OD manual trans in a '66 Re: [Chevelle-list] 66 Elcamino

[Michael Pell]

Hi Tom, With either the TREMEC 5sp (3550/TKO)  or the 6sp (T56s) you will definately need to cut the tunnel off and rebuild it.  Here are some examples: http://www.5speedTransmissions.com/tunnelsurgery.html The tunnel is just too small to accomodate these larger transmissions.  And the 6sp is larger in size than the 5sp. Here's some swap info for a 5sp: http://www.5speedTransmissions.com/3550_66-7_gm_a-body.html And I've started some info on putting in a T56 into an early GM.  See here: http://www.5speedTransmissions.com/t56_early_gm.html For the Richmond, I don't have much install info, but I know you will need to ask around regarding how the external shifter linkages fit in the tunnel.  Most of the A-body cars I've heard about required a slice in the tunnel to allow room for the linkages.  I'm sure somone will respond.  Herb Lump has one in his 66 El Camino, and he'll likely respond. I also have a 5sp comparison if you're interested: http://www.5speedTransmissions.com/5sp_comparison.html It's intended to be a non-biased comparison. For either a 5 or a 6sp, shifter location will be an issue with a bench seat.   For the 5sp, I can offer a custom shifter that is at 16.75", same as a Muncie, which makes it a non-issue.   Clint has a Viper T56 from D&D in his 69 El Camino with a bench seat.   Maybe he'll chime in on how that's working out with the bench seat. take care! Tom Tomlinson wrote: Thanks everyone for the feedback. I ended up talking him down to $3k for everything, and he threw in some items I needed, like engine stand, lift, etc. The engine has never been run, but is set up with 2.02 heads, Edelbrock RPM cam and intake, 4 bolt main, and should make 410 HP, which is plenty for me. It was close enough to the project I was looking for that I was willing to pay a little more. The guy really did some nice restoration on the interior.Anyway, I need a transmission, fenders and liners. I was ignoring most of the 5 and 6 speed transmission discussion a month or so ago because I wasn't in the market, so I'm re-reading the Richmond/Tremec posts, looking at the websites, etc. Seems like the D&D T56 with the 3.42 rear end would be a nice setup, but I'm not clear how much "tunnel surgery" is needed on a 66. Can anyone tell me how much modification on the tunnel is needed for the 66 Elky? Is there anyway to keep the bench seat (not that I mind going to buckets).Tom Tomlinson'71 Malibu'66 Elky in pieces, hoping I can get it back together -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Tigergutt Sent: Tuesday, October 07, 2003 1:38 PM To: 'The Chevelle Mailing List' Subject: RE: [Chevelle-list] 66 Elcamino   I agree on that on or maybe $2500 with everything Med Vennlig Hilsen/Kind Regards/Cordiali Saluti André Broe Jensen -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] On Behalf Of Danny Wilsher Sent: 4. oktober 2003 00:58 To: The Chevelle Mailing List Subject: Re: [Chevelle-list] 66 Elcamino maybe if he threw in the engine it would make it a pretty fair deal.  Ðäññÿ ..............  ----- Original Message -----  From: Clint Hooper To: The Chevelle Mailing List Sent: Friday, October 03, 2003 7:57 AM Subject: Re: [Chevelle-list] 66 Elcamino Personally,that sounds like too much money for that project.  Clint Hooper H&H Custom,owner LT5 Registry Director http://www.LT5Registry.net/ ACES #1650 http://dalesplace.com/misc/friends/clint_hooper.htm ----- Original Message -----  From: Tom Tomlinson I'd like a "list" opinion on this Elcamino I found locally. It seems like a good deal, but I'm not sure if I'm bitting off more than I can chew. It's a '66 that has been torn down for restoration, but the guy has health problems and is moving down south.  Frame has been stripped and painted from a previous restoration; no rot anywhere. Floors have no rust, bed is perfect, firewall is stripped and ready for paint, hood and doors have been stripped and primed. Has new weatherstripping. Left quarter panel is rusted, but he has a replacement steel panel to weld in. Inner fender is fine. All chrome and emblems intact and in excellent shape. All interior parts are new or restored. Has original 3.42 posi 10 bolt and stainless dual exhaust (custom) with flowmasters. Now for the bad. Engine is gone, transmission is gone (originally a 4 speed on floor), and front fenders and liners are gone. He started parting out the car since no one could buy the whole thing. Also needs a windshield. Basically it's extemely clean car, almost ready for body paint (except the left quarter), with all the parts to reassemble either restored or new, except the engine, trans, shifter, and front fenders. Most of the hard clean-up work has been done. He's asking $2100 for everything, and has a fresh-built 355 CI engine to go with it for another $1200. Assuming I have the time/money to make it whole, does this sound like a good deal? Are there any specific things to look for on a 66 elky that might be missing or hard to get? Tom Tomlinson '71 Malibu --   Check out my webpage at http://www.ProStreetCar.com   TREMEC Distributor at http://www.5speedTransmissions.com   Team Chevelle member #1778 (Gold),  ACES member #1377   Hoosier State Chevelle Assoc (www.IndianaChevelles.com) #6