certainly run at 3000-3500 RPM all day. How do you like the hydraulic TO bearing? That would certainly simplify things as far as installation. It's the brute torque of a Pontiac V8 that really tears up light weight aluminum case transmissions like a Muncie. That problem is eliminated with an LS engine. I love the simplicity of a Muncie/Borg Warner trans. So easy to overhaul if there is ever an issue. Although I would love to have a TKX in my Catalina for example, the 4K+ cost has keep me in the Muncie world. Congratulation on a really neat installation.

I have 3.23 gears. So, need for O.D. is questionable. I couldn't justify the extra cost. Especially when I had a known/good Muncie sitting on the shelf. I haven't actually used the throwout bearing yet. All parts seem top notch. Installing the master cylinder correctly was a much bigger job than anticipated. I have it on the money. This Muncie stood up to many years behind a low 12 second 455 combo. I'm sure it's up to task here. I was also encouraged by knowing that a TKX will bolt right up to this bell housing. Would just need a clutch disc change. Not sure about throwout bearing. Might pull the O.D. trigger down the road (pun intended .

[JSchmitz]

Got the bell housing lined out. Got it on the first try! Couldn't believe it. The face runout was only .003". Got the concentricity within .0015".



I read many time that you need an extended pilot bearing with an LS and Muncie. Not on this one for sure. I think it would hit an extended.



I had bought one just in case. Oh well. On the shelf it goes.



Console repaint turned out good. I didn't know, until this project, that I don't have a correct '64 console. Oh well.

[gtospieg]

Nice job...your transmission will thank you with smooth shifts and a longer life.

[JSchmitz]

Originally Posted by gtospieg

Nice job...your transmission will thank you with smooth shifts and a longer life.

Thanks!

This is the first time I've delved into assessing a bell housing. In my younger days, it wouldn't have even occurred to me. We just threw stuff together. Lol! I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to swap the dowels out in the car. Also drill set screw holes to retain them. Thank God for my Makita right angle drill! Love that thing!!! I found a great video about removing them with a C-clamp and two sockets. Great idea. Not enough room in the vehicle. Had to use a socket and a mini sledge to drive them out. Didn't even have to remove the headers.

[unruhjonny]

the sharpy will fade pretty darn quick;
you can get a paint pen from the likes of Hobby Lobby - I would suggesting using a paint pen.

I also don't mind the yellowed white knobs - it's patina for vintage aftermarket parts.

[JSchmitz]

Originally Posted by unruhjonny

the sharpy will fade pretty darn quick;
you can get a paint pen from the likes of Hobby Lobby - I would suggesting using a paint pen.

I also don't mind the yellowed white knobs - it's patina for vintage aftermarket parts.

No long term need for the Sharpie marks. They are for setup reference only. I've already removed them with lacquer thinner and a rag.

I'm a little snobby on the shift knob appearance. lol

[JSchmitz]

There's a large mounting boss on the driver's side of the bell housing. I think it's for mounting a Chevy pivot ball. Maybe Tri-5's? It makes it a real B!@#* to get on the bolt above. So, I removed most of the superfluous appendage. I coulda made it look a lot better with a 2-flute end mill. I just wanted to hog it off quickly. Not like it's going to be seen.

[gtospieg]

Back in the day and even now bellhousing alignment isn't all that important for the Muncie. The reason it's so important now is because the newer 5 speed transmissions have a different type of front bearing that is far more sensitive. than the old style, to proper alignment. When I installed my 5 speed the manufacturer wanted .003 or better or there would be no warranty. It looks like you have a new bellhousing, that had to help with the tolerances for parallel.

[JSchmitz]

Originally Posted by gtospieg

Back in the day and even now bellhousing alignment isn't all that important for the Muncie. The reason it's so important now is because the newer 5 speed transmissions have a different type of front bearing that is far more sensitive. than the old style, to proper alignment. When I installed my 5 speed the manufacturer wanted .003 or better or there would be no warranty. It looks like you have a new bellhousing, that had to help with the tolerances for parallel.

Interesting. I don't really know. Just know that it can't be aligned too well. Ha!