how to do 4-speed conversion

[Hyper Henry]

Hey Guys

I am sure this has been discussed several times over but I am seriously considering converting my 68 Barracuda notch to 4-speed setup. Firgure now is the time since I will be gutting the interior and drivetrain this winter. So what are the do's and dont's, what all will I need to do the complete conversion and where the best place to start looking for parts????
Car was a 318 car but will be getting a 400(451) this winter.

All feedback appreciated.
Thanks
Derrick

 

[res1vw21]

http://www.brewersperformance.com/products.asp?id=237
little pricey but good quality stuff.
parting it all together yourself figure on 1k-1.5k unless you get really good deals then you also have to rebuild everything.

 

[BigSlim]

Check out this BBD thread I posted when I did my conversion. If you go big block you have to spend a ton on special Schumacher headers or go with a hydraulic set up.
http://www.bigblockdart.com/index.php/topic,36697.msg365599.html#msg365599

 

[Demon 408]

Lots of items to consider. Go price a new flywheel and clutch setup...it's not cheap. Personally, I think a 4-speed is great for the street, that's why my current ride has one. My advice, remember that not all parts interchange between different A-bodys and different engines. Small things make a difference, especially when it comes to the Z-bar and all the brackets and the clutch rod. You can do it...but don't think it will be cheap or easy!

Check out my post: http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=60549

 

[WildCat]

if you do it make sure you know what year the bellhousing is since the Zbar mount on the bell housing is different for 69 than the newer style. Not sure on all the years but I have one for a 69 small block bellhousing and it didn't fit my bellhousing. Had to get the newer style

You will need to get a floor hump, pedals, linkage, frame reinforcment bracket

If you can find a donor car and get it all helps, if not, piecing together can be difficult (what I did)

If I were to start now I think I would get the 5 speed conversion, expensive yes, but I think it would be worth it for the overdrive and all new parts. and since the shifter is centered I would think the floor would not need to be modified as much

my 2 cents

 

[Hyper Henry]

Great info guys, keep it coming. I know it's some work but I have made my mind up I am doing it. Have not had a stick car since the 80's and was one of the funest cars I ever had.
I have the Schumacher headers already so that will help in the expsense and will be able to put my freshly rebuily 727 stuff up for sale to offest some of the costs. Wish I could afford to buy all new stuff from Brewers but still have the get the motor built this winter as well....(
So if you know any anything for sale that I can use let me know.


Thanks again
Derrick

 

[gah927]

i need your help I'm doing a 4 speed conversion on a 70 dodge dart swinger 318 I have everything done and went to go put the trans up and it slides in but there is like a 1/8 gap between trans and bellhousing. help and suggestions?? there is nothing in the way to the pilot bushing I tried 4 times taking it out but it just isn't fitting. I noticed there us kind of a taper on the input shaft, could this be why it is not sliding all the way into the crank??? email me if you can help me!outofcontrol970@hotmail.com