4-Speed Swap Donar Car Question

[GR5]

Hello,

Apologies if this has been asked and answered before, I tried searching but I had problems phrasing it so it returned results.

I have a 1969 Barracuda with a 340 and I'd like to know what vehicles would work as a donor for a 4-speed swap.

Is it all '63-'72 A-bodies with a manual? Did the donor car have to be a 4-speed or can it be a 3-speed? Does it have to be a V8 car or will a slant-6 work (knowing that the bellhousing/clutch/flywheel/etc won't work)?

Any other limitations?

Thanks,

Mike

 

[AJ/FormS]

4-speed; Any year A833, with a 1x23 input and short- tail. There are 3 ratios in the non-od boxes, plus one in the od, but with two od ratios.The long tail can be made to fit fairly easily, and offers the possibility of moving the shifter back between the buckets; no more reaching. you will need to make the custom mount and shifter rods. I really like mine back there and high mounted and with a short stick.
For a 340, I recommend the Commando-box; 3.09-1.92-1.40-1.00 ..
I recommend to shy away from the od boxes, especially the one with the 18tooth od gear, which will shatter if you forget that it is just for cruising with; which is very easy to do with 3.91s or better in the rear. The 21t is slightly stronger but will not endure the same treatment.
3-speed; any A-230 full-synchro, AFAIK there is just one ratio
bellhouse; 67 to 72 SBM only,Others will fit but the inboard z-bar anchor may give you trouble.
Shifter; with bucket seats;any
Shifter handle;with bucket seats I think anything will fit; some better than others. But with a bench; any A-body 67 up, A-body only. The difference is in the handle, and how it gets to your hand/palm..
Pedal box;67 to 72
the rest; any SBM, 67 up, I think
Driveshaft; is body/rear-end/trans specific; there being a multitude of lengths, as to wheelbases, tail lengths,and rear ends. You might as well figure on going custom, unless your donor happens to be identical to what you have.

I think I could scare up everything you need except the floor-hump. By the time it gets to your door tho, it wouldn't be cheap.

 

[hemi446]

I would think the donor car would be as much like the car you want to do the swap to with the exception of the shifter and the floor pan most of the other stuff should be the same. You would want a 66 or newer transmission so you have a slip yoke not a flange for the drive shaft also unless you have access to spare parts you want an A-body transmission not a B-body or E-body. Hopefully this will get you started. Good Luck and have fun

 

[AJ/FormS]

FYI
You know;a hi-stall automatic behaves like a 4 to 4.5 speed right? add a loc-up and it's a 5+ speed.
First the A727/A904 with 2.45/1.45/1.00 and 5.13s. The road gears are
12.57-7.44-5.13...... And the Commando 3.09-1.92-1.40-1.00 with 3.91s
12.08-7.51-5.47-3.91..... so it looks like the 4-speed is the better choice.
But wait! the convertor has an internal multiplier that can exceed 1.8 at zero mph,which automatically and rapidly decays to, in the range of 1.10 to 1.05 at WOT. So then on the street, she wouldn't need the 5.13s. Lets try 3.23s /A998loc-up /and 1.80 to 1.08@WOT and I get;
14.24-8.55-5.06-3.49-3.23 so there you have 5 ratios. and the Commando playing catch-up is
10.97-6.82-4.97-3.55

But wait! there is another option. the A999loc-up with ratios of 2.74-1.54-1.00..With the lower gears now you can use 2.94s, and I get;
14.50-8.7-4.89-3.18-2.94..... compared to the M/T at
9.98-6.20-4.52-3.23

The A904 loc-up splits are; .60-.59-.69-.925
The A999 splits above are; .60-.56-.65-.925
The Commando splits are; .62-.73-.71
Remember this when you start your engine build and cam selection; the A998/999 will need a slightly different cam.

Jus saying

 

[GR5]

Thank you for the information. I appreciate the time you took to reply.

I have been looking for a road trip opportunity, although Manitoba is fairly long drive. Maybe I will post a want ad as I'm sure there are others out there closer to me that have the parts.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[AJ/FormS]

yeah, Wiki says 760 miles to hereabouts